🌺Oyster’s May 25-30, 2026 bamboo fly rod making class!
4 repeat rod makers and 6 new students spent 6 days in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia dedicated their week to making a bamboo fly rod entirely by hand.Â
Dean joined us from Philadelphia for his first class. He was here with his father, Thom, and brothers. His brother, Andrew, raved about the “awesome experience,” so he signed up to spend a week with his family and crafted an 8' 6wt for trout fishing.
Andrew was back for his second class from Raleigh, NC. He brought his friend Justin two years ago and said this week was like a “make a wish” moment to spend it with his dad and brothers. Andrew made a 7' 4wt for small streams.
Thom joined us from Pennsylvania for his first class and spent a week with his sons. He said this was one of the “best weeks of his life” and decided to make an 8' 7wt.
Jeff was back for his second class from Ann Arbor, MI. He has always been fascinated by bamboo, and when his wife asked one year what he wanted for his birthday, he said an Oyster rod making class (we agree, Jeff!). During his first class he made an 8' 5wt, and this time he built an 8' 7wt.
Justin was here for his second class. He appreciates the beauty and elegance of a bamboo fly rod. He crafted a 7' 4wt for fly fishing in small streams. Classic.Â
Chad from Austin, TX joined us for his first class. He saw Oyster in a Garden & Gun article and thought building his own bamboo fly rod went hand in hand with tying his own flies. He crafted an 8' 5wt that paid homage to America’s 250th Anniversary.
Laura and Rodrigo were here for their 2nd class and split their time between Florida and Blue Ridge. They both enjoy doing things that are challenging but rewarding. Rodrigo built an 8' 9wt for saltwater fly fishing. Laura crafted a 7' 3wt for backcountry fly fishing. Check out their “reel”about their dog engraving. 🥺
Adam joined us from New Hampshire for his first class. He was here with his father and brothers and said the experience and family environment made the week special. He decided to build an 8' 7wt.
Doug from Phoenix was here for his first class. He retired and decided to continue pursuing his passion: fly fishing. He said if ”he is fly fishing, he may as well build his own bamboo fly rod”. So, he crafted a 7’9” 4wt.
 💫 Keeping the Craft Alive 💫
❤️ We are always so incredibly grateful that all of these thoughtful humans choose to spend a week in Blue Ridge, GA making a bamboo fly rod. Thanks y’all!