Latest Blog Posts
"I absolutely LOVE the rod! It is literally perfect in every way..." Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Testimonial
November 13, 2024
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience and such an heirloom piece. It will stay in the...
Halloween on Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge
October 31, 2024
Oyster’s annual Halloween candy shoot in downtown Blue Ridge
"...long awaited opportunity and proved greater than imagined." Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Class Testimonial
October 23, 2024
The Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rod building workshop was a long awaited opportunity and proved greate...
A little gift sent over this morning from Redcube Creative
July 10, 2024
A little gift sent over this morning from @redcubecreative
”Fly fishing affords me the opportunity to..."
June 07, 2024
”Fly fishing affords me the opportunity to go places, see things, and meet people, I never otherw...
Bill Oyster’s take on being in the fly fishing industry
May 20, 2024
“Fly fishing for me was just choosing a harder, more beautiful way to do a thing, on purpose, for...
Henry Williamson
March 14, 2024
Henry Williamson passed away on Tuesday evening leaving this world a better place because he was ...
Fly fishing the salt with Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
December 07, 2023
Saltwater fly fishing is the great unknown. Any day fishing the salt is going to be an experience.
WE WILL
September 17, 2023
...I’ve spent the rest of my life trying to get those same fish ever since
Cutter, UGA and his “PEOPLE”
August 17, 2023
Cutter Jude Oyster…born between Christmas and trade show season in 2005.
“Only in the wildest, most natural places do these brook trout still survive."
August 10, 2023
“Only in the wildest, most natural places do these brook trout still survive. Sometimes you reali...
50 YEARS OF LIFE, MUSIC, TOM PETTY & THE BAMBOO FLY ROD
November 14, 2020
So, I am paying homage to my 50 years (wow, that’s going to take some getting used to) by scribb...
ATTEST
July 22, 2020
It has been verified...that my cane rod works on 8” brookies, 12” cutthroat, 18” browns, and 20” ...
A Tribute...
July 12, 2020
This small stream sweetheart is based on the very first rod I ever cobbled together (#001), and ...
Without love, you have nothing. With love, WE have it all.
April 28, 2020
Us...exactly 25 years ago today. We were babies. I wish I could tell those “babies” a thing or tw...
SLP / Oyster
April 09, 2020
Edgar at Sight Line Provisions has gone way beyond his obligations as a decent human by supportin...
Peace. Legacy. The Carter Center.
January 20, 2020
Another very special rod signed by Jimmy Carter to benefit real change.
To my little voice…
May 07, 2019
Ten years ago, the porch of our little red house in the woods was piled high with throngs of gift...
Mud, Belonging and the Bamboo Fly rod
March 21, 2019
While I have always considered Oyster a personal victory…our business prowess seems more illusiv...
Be The Fish
March 07, 2019
...after I volunteered Bill to teach “ just a few” classes on entomology related to fly fishing, ...
2019 Optimism, Rumination’s and “Savants” of the Bamboo Fly Rod Making Lifestyle
February 11, 2019
One woman’s journey into the bamboo fly rod making abyss…
Molly
November 27, 2018
Molly...THE “shoppiest” of shop dogs, chill master, comfort queen and beggar extraordinaire. Moll...
The Gambler
September 13, 2018
The man that taught us to “bet on ourselves” 20 years ago. From the very beginning, no one believ...
Local Waters
May 26, 2018
Where it all began for Oyster...
May 17, 2018
As Bill's interest in fly fishing grew into an outright obsession, his desire for a traditional b...
Rest In Peace Lefty Kreh
March 15, 2018
Now, that was a life well lived. Thank you. Rest In Peace Lefty Kreh.
Two Retired Generals and one acting Oyster
March 10, 2018
Through the years, I have personally discovered so much from their stories, wisdom and grace.
Cutter Oyster in Belize
August 06, 2017
This is my son, Cutter in Belize a few weeks ago fly fishing with Bill's personal 8' 6" 7wt bambo...
So, you married a “hardcore” fly fisherman?
March 01, 2017
So, when I met Bill…I knew he was a fly fisherman. In fact, on our first date we went fly fishi...
Space, Time and the Bamboo Fly Rod
January 27, 2017
Oyster lunged into the New Year with dust kicking up all around us oblivious to the inevitable re...
Small is the new Big
November 27, 2016
20 years ago, we decided that making bamboo fly rods for a living was a good idea. Why?
Bill Circa 1974
October 20, 2016
Circa 1974 - a little known reality about Bill is the fact that he was raised in rural NW Wyoming...
Career Day and The Bamboo Fly Rod
February 19, 2016
Career Day at Blue Ridge Elementary Bill: What is your favorite thing to do in the whole world?
Main Street, The Bamboo Fly Rod and Love
February 11, 2016
This year my self proclaimed Valentine is Blue Ridge, Georgia…more specifically Main Street.
Two Wheels Still Have A Hold On Our Hearts
January 14, 2016
In fact, he became a hard core fly fisherman because he needed a respite from the highly competit...
So...a bamboo fly rod maker, a motorcycle builder and musician walk into a bar...
November 25, 2015
So...a bamboo fly rod maker, a motorcycle builder and musician walk into a bar...
"It's A Very Nice Beard."
September 23, 2015
Without question, the most fantastic beard quote uttered in some time.
“I cannot say enough thanks for creating such a remarkable piece of art…” Custom Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Testimonial
June 12, 2015
I also admire your passion toward rod building, engraving, and the sport of fly fishing. Thank yo...
President Jimmy Carter
January 09, 2025
As the world mourns the passing of President Carter, we also celebrate the life of an extraordina...
"Premier Bamboo Fly Rod" Custom Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Testimonial
July 22, 2024
An Oyster rod in the Master series is the equivalent of owning a masterpiece that can and should ...
Nature Calls
February 09, 2024
Nature has a way of finding its place in your heart, especially if you are drawn to the bamboo fl...
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Salt Series
October 14, 2020
The ultimate inshore saltwater taper, this is the model that re-ignited the concept of saltwater ...
A Tribute to USA's Hunting & Fishing Custom Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod
July 14, 2020
Look close...it's a bear...if you look closer, you can see that bear's teeth.
A Tribute to Bill’s First Bamboo Fly Rod
July 01, 2020
This small stream sweetheart is based on the very first rod I ever cobbled together (#001), and t...
The “Creel” - Look at the Buckle. Details. Precision.
December 02, 2019
The intersection of Precision and Artistry. The “Creel” Hand Engraved Fly Rod for Oyster FLO Series.
The Bamboo Fly Rod Quiver
November 17, 2019
Oyster’s Signature Series 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 made their way home yesterday to one very special ow...
Oyster Epic Series Honoring a 50-Year Marriage
June 09, 2019
Sanctity - Heirloom custom Epic series bamboo fly rods honoring a 50-year marriage & a tribut...
Oyster Hart Series Bamboo Fly Rod
October 06, 2018
8’ 5wt Oyster Hart series with hand engraved ferrules and rainbow trout with gold inlay
Perseverance
December 01, 2017
PERSEVERANCE. This is what it’s all about…it’s hard to comprehend that Oyster is only a few weeks...
Inserts…It's Complicated.
July 16, 2016
Inserts…a traditional and complicated bamboo fly rod appointment that is also stunning.
Oyster Bamboo Rod Game Series with Knife Pairing
February 11, 2015
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods 7’6” 4wt and 8’ 9wt Game Series with knife pairing. Hand engraved sculpted...
The “Little Leopard” Bamboo Rod
April 20, 2014
Oyster Bamboo's 7’9” 4wt Little Leopard Rod. She is one of our favorites.
Oyster Bamboo Salt Series: Matte is the New Shiny
March 15, 2013
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod 8' 10wt Salt Series with Slate Blue Wraps. Matte is the new Shiny.
Oyster Bamboo's Standard of Distinction - World Class Craftsmanship & Hand Engraving
May 07, 2009
Oyster Bamboo's Standard of Distinction - World Class Craftsmanship & Hand Engraving
President Jimmy Carter’s Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod
November 12, 2007
“It is obvious to me that this Oyster rod will be my favorite, and you were able to assess person...
25 Years of Oyster - click here
December 01, 2023
Latest Hand Engravings by Oyster
November 15, 2024
Check out the most recent hand engravings by Oyster
Hand Engraved Bamboo Fly Rod Reel Seat
November 11, 2024
Hand engraved bamboo fly rod reel seat for one of our country's bravest warriors
Immortalizing a Family's Legacy: A Connection with Nature
July 16, 2023
Inspired by the alluring dogwoods she encountered, this hand-engraved, sculpted, and silver inlay...
Look close...it’s a bear...
October 07, 2020
Bill showed me this engraving one evening and there was an unusual satisfaction in the tone of hi...
Shannen's Hand Engraved Knife
August 04, 2019
Bill's artistry still takes my breath away
May 19, 2019
PERSEVERANCE
December 03, 2017
Throughout 2018, we will be paying homage to the craft of bamboo fly rod making and some of the m...
Hand Engraved Mermaid
August 31, 2014
The Catch Hand Engraved Game Scene
June 30, 2014
Hand engraved original game scene on Oyster Bamboo fly rod by Bill Oyster. Size of a nickel.
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class February 3-8, 2025
February 10, 2025
Meet Oyster's February 3-8, 2025 rod makers
Oyster's January 20-25, 2025 Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class
January 27, 2025
Meet Oyster's January 20-25, 2025 Fly Rod Makers
Oyster's January 6-11, 2025 Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class
January 13, 2025
❄️January 6-11, 2025 ❄️ Welcome to Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods’ first class of 2025!
Oyster's December 9-14, 2024 Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class
December 16, 2024
Oyster’s last rod making class of 2024
2026 Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Dates Announced
December 08, 2024
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class dates for 2026 released
Oyster’s November 18-23, 2024 Fly Rod Making Class
November 25, 2024
Welcome November 18-23, 2024 rod makers
Welcome Oyster's November 4-9, 2024 Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class
November 11, 2024
November 4-9, 2024 bamboo, fly rod making class! We’re thrilled to welcome back familiar faces an...
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class October 21-26, 2024
October 28, 2024
☀️Welcome October 21-26 Bamboo’s fly rod-making class! Fall is in ON in Blue Ridge, Georgia! Our...
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class October 7-12, 2024
October 21, 2024
🍁 Fall is here, and so is Oyster’s October 7-12 bamboo fly rod-making class! Meet our makers! We...
Meet Paul...
July 26, 2024
🏆Oyster’s latest inductee into the “10 Class Club”! 🏆 Everyone ate cake 🍰 and celebrated this mas...
”All I want to do is to get back and make another rod.”
April 26, 2024
Henry can’t stop talking about his rod building experience.
☘️☘️☘️Oyster’s newest “10 Class Club” inductee!!!☘️☘️☘️
March 28, 2024
We met Scott in March 10 years ago when he attended his first class. After 10 classes together… Y...
Why do people take multiple Oyster Bamboo Fly rod making classes?
March 13, 2024
This is a community that formed organically over 26 years ago. A community that starts for others...
Labor of love, bamboo fly rods & Kathy
September 01, 2022
The Queen makes 20 bamboo fly rods at Oyster!
Dear Hart...
September 03, 2021
Dear Hart, ❤️Congratulations splitting, planing, bleeding, binding, sanding, scraping, wrapping, ...
Who is the newest member of Oyster’s “10 CLASS CLUB”?!?
September 01, 2020
These Relationships are with one another, the craft, our environment we protect as a community an...
Who is the quintessential Oyster bamboo fly rod making student?
January 31, 2020
We are frequently asked what type of person wants to spend a week at our workshop making a bamboo...
"I can now proudly fish with a rod I made" Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Testimonial
January 21, 2019
I feel a deep sense of accomplishment and pride
Oyster’s spring class schedule so far...
May 07, 2018
A HUGE congratulations to all of our bamboo fly rod making graduates so far this spring...
Meet Barry and Bill (a.k.a. repeat offenders)...
April 15, 2018
Last week’s bamboo fly rod making class ushered in two more members of Oyster’s “10 Class Club”.....
Meet Hart
January 10, 2018
Hart is with us again this week in our first bamboo fly rod making class of 2018 (along with a ga...
Cutter's First Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class
July 10, 2016
Cutter will be building his first bamboo fly rod this week in our July bamboo fly rod making cla...
First Day of Riley's Bamboo Fly Rod Class
June 30, 2016
That is Riley (he is 19 years old) and Bill (those shirts never fit well) on the first day of Ril...
Congrats to March's bamboo fly rod making class!
March 29, 2016
We had our first student complete her "10th" class!
"Life Changing Week" Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Testimonial
September 21, 2014
Oyster created a foundation and blueprint that made us all feel like kings
My Bamboo Fly Rod, a Can of Worms and the Sentimental Nature of it All
March 30, 2013
No one cried. I successfully made another bamboo fly rod without crying impaling anyone. About ...
My tribal bamboo fly rod!
March 12, 2012
After this week, I have a new respect on every level for Bill’s undeniable patience and seemingly...
About last night…
March 07, 2012
Okay, I skipped a day because the second day of class started out with straightening strips and t...
Bamboo Fly Rod Class Day One…
March 05, 2012
After my first day in class making my first bamboo fly rod, I have discovered the following: Bi...
"Thank you for a great week building my bamboo rod" Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Testimonial
May 04, 2009
I got to meet nice classmates, build a super bamboo rod, stay at the 'Shannen Hilton' and catch ...
“The finished bamboo rod was simply unbelievable.” Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Testimonial
November 09, 2008
I feel that I created a masterpiece and a family heirloom
Bamboo Rods and Beautiful Fish
November 04, 2024
“Perhaps I should not have been a fisherman, he thought. But that was the thing that I was born ...
"Only in the wildest, most natural places do these brook trout still survive."
October 25, 2024
"Anybody pursuing these small fish in these small streams in the back country, they're looking fo...
First Fly Fishing Trip. First cast. First Brown Trout
April 26, 2024
First Fly Fishing Trip. ✅ First cast. ✅ First Brown Trout
Blue Ridge Outdoors: Best of Blue Ridge Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
January 01, 2025
Want a fly rod that will last the rest of your life?
Field & Stream features Oyster Bamboo
November 18, 2024
It’s hard to explain, yet it hints at infinity…limitlessness. That feeling the wild stirs within ...
Sea Island Life Magazine features Oyster Bamboo
November 14, 2024
Above all, fly fishing is a sport that blends skill, patience and a deep connection with nature.
Field and Stream featuring Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 06, 2024
"The bamboo rod is our samurai sword," Oyster says.
John Gierach
October 05, 2024
"I think I fish, in part, because it's an anti-social, bohemian business that, when gone about pr...
Rivers and Feathers features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
August 12, 2024
“After the first half-dozen rods that I built and sold, I had another dozen orders waiting for me...
InsideHook features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
July 02, 2024
We wanted to compile the 100 best American-made products to cut through the noise and get back to...
Travel + Leisure Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 11, 2024
These are the best mountain towns in Georgia for outdoor adventures, family-friendly trips, and u...
Garden and Gun: Dream Trips Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 31, 2024
The Bash isn’t the only conclave of the cane-loving clan, but many of the others tend to mostly ...
Ridge: Exploring the Mountain Towns of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
January 01, 2024
Oyster says bonds form as anglers work together, go out to dinner with each other, and sometimes...
Game & Fish South Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
December 01, 2023
Blue Ridge, Ga., in Fannin County is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about...
Ga Biz Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 11, 2023
“Go big or go home,” Bill said, before he and Shannen—husband and wife and 50-50 owners of Oys...
National Geographic Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
August 23, 2023
Atlanta isn’t all that Georgia has to offer. Here are 7 other worthy trips.
Alpharetta Lifestyle Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 01, 2023
So, you like to fly fish? How about going deep and joining a class at Oyster Bamboo Rods to craf...
We Are Makers Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 16, 2023
Bill and Shannen Oyster from @oysterbamboo joined We Are Makers to share their passion for cr...
Gordon Drive Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 30, 2022
I've long followed my dad to his Southeastern fishing tournaments, but it wasn't until I met Geo...
Local 3 News Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
July 27, 2022
we have taken a road trip to beautiful blue ridge georgia over the course of this entire week we ...
Wet Fly Swing Podcast Features Bill Oyster
July 21, 2022
Bill takes us back to his humble beginnings when he was first learning the art of making bamboo ...
Azalea Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 31, 2022
With a handcrafted, heirloom-quality bamboo fly rod in hand, Bill Oyster casts into a circle of ...
The Weird Grizzly Project Features Bill Oyster
February 23, 2022
I finally got to sit down with this very fascinating, humble and talented guy to discuss his jo...
Explore Georgia: 2022 Travel Guide Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
January 01, 2022
The real reward is six days of laser-focused, leave-it-all-behind handiwork, starting with split...
Kinfolk Travel
November 16, 2021
Kinfolk Travel is grounded in the idea that an attitude of discovery is more meaningful than any ...
Kinfolk Travel Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 09, 2021
"It's not like trawling behind a boat where you can go out with a captain, just sit in the chair...
DeSoto Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 01, 2021
Oyster's a soft-spoken, somewhat shy man with a gray beard and mustache who also happens to be t...
CBS 46 Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 17, 2021
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods in Blue Ridge, GA on CBS channel 46
Cut The Craft Podcast Featuring Bill Oyster
April 26, 2021
“…this is the heritage of the American fly fisher, and the modern materials, even if they're fast...
InsideHook Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 24, 2021
Fly fishermen come to Blue Ridge, a small town in the North Georgia mountains called the trout ...
History in the Making Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 02, 2020
Our friends from History in the Making did his beautiful video on the history of fly fishing and ...
Field Ethos Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 14, 2020
They teach others, they patiently demonstrate their style to newcomers who want to learn, and th...
Fly Life Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 07, 2020
So it was through a small stack of dusty books and countless hours of trial and error that Bill ...
Garden & Gun: Eight Elite Sporting Schools Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 01, 2020
Find the best places to steady your aim, dial in your cast, fly a falcon, or craft an heirloom-q...
Stetson Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 11, 2019
The balance of Bill’s life came into sharp focus on the water. He had the discipline and commi...
Georgia Connector Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
September 25, 2019
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods is one of the leading producers of handcrafted fly rods. Founder Bill Oys...
Georgia Trend Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 01, 2019
“The whole thing started with no business intentions,” he says. “It was something I did for the ...
Blue Ridge | Hometown Georgia | GPB Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 17, 2019
Life in Blue Ridge as told through the people who call this town home.
Blue Ridge Outdoors Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
April 11, 2019
There is a long and storied history of fly fishing in the Southeast, from the world class trout...
2019 Georgia Small Business Rockstar of the Year Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 19, 2019
Georgia Small Business Rock Star of the Year ceremony of 2019
Lake Living Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 18, 2019
A handmade bamboo fly rod is a functional work of art. Though there are few people versed in tha...
GON Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 01, 2019
Anyone can buy a ready-to-fish fly rod outfit complete with a reel, line and maybe even a few fl...
RoadRUNNER Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 28, 2019
Now here I am, standing outside of Bill Oyster's shop in the fly fishing capital of Blue Ridge, ...
Alpharetta Lifestyle Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 01, 2018
Head up, unplug and make plans to paddle, raft, hike, golf, fish, shoot, bike or really go deep ...
Southern Living Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 01, 2018
Chat with the locals, and you'll find that many of them are transplants who came here to visit,...
Perimeter North Lifestyle Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 01, 2018
Head up, unplug and make plans to paddle, raft, hike, golf, fish, shoot, bike or really go deep a...
Johns Creek Lifestyle Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 01, 2018
Bill and Shannen Oyster have grown the business from their basement to the beautiful new brick b...
TOWN Magazine Features Bill Oyster
January 31, 2018
This multi-faceted angler divides his time between gorgeous fish habitat and his workshop in tiny...
The Blue Ridge Excursion Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 06, 2017
This episode of "The Excursion" explores the trails, towns, & tanks of North Georgia’s beaut...
Wander North Georgia Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 03, 2017
Below is the result of that conversation with Bill and Shannen (and their son Cutter) as we talk...
Gray’s Sporting Journal Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 01, 2017
The trout that come out of the Noontootla are bigger than you'd expect from this part of the co...
Garden and Gun: All-Star Casting Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 28, 2017
“Fly rods made with newer modern materials are tremendous tools,” says Georgia-raised rod maker B...
Smoky Mountain Living Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 03, 2016
If fly-fishing is an art, fly rods are the paintbrush. But for the true disciple, fly-fishing is...
Esquire The Magazine For Men Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 07, 2011
Luxurious, sure, but also the sort of things not easily forgotten — or maybe ever.