About last week-ish…
9 friends and a Bob walk into a bamboo fly rod making workshop…Thanks to an enthusiastic repeat student bringing 8 of his friends, Oyster had a heck of a week and so did student #10, Bob.
Oyster’s July 20-25, 2026 bamboo fly rod making class brought back 3 repeat rod makers and welcomed 7 new students ready to work!
“This is one of the most phenomenal experiences I have had in the fly fishing world.” Rhett was here from Punta Gorda, FL, for his 3rd class. This time, he brought back his family and friends. In 2018, he walked into Oyster’s shop in downtown Blue Ridge, GA and decided to sign up for his 1st class. He made an 8' 8wt for snook, juvenile tarpon, and permit.
From Bob to Bob. Bob joined us from Massachusetts for his 1st bamboo fly rod making class. The class was an 80th birthday gift to himself. Bob mostly fly-fishes small streams and handcrafted a 7'6" 5wt for trout.
Kevin was here from Punta Gorda, FL, for his 2nd Oyster fly rod building class. He said his first class was so much fun that he signed up to come back with his friends. This time, Kevin built an 8' 9wt.
David (“Hutch”) was here for his 2nd class from Port Charlotte, FL, and brought his son, Matthew. During Hutch’s first class, he built a 5wt fly rod for Bryson City, NC. This time, he made an 8’ 12wt bamboo rod for tarpon.
Matthew joined us for his first class. He said he was excited to spend a week in the Blue Ridge, Georgia building his own bamboo fly rod. He crafted an 8’ 7wt to fish saltwater.
Joe was here from Port Charlotte, FL, for his first class and brought his son, Connor. After hearing Rhett rave about the class, Joe signed up. Joe crafted an 8’ 8wt for saltwater fly fishing.
Connor received his first Oyster rod-making class as a graduation gift. He built an 8’ 9wt for saltwater. Two days after completing the class, Connor caught his first tarpon on the bamboo fly rod he made by hand. Way to go, Connor!
Pat joined us from Islamorada, FL, for his first class. His friends gifted him the Oyster bamboo fly rod class for his birthday. Pat built an 8' 9wt fly rod to fish for bonefish and redfish.
Chuck was here from Punta Gorda, FL, for his first bamboo rod-making class. He visits Blue Ridge each year, and after hearing about Rhett’s experience, he decided to join. Chuck crafted an 8' 9wt bamboo fly rod.
Brent, from Englewood, FL, was here for his first Oyster rod-building class. Kevin invited him, and of course Brent said yes. He chose an 8' 9wt rod for permit, bonefish, and small tarpon.
Keeping the Craft Alive 💫
✨This was a special week with a great crowd! We are honored you all joined us and spent the week here at Oyster. Your continued support of Oyster and the craft of bamboo fly rods is the highest compliment. Thanks y’all!
