Oyster’s July 30–August 2, 2026 bamboo fly rod-making class welcomed one returning rod maker and 9 new students. Over six days in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia, they dedicated their week to crafting a bamboo fly rod entirely by hand.
Mike was here from Cleveland, TN for his 5th class, and he brought his son, Rob. Mike thought the class would be a great way to celebrate his 70th birthday. This time, he built an 8’ 6wt.
Rob received his first Oyster rod-building class as a 40th birthday gift. He enjoys saltwater fly fishing, so he crafted an 8’ 9wt.
Billy joined us from Atlanta, GA for his first class and brought his son, William. Billy wanted to make the week memorable—and leave with an heirloom. So, that happened. He made an 8’ 6wt for local waters.
William, also from Atlanta, GA, received his first class as a graduation gift. An avid fly fisherman, he built a 7’6” 4wt that he plans to take to college.
Eric was here from Sarasota, FL for his first class. Last year, while vacationing in Blue Ridge, he visited Oyster’s brick-and-mortar on Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge, GA and signed up. He made an 8’ 5wt to fish North Georgia waters.
Tom was here from Birmingham, AL for his first class. He brought his son, Stewart, and his son-in-law, John. Tom enjoys fly fishing and woodworking, and he thought the class would be a perfect combination. He crafted an 8’ 5wt. See you again soon!
Stewart, from Birmingham, joined us for his first class. Stewart said watching his father combine his two favorite passions made the week an amazing experience. He built an 8’ 5wt bamboo rod that his children will inherit.
John joined us from Birmingham for his first class. He said he was excited to spend the week with Tom and Stewart. He decided on an 8’ 5wt bamboo fly rod to pass down to his son. Instant heirloom.
David joined us from Rock Hill, SC, for his first class. He has aspired to take an Oyster rod-making class for years and convinced his brother, Keith, to join him. David made a 7’ 4wt for smaller streams.
Keith, from Charlotte, NC, was here for his first class. He spends his time fly fishing with David. This was his first bamboo fly rod, so he handcrafted a 7’3” 4wt for mountain streams.
Keeping the Craft Alive💫
We are so grateful for ALL of you! Our class weeks are full of hard work, fish talk, and so much joy. This is because of YOU! We cannot wait to see you again!