In this episode, Bill Falconer is joined by master bamboo rod builder and engraver Bill Oyster of Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods for a deep dive into the craft, history, and modern performance of split-cane bamboo fly rods. They talk through Bill Falconer’s 30-year goal of building a bamboo rod and why Oyster’s Blue Ridge, Georgia class has become a bucket-list experience for anglers and builders alike. The conversation covers Oyster’s path from teaching himself out of books to building rods for presidents and dignitaries, why perfection is never the goal even at the highest level, and what makes the weeklong class so unique—including leaving with a fully finished rod in hand. They also break down bamboo fundamentals, how hexagonal blanks are made from Tonkin cane, and why modern bamboo tapers belong on the water today—including serious saltwater applications for species like redfish and speckled trout.
Check out Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods: oysterbamboo.com
Learn more about the show:
https://anglersresource.net/news/bamboo-fly-rods/