The present invention provides for fishing rods and methods of assembling fishing rods utilizing novel techniques including microscopic inspection and acoustic analysis to assess construction component as well as assembled fishing rods. As such, the present invention utilizes these techniques for measuring the quality and density of the bamboo fibers, which can be a basis for the selection of culms, strips of bamboo, and assembled rod blanks. The present invention also provides construction methods used to remove cell and fiber material combined with the application of epoxy reinforcements. Further, the present invention provides a method of connecting bamboo splines together using a combination of epoxy-based adhesive, vacuum pressure, and heat. Fishing rods according the present invention may also include a carbon fiber or fiberglass ferrule.