The History

Our founder, Fred E. Thomas first crafted rods under the Thomas name in the late 1890's, after an association with some of the other great masters of his craft

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The Rods

The Thomas Rod Company has the perfect split bamboo fishing rod to meet every requirement of today's fisherman. Every Thomas rod is handmade

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The Shop

Located near the historic Penobscot River, our shop is just a short walk from its original location. Nestled in a vibrant area, with the same dedication and charm.

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The F.E. Thomas Fly Rod:

“Steve Campbell is a superb craftsman, ideally suited to maintain the historic tradition of high quality F.E. Thomas Bamboo fly rods.”
— Arthur Taylor, Artist & Collector of Fine Cane Rods


The Thomas Rod Company has the perfect split bamboo fishing rod to meet every requirement of today’s fisherman.

Every Thomas Rod is handmade and is fully guaranteed. All Thomas Rods come with a three day inspection privilege and a guarantee on materials and workmanship for the life of the original owner.

We go to great lengths to make sure the quality you have come to expect from a Thomas rod is maintained in every new Thomas rod.

The ‘Thomas Brown Tone’

The Thomas Brown Tone has a beautiful and unique finish, from which the rod derives its name. This finish, will not fade, and adds to the resiliency of the bamboo itself.  It is not a surface stain, but extends clear through every fiber of the bamboo. German silver mountings are oxidized to a gun metal finish, which eliminates glare and reflection from the sun’s rays.

All Thomas Brown Tone models have steel snake guides with a nickel stripping guide, brown silk windings, our unique Thomas integrated hook keeper, oxidized hardware, our Thomas cigar style grip and either a cap and ring reel seat or a screw locking seat.

Agate stripping guides or optional shaped grips are available upon request.

Rod Lengths and Prices*

  • Thomas Brown Tone are available in lengths from 6′ 8″ to 9′, and line weights from 3 to 8 weight.
  • All rods are individually serial numbered, and come with two matching tips, cloth bag, and brass capped aluminum case.
  • Thomas Brown Tone Models: $2,995.00**

*Prices are for 2 piece models, and include shipping and insurance to the buyer.
Maine residents add 5% sales tax.

**3 piece rods available for an additional $200.00.

$2,995.00

In stock

The ‘Thomas Special’

The Thomas Special rods have made history in the field of fly fishing, and upon them our reputation has been founded.

Many are the tales told in the glow of the campfire of the mighty fish taken on a Thomas Special.

Its construction is identical with that of our Browntone rod, the difference being found in the finish of the rod and mountings.

Thomas Specials are finished in the natual straw color of the bamboo.

Mountings are of German silver. Guides are steel snake guides with a nickel stripping guide.

Rods have our unique, Thomas integrated hook keeper, brown silk windings, out Thomas cigar shaped grip, and either a nickel silver cap and ring seat or screw locking aluminum reel seat with a nickel silver cap.

Agate stripping guides, or special shaped grips are available by request.

 

Rod Lengths and Prices*

  • Thomas Special rods are available in lengths from 6′ 8″ to 9′, and line weights from 3 to 8 weight.
  • All rods are individually serial numbered, and come with two matching tips, cloth bag, and brass capped aluminum case.
  • Thomas Special Models: $2,795.00**

 

*Prices are for 2 piece models, and include shipping and insurance to the buyer.
Maine residents add 5% sales tax.

**3 piece rods available for an additional $200.00.

$2,795.00

In stock

How to Order:

  • A deposit of $500 is required to order your rod. Check/Money Order, Credit Card or PayPal is accepted.
  • A delivery date will be set when your order is placed. Currently, our wait period is approximately 18 months.
  • All Thomas rods have a 3 day inspection privilege at delivery to ensure 100% satisfaction.
  • Contact us for current delivery dates by calling: (207)659-3270 or Email: fethomasrods@gmail.com
  • Trade-ins of Vintage rods, and reels are considered on a case by case basis. Please contact us to discuss a trade.
  • On rare occasions, we also have new rods available for immediate delivery. Contact us for current availability

Thomas Rod Company :: 19 Sargent Drive :: Brewer, ME 04412