Big Bamboo Fly Rod Maker Energy! Oyster’s September 7-12, 2026 bamboo fly rod making class brought 10 makers (5 repeats & 5 new students) with the best energy!
William, from Athens, GA, returned for his 4th class. He visited Oyster’s workshop for 15 years before signing up for his first rod-building class. #worththewait William and his brother, Joe, attend class every year together & say it’s the highlight of their year. He made a favorite around the workshop…an 8’ 7wt.
Joe, also from Athens, joined us for his 3rd class. He says making a bamboo rod at Oyster is more than a fly rod or a class—it’s about the experience, the people, and the purpose. Joe made a versatile 8’ 6wt. Thank you, Joe.
John joined us from Fairhope, AL, for his 1st bamboo rod-making class. His wife found Oyster and graciously signed him up. John invited his friend, Scott, to join him—of course, he said yes! John crafted an 8' 6wt for fly fishing the Toccoa River the day after class.
Scott was here from Monterey, CA, for his 1st class. He says he’s a novice fly fisherman, but he confidently handcrafted an 8' 6wt for his first bamboo fly rod. Scott said the week was exceptional.
Brad, from Leesburg, GA, returned for 3rd class and brought his sister-in-law, Katie. Brad said his favorite rod so far was this one—an 8' 9wt built for saltwater fly fishing in Florida and the Bahamas.
Katie joined us from Bradenton, FL, for her 1st class. She originally asked Brad to build her a rod, but decided to make her own instead. Katie also built an 8' 9wt saltwater bamboo rod for redfish, snook, juvenile tarpon, and sea trout. Oyster’s 8’ 9wt taper…❤️
Gerry, a North Georgia local, took his first bamboo rod-making class at Oyster. The class was a retirement gift from his wife. Gerry said he needed a fly rod for local waters, so he decided on an 8' 5wt.
Robert, from Colorado, joined us for his first rod-making class and was here with Greg. He enjoys fly fishing small creeks near his house, so he crafted a sweet 6'9" 3wt bamboo rod.
Mike was here from Rome, Georgia, for his 2nd class. He says his favorite rod made at Oyster is his first—an 8' 4wt. This time, he built an 8' 7wt bamboo rod for larger trout and bass.
Greg, from Florida, was back for his 2nd class. He said he returns to craft bamboo rods at Oyster because the week is fulfilling. This time, he made an 8’ 9wt saltwater bamboo rod, since he has never owned a saltwater fly rod.
It’s so rewarding to have families sharing this experience together during the week!✨
Thank you all for making last week so memorable! It’s humbling to be part of your experience. Looking forward to many more!✨