WOW! Bamboo fly rod making was in full swing this summer at Oyster with 70 students, lots of fish talk and hard work from all.
We know our classes are full through 2027. Thank you universe! We plan to announce 2028 dates in a few weeks. You may also join the wait list for any class on the books for the remainder of 2026 and 2027.
Oyster’s August 24–29, 2026 bamboo fly rod making class brought back four repeat rod makers and welcomed six new students. Welcome Makers!
John from Marietta, GA joined us for his 8th class. He is a woodworker and handcrafts bamboo fly rods as gifts for friends & family. John returns to Oyster ever (he likes to joke that he plans to die with a deposit on file 😆) and he says Blue Ridge is great for the soul. This time, John made a 7' 4wt.
Jim was here for his 4th class and celebrated his birthday with us at Oyster. He splits his time between Florida and Blue Ridge. Jim said each class pushes his creative abilities, and by the end of the week, you leave with a beautiful bamboo fly rod. He built an 8' 9wt (one of Bill’s favorite tapers!) for saltwater fly fishing.
David from Murphy, NC was here for his 2nd class with his friend, Jim. He signed up before completing his first class last year. He says nothing compares to the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the six-day rod-making class. David built an 8’ 7wt.
Chris joined us from Chapel Hill, NC for his 1st class. He enjoys fly fishing and woodworking. When visiting Oyster’s brick-and-mortar shop in Blue Ridge last year, his wife encouraged him to sign up. Thank you! Chris handcrafted a local favorite—an 8' 5wt bamboo fly rod.
Garner from Valdosta, GA attended his 1st Oyster rod-making class. He thought building a bamboo fly rod was a great way to spend the week and learn something new. Garner crafted a 7'6" 4wt to fly fish smaller streams.
Dave from Baton Rouge, LA—now Ellijay, GA—was here for his 2nd rod-making class. He enjoyed his first class so much that he signed up again and this time brought his son, Brian. Dave crafted an 8' 5wt to fly fish North Georgia waters.
Brian, Dave’s son, joined us from Brandon, MS. He said he couldn’t think of a better way to spend a week than handcrafting his first fly rod with his dad. Brian made an 8' 6wt bamboo rod.
Jeff, a Texas native who now lives in Blue Ridge, attended his 1st bamboo fly rod-making class. Jim spoke highly of the class and convinced Jeff to sign up. Jeff built an 8' 7wt bamboo rod to fly fish in Alaska.
Ronald “Peele” was here from Murphy, NC for his 1st class. He said he likes a good challenge and decided to build his own bamboo fly rod. Peele crafted an 8' 9wt for saltwater fly fishing.
Scott joined us from Ft. Pierce, FL for his 1st class. He signed up after visiting Oyster’s brick-and-mortar on Main Street in Blue Ridge. Scott built the almighty 8' 9wt for snook, redfish, and sea trout.
Keeping the Craft Alive 💫
✨ A camaraderie-filled week. Each rod is a testament to the craft, and we are beyond grateful that you chose to spend the week at Oyster.