Latest Blog Posts
President Jimmy Carter
January 09, 2025
As the world mourns the passing of President Carter, we also celebrate the life of an extraordina...
Bruce is 80! Congrats to Oyster's OG!
December 05, 2024
Bruce-Oyster's biggest fan, 'GQ Effect, showroom extraordinaire, and most importantly, 'Papa!
Latest Hand Engravings by Oyster
November 15, 2024
Check out the most recent hand engravings by Oyster
"I absolutely LOVE the rod! It is literally perfect in every way..." Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Testimonial
November 13, 2024
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience and such an heirloom piece. It will stay in the...
Halloween on Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge
October 31, 2024
Oyster’s annual Halloween candy shoot in downtown Blue Ridge
"Only in the wildest, most natural places do these brook trout still survive."
October 25, 2024
"Anybody pursuing these small fish in these small streams in the back country, they're looking fo...
"...long awaited opportunity and proved greater than imagined." Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Class Testimonial
October 23, 2024
The Oyster Fine Bamboo Fly Rod building workshop was a long awaited opportunity and proved greate...
John Gierach
October 05, 2024
"I think I fish, in part, because it's an anti-social, bohemian business that, when gone about pr...
Casting Bamboo Fly Rods vs Graphite Fly Rods
August 16, 2024
Each year, Oyster introduces hundreds of people to the joys of casting a bamboo fly rod.
"Premier Bamboo Fly Rod" Custom Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Testimonial
July 22, 2024
An Oyster rod in the Master series is the equivalent of owning a masterpiece that can and should ...
A little gift sent over this morning from Redcube Creative
July 10, 2024
A little gift sent over this morning from @redcubecreative
Travel + Leisure Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 11, 2024
These are the best mountain towns in Georgia for outdoor adventures, family-friendly trips, and u...
”Fly fishing affords me the opportunity to..."
June 07, 2024
”Fly fishing affords me the opportunity to go places, see things, and meet people, I never otherw...
Bill Oyster’s take on being in the fly fishing industry
May 20, 2024
“Fly fishing for me was just choosing a harder, more beautiful way to do a thing, on purpose, for...
”All I want to do is to get back and make another rod.”
April 26, 2024
Henry can’t stop talking about his rod building experience.
First Fly Fishing Trip. First cast. First Brown Trout
April 26, 2024
First Fly Fishing Trip. ✅ First cast. ✅ First Brown Trout
☘️☘️☘️Oyster’s newest “10 Class Club” inductee!!!☘️☘️☘️
March 28, 2024
We met Scott in March 10 years ago when he attended his first class. After 10 classes together… Y...
Bamboo Fly Rod Guide Wrapping
March 17, 2024
Get a close-up look at wrapping guides on a bamboo fly rod as Bill Oyster shows you the meticulou...
Henry Williamson
March 14, 2024
Henry Williamson passed away on Tuesday evening leaving this world a better place because he was ...
Why do people take multiple Oyster Bamboo Fly rod making classes?
March 13, 2024
This is a community that formed organically over 26 years ago. A community that starts for others...
Bamboo fly rod ferrule maintenance
February 21, 2024
Whether you are an experienced angler or new to fly fishing, proper maintenance is essential for ...
25 YEARS✨1998-2023
December 31, 2023
In 1998, Bill and I embarked on the seemingly impossible (rather naïve) odyssey of making bamboo ...
Fly fishing the salt with Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
December 07, 2023
Saltwater fly fishing is the great unknown. Any day fishing the salt is going to be an experience.
WE WILL
September 17, 2023
...I’ve spent the rest of my life trying to get those same fish ever since
Cutter, UGA and his “PEOPLE”
August 17, 2023
Cutter Jude Oyster…born between Christmas and trade show season in 2005.
“Only in the wildest, most natural places do these brook trout still survive."
August 10, 2023
“Only in the wildest, most natural places do these brook trout still survive. Sometimes you reali...
Immortalizing a Family's Legacy: A Connection with Nature
July 16, 2023
Inspired by the alluring dogwoods she encountered, this hand-engraved, sculpted, and silver inlay...
Alpharetta Lifestyle Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 01, 2023
So, you like to fly fish? How about going deep and joining a class at Oyster Bamboo Rods to craf...
We Are Makers Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 16, 2023
Bill and Shannen Oyster from @oysterbamboo joined We Are Makers to share their passion for cr...
Gordon Drive Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 30, 2022
I've long followed my dad to his Southeastern fishing tournaments, but it wasn't until I met Geo...
Local 3 News Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
July 27, 2022
we have taken a road trip to beautiful blue ridge georgia over the course of this entire week we ...
Wet Fly Swing Podcast Features Bill Oyster
July 21, 2022
Bill takes us back to his humble beginnings when he was first learning the art of making bamboo ...
The Weird Grizzly Project Features Bill Oyster
February 23, 2022
I finally got to sit down with this very fascinating, humble and talented guy to discuss his jo...
DeSoto Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 01, 2021
Oyster's a soft-spoken, somewhat shy man with a gray beard and mustache who also happens to be t...
InsideHook Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 24, 2021
Fly fishermen come to Blue Ridge, a small town in the North Georgia mountains called the trout ...
50 YEARS OF LIFE, MUSIC, TOM PETTY & THE BAMBOO FLY ROD
November 14, 2020
So, I am paying homage to my 50 years (wow, that’s going to take some getting used to) by scribb...
Who is the newest member of Oyster’s “10 CLASS CLUB”?!?
September 01, 2020
These Relationships are with one another, the craft, our environment we protect as a community an...
ATTEST
July 22, 2020
It has been verified...that my cane rod works on 8” brookies, 12” cutthroat, 18” browns, and 20” ...
A Tribute...
July 12, 2020
This small stream sweetheart is based on the very first rod I ever cobbled together (#001), and ...
Predestined
June 25, 2020
This is Bill and Henry Williamson circa 2005 on a shoot for the premiere issue of @gardenandgun ...
Without love, you have nothing. With love, WE have it all.
April 28, 2020
Us...exactly 25 years ago today. We were babies. I wish I could tell those “babies” a thing or tw...
SLP / Oyster
April 09, 2020
Edgar at Sight Line Provisions has gone way beyond his obligations as a decent human by supportin...
Who is the quintessential Oyster bamboo fly rod making student?
January 31, 2020
We are frequently asked what type of person wants to spend a week at our workshop making a bamboo...
Peace. Legacy. The Carter Center.
January 20, 2020
Another very special rod signed by Jimmy Carter to benefit real change.
Stetson Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 11, 2019
The balance of Bill’s life came into sharp focus on the water. He had the discipline and commi...
Georgia Connector Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
September 25, 2019
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods is one of the leading producers of handcrafted fly rods. Founder Bill Oys...
Bill's artistry still takes my breath away
May 19, 2019
To my little voice…
May 07, 2019
Ten years ago, the porch of our little red house in the woods was piled high with throngs of gift...
Blue Ridge Outdoors Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
April 11, 2019
There is a long and storied history of fly fishing in the Southeast, from the world class trout...
BASK - Small is the new Big
March 25, 2019
This undoubtedly was one of those experiences that forced us to pause for a second, take stock an...
Mud, Belonging and the Bamboo Fly rod
March 21, 2019
While I have always considered Oyster a personal victory…our business prowess seems more illusiv...
Be The Fish
March 07, 2019
...after I volunteered Bill to teach “ just a few” classes on entomology related to fly fishing, ...
2019 Optimism, Rumination’s and “Savants” of the Bamboo Fly Rod Making Lifestyle
February 11, 2019
One woman’s journey into the bamboo fly rod making abyss…
"I can now proudly fish with a rod I made" Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Testimonial
January 21, 2019
I feel a deep sense of accomplishment and pride
Molly
November 27, 2018
Molly...THE “shoppiest” of shop dogs, chill master, comfort queen and beggar extraordinaire. Moll...
Alpharetta Lifestyle Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 01, 2018
Head up, unplug and make plans to paddle, raft, hike, golf, fish, shoot, bike or really go deep ...
Perimeter North Lifestyle Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 01, 2018
Head up, unplug and make plans to paddle, raft, hike, golf, fish, shoot, bike or really go deep a...
The Gambler
September 13, 2018
The man that taught us to “bet on ourselves” 20 years ago. From the very beginning, no one believ...
Twenty years of Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
July 19, 2018
Celebrating 20 years family, Heritage, Bamboo fly rods, the American Craftsman and Small Business...
Johns Creek Lifestyle Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 01, 2018
Bill and Shannen Oyster have grown the business from their basement to the beautiful new brick b...
Local Waters
May 26, 2018
Where it all began for Oyster...
May 17, 2018
As Bill's interest in fly fishing grew into an outright obsession, his desire for a traditional b...
Oyster’s spring class schedule so far...
May 07, 2018
A HUGE congratulations to all of our bamboo fly rod making graduates so far this spring...
Meet Barry and Bill (a.k.a. repeat offenders)...
April 15, 2018
Last week’s bamboo fly rod making class ushered in two more members of Oyster’s “10 Class Club”.....
Rest In Peace Lefty Kreh
March 15, 2018
Now, that was a life well lived. Thank you. Rest In Peace Lefty Kreh.
Two Retired Generals and one acting Oyster
March 10, 2018
Through the years, I have personally discovered so much from their stories, wisdom and grace.
TOWN Magazine Features Bill Oyster
January 31, 2018
This multi-faceted angler divides his time between gorgeous fish habitat and his workshop in tiny...
Meet Hart
January 10, 2018
Hart is with us again this week in our first bamboo fly rod making class of 2018 (along with a ga...
PERSEVERANCE
December 03, 2017
Throughout 2018, we will be paying homage to the craft of bamboo fly rod making and some of the m...
Gray’s Sporting Journal Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 01, 2017
The trout that come out of the Noontootla are bigger than you'd expect from this part of the co...
Cutter Oyster in Belize
August 06, 2017
This is my son, Cutter in Belize a few weeks ago fly fishing with Bill's personal 8' 6" 7wt bambo...
So, you married a “hardcore” fly fisherman?
March 01, 2017
So, when I met Bill…I knew he was a fly fisherman. In fact, on our first date we went fly fishi...
Only on Main Street
February 25, 2017
I was about to post an awesome photo of our February bamboo fly rod making class but...then...
Space, Time and the Bamboo Fly Rod
January 27, 2017
Oyster lunged into the New Year with dust kicking up all around us oblivious to the inevitable re...
Small is the new Big
November 27, 2016
20 years ago, we decided that making bamboo fly rods for a living was a good idea. Why?
Bill Circa 1974
October 20, 2016
Circa 1974 - a little known reality about Bill is the fact that he was raised in rural NW Wyoming...
Smoky Mountain Living Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 03, 2016
If fly-fishing is an art, fly rods are the paintbrush. But for the true disciple, fly-fishing is...
Cutter's First Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class
July 10, 2016
Cutter will be building his first bamboo fly rod this week in our July bamboo fly rod making cla...
Outside Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
July 01, 2016
When he wasn't racing, former pro cyclist Bill Oyster used to relax by fly-fishing, and he took...
First Day of Riley's Bamboo Fly Rod Class
June 30, 2016
That is Riley (he is 19 years old) and Bill (those shirts never fit well) on the first day of Ril...
Congrats to March's bamboo fly rod making class!
March 29, 2016
We had our first student complete her "10th" class!
Career Day and The Bamboo Fly Rod
February 19, 2016
Career Day at Blue Ridge Elementary Bill: What is your favorite thing to do in the whole world?
Main Street, The Bamboo Fly Rod and Love
February 11, 2016
This year my self proclaimed Valentine is Blue Ridge, Georgia…more specifically Main Street.
Two Wheels Still Have A Hold On Our Hearts
January 14, 2016
In fact, he became a hard core fly fisherman because he needed a respite from the highly competit...
So...a bamboo fly rod maker, a motorcycle builder and musician walk into a bar...
November 25, 2015
So...a bamboo fly rod maker, a motorcycle builder and musician walk into a bar...
"It's A Very Nice Beard."
September 23, 2015
Without question, the most fantastic beard quote uttered in some time.
Karma and the Bamboo Fly Rod
July 20, 2015
In the spirit of full disclosure I must admit that the following is most likely inspired by my bi...
“I cannot say enough thanks for creating such a remarkable piece of art…” Custom Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Testimonial
June 12, 2015
I also admire your passion toward rod building, engraving, and the sport of fly fishing. Thank yo...
Lost, Found and Bamboo Fly Rods
March 26, 2015
Bill and I met over 21 years ago in Athens, Georgia. We were both in school at the University of...
Yachting Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 02, 2015
Think fly-fishing is just for guys wearing waders in a stream? Wrong! "We have clients going for...
Cutter is going to Patagonia
February 17, 2015
You know how a father wants to give his child all that he never had...
The Drake Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 01, 2015
In less than 20 years, Oyster has carved out a name among great rod builders like Leonard, Payne...
Garden and Gun Jubilee
December 09, 2014
As we bid adieu to the Garden and Gun Jubilee, it is simply impossible to articulate our gratitude
Summer of 2014, Oyster’s Sequence of Events and Bamboo Fly Rods
October 19, 2014
I will say that here at Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, we have all worked HARD for our good. Daily cho...
"Life Changing Week" Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Testimonial
September 21, 2014
Oyster created a foundation and blueprint that made us all feel like kings
Busy Saturday in Downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia
August 16, 2014
Blowing bubbles in front of Oyster shop
"Do you remember the day you realized your father was not perfect?"
June 12, 2014
“Do you remember the day you realized your father was not perfect?” That was the question posed ...
10 things we can not live without at Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 28, 2014
Sometimes all of the time I feel like we live in a bubble here at Oyster Bamboo. Really…if you h...
Georgia Connector Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 01, 2014
Bill Oyster became a part-time fishing guide and fly casting instructor but continued to dream o...
Bamboo Fly Rods and the Five-Year Itch
January 25, 2014
Five years ago today, we moved to the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Within the confines of ...
Bamboo Fly Rods and my Baby Boy.
October 20, 2013
This past week, Bill took Cutter on his first camping trip on the Davidson River in North Carolin...
Facebook, oversharing and bamboo fly rods
August 08, 2013
Okay…these photos belong on Facebook…my children and Kory with their bamboo fly rods and huge tro...
Mother’s Day, Bamboo Fly Rods and the "Best" Lifestyle
May 12, 2013
There are infinite ways to parent well. There is not a “best” way to raise a child. Do what feel...
My Bamboo Fly Rod, a Can of Worms and the Sentimental Nature of it All
March 30, 2013
No one cried. I successfully made another bamboo fly rod without crying impaling anyone. About ...
Points North Atlanta Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 25, 2013
… anglers should carve out plenty of time to explore Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, where you can watch...
SuperYacht World Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 01, 2013
The bespoke fly fishing rod from Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods Company is crafted from Tonkin bamboo,...
Shooting in Pajamas, Bamboo Fly Rods & letting go of the Martyr
February 07, 2013
When I woke up this morning, I had no intention of shooting clays. With Bill on his annual trip t...
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods…2012 Year in Review…The Best Laid Plans of Bamboo and Fly Rods
January 19, 2013
“If it were easy…everyone would do this.” Those are the words that Bill whispered in my ear almo...
The Private Journey Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
December 01, 2012
10 reasons why I love my shotgun more than a diamond.
September 17, 2012
While diamonds are presumably a girl’s best friend… my shotgun has become my BFF.
Bamboo Fly Rods, Wrong Turns and the Accidental Retailers
June 08, 2012
Over three years ago, we had outgrown our “cottage” inspired home workshop after a decade plus a...
Confessions of A Bamboo Fly Rod Maker’s Widow
March 03, 2012
So…after 14 years, I am taking my first bamboo fly rod making class tomorrow. Why 14 years?
The London Financial Times "How To Spend It" features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 28, 2012
Custom fly-fishing rods that will delight any angler. Bill Oyster works from a tiny shop in the m...
Proverbs, Flocks and Bamboo Fly Rods
January 19, 2012
Our first bamboo fly rod making class of 2012 starts Sunday. Meanwhile, our building is WELL on...
How did you become a bamboo fly rod maker?
December 01, 2011
“How did you become a bamboo fly rod maker?” That is the most common question asked at our shop.
American Dreams and Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 08, 2011
Oyster HQ moves from our basement to our cottage to downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia Main Street to ...
Esquire The Magazine For Men Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 07, 2011
Luxurious, sure, but also the sort of things not easily forgotten — or maybe ever.
American Angler Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods 2011
September 01, 2011
This is the dream of Bill Oyster, a self-taught bamboo rod builder who has single-handedly crea...
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods says goodbye to summer
August 28, 2011
Here at Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, we were very busy playing and working over the past several mont...
My Jeep Wrangler, an ode to a blue minivan and Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Rods
August 17, 2011
You go where you look.
Itinerant Angler Podcast Features Bill Oyster
July 05, 2011
Cast and Blast at Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods…and this time…it’s me!
March 25, 2011
Bill bought me a shotgun and surprisingly...I now shoot shotguns.
Clichés, Relativity and Bamboo Fly Rods
March 16, 2011
Oyster Bamboo was awarded Garden and Gun Magazine’s Made in the South Award for the sporting ca...
2010 Lists from the perspective of a Bamboo Fly Rod Maker’s Widow
December 31, 2010
My 2010 reflections and corny lists from the warped perspective of a bamboo fly rod maker’s widow...
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, Halloween and just about everything else you can imagine!
November 04, 2010
We kicked of the fall by spending a few days in a Yurt in Western North Carolina. It’s the closes...
Colorado, co-dependents and bamboo classes
August 22, 2010
At the beginning of the month, Bill rode his motorcycle out to Colorado. Read that again…Bill rod...
Be present
July 19, 2010
Today I am 40-years-old. I have heard of people turning 40, but now it’s my turn. I suppose it sh...
Babies, Big Browns, Bamboo Fly Rods and Independence!
July 10, 2010
Besides raising babies, I work full-time for our bamboo fly rod making business (with the babies...
Bill wins a Winston!?!?!?
June 08, 2010
So, Bill won a Winston Boron rod this weekend. Yes, I know that we make bamboo fly rods and yes,...
Bamboo Fly Rod Making Classes and Meatballs!
May 16, 2010
We are in the heart of bamboo fly rod making class season. And, while our days are long during th...
Top 10 Ways You Know You’re Married to a Bamboo Fly Rod Maker
March 22, 2010
TOP 10 Ways You Know You’re Married to a Bamboo Fly Rod Maker
Bamboo Fly Rod Making…is it Art?
March 11, 2010
Do we call this bamboo fly rod space a workshop or studio?
Whew! 10th straight year at The Fly Fishing Show in Charlotte, NC
February 03, 2010
Whew…we left the Oyster Bamboo Fly rod workshop for the Charlotte fly fishing trade show at 9:30...
another long day at the bamboo fly rod workshop…
January 19, 2010
…with the family and Yogi the bear
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods speaks at Pisgah TU
January 16, 2010
We just returned from a quick trip to the Asheville area after speaking at the Pisgah TU chapter
Greetings from Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod’s HQ…this is the tale of one woman’s journey into the bamboo fly rod building abyss.
January 14, 2010
So, again, how did I end up in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia standing in a river?
"Thank you for a great week building my bamboo rod" Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Testimonial
May 04, 2009
I got to meet nice classmates, build a super bamboo rod, stay at the 'Shannen Hilton' and catch ...
“The finished bamboo rod was simply unbelievable.” Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Testimonial
November 09, 2008
I feel that I created a masterpiece and a family heirloom
Small Business Journal Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 01, 2007
Bill Oyster has discovered the secret to a satisfying personal their whole lives looking. Bill i...
Nature Calls
February 09, 2024
Nature has a way of finding its place in your heart, especially if you are drawn to the bamboo fl...
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Salt Series
October 14, 2020
The ultimate inshore saltwater taper, this is the model that re-ignited the concept of saltwater ...
A Tribute to USA's Hunting & Fishing Custom Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod
July 14, 2020
Look close...it's a bear...if you look closer, you can see that bear's teeth.
A Tribute to Bill’s First Bamboo Fly Rod
July 01, 2020
This small stream sweetheart is based on the very first rod I ever cobbled together (#001), and t...
The “Creel” - Look at the Buckle. Details. Precision.
December 02, 2019
The intersection of Precision and Artistry. The “Creel” Hand Engraved Fly Rod for Oyster FLO Series.
The Bamboo Fly Rod Quiver
November 17, 2019
Oyster’s Signature Series 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 made their way home yesterday to one very special ow...
Oyster Epic Series Honoring a 50-Year Marriage
June 09, 2019
Sanctity - Heirloom custom Epic series bamboo fly rods honoring a 50-year marriage & a tribut...
Oyster Hart Series Bamboo Fly Rod
October 06, 2018
8’ 5wt Oyster Hart series with hand engraved ferrules and rainbow trout with gold inlay
Perseverance
December 01, 2017
PERSEVERANCE. This is what it’s all about…it’s hard to comprehend that Oyster is only a few weeks...
Inserts…It's Complicated.
July 16, 2016
Inserts…a traditional and complicated bamboo fly rod appointment that is also stunning.
Oyster Bamboo Rod Game Series with Knife Pairing
February 11, 2015
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods 7’6” 4wt and 8’ 9wt Game Series with knife pairing. Hand engraved sculpted...
The “Little Leopard” Bamboo Rod
April 20, 2014
Oyster Bamboo's 7’9” 4wt Little Leopard Rod. She is one of our favorites.
Oyster Bamboo Salt Series: Matte is the New Shiny
March 15, 2013
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod 8' 10wt Salt Series with Slate Blue Wraps. Matte is the new Shiny.
Oyster Bamboo's Standard of Distinction - World Class Craftsmanship & Hand Engraving
May 07, 2009
Oyster Bamboo's Standard of Distinction - World Class Craftsmanship & Hand Engraving
President Jimmy Carter’s Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod
November 12, 2007
“It is obvious to me that this Oyster rod will be my favorite, and you were able to assess person...
25 Years of Oyster - click here
December 01, 2023
Hand Engraved Bamboo Fly Rod Reel Seat
November 11, 2024
Hand engraved bamboo fly rod reel seat for one of our country's bravest warriors
Look close...it’s a bear...
October 07, 2020
Bill showed me this engraving one evening and there was an unusual satisfaction in the tone of hi...
Shannen's Hand Engraved Knife
August 04, 2019
Hand Engraved Mermaid
August 31, 2014
The Catch Hand Engraved Game Scene
June 30, 2014
Hand engraved original game scene on Oyster Bamboo fly rod by Bill Oyster. Size of a nickel.
Oyster's January 6-11, 2025 Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class
January 13, 2025
❄️January 6-11, 2025 ❄️ Welcome to Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods’ first class of 2025!
Oyster's December 9-14, 2024 Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class
December 16, 2024
Oyster’s last rod making class of 2024
2026 Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class Dates Announced
December 08, 2024
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class dates for 2026 released
Oyster’s November 18-23, 2024 Fly Rod Making Class
November 25, 2024
Welcome November 18-23, 2024 rod makers
Welcome Oyster's November 4-9, 2024 Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class
November 11, 2024
November 4-9, 2024 bamboo, fly rod making class! We’re thrilled to welcome back familiar faces an...
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class October 21-26, 2024
October 28, 2024
☀️Welcome October 21-26 Bamboo’s fly rod-making class! Fall is in ON in Blue Ridge, Georgia! Our...
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Making Class October 7-12, 2024
October 21, 2024
🍁 Fall is here, and so is Oyster’s October 7-12 bamboo fly rod-making class! Meet our makers! We...
Meet Paul...
July 26, 2024
🏆Oyster’s latest inductee into the “10 Class Club”! 🏆 Everyone ate cake 🍰 and celebrated this mas...
Labor of love, bamboo fly rods & Kathy
September 01, 2022
The Queen makes 20 bamboo fly rods at Oyster!
Dear Hart...
September 03, 2021
Dear Hart, ❤️Congratulations splitting, planing, bleeding, binding, sanding, scraping, wrapping, ...
My tribal bamboo fly rod!
March 12, 2012
After this week, I have a new respect on every level for Bill’s undeniable patience and seemingly...
About last night…
March 07, 2012
Okay, I skipped a day because the second day of class started out with straightening strips and t...
Bamboo Fly Rod Class Day One…
March 05, 2012
After my first day in class making my first bamboo fly rod, I have discovered the following: Bi...
Bamboo Rods and Beautiful Fish
November 04, 2024
“Perhaps I should not have been a fisherman, he thought. But that was the thing that I was born ...
Blue Ridge Outdoors: Best of Blue Ridge Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
January 01, 2025
Want a fly rod that will last the rest of your life?
Field & Stream features Oyster Bamboo
November 18, 2024
It’s hard to explain, yet it hints at infinity…limitlessness. That feeling the wild stirs within ...
Sea Island Life Magazine features Oyster Bamboo
November 14, 2024
Above all, fly fishing is a sport that blends skill, patience and a deep connection with nature.
Field and Stream featuring Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 06, 2024
"The bamboo rod is our samurai sword," Oyster says.
Rivers and Feathers features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
August 12, 2024
“After the first half-dozen rods that I built and sold, I had another dozen orders waiting for me...
InsideHook features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
July 02, 2024
We wanted to compile the 100 best American-made products to cut through the noise and get back to...
Garden and Gun: Dream Trips Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 31, 2024
The Bash isn’t the only conclave of the cane-loving clan, but many of the others tend to mostly ...
Ridge: Exploring the Mountain Towns of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
January 01, 2024
Oyster says bonds form as anglers work together, go out to dinner with each other, and sometimes...
Game & Fish South Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
December 01, 2023
Blue Ridge, Ga., in Fannin County is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about...
Ga Biz Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 11, 2023
“Go big or go home,” Bill said, before he and Shannen—husband and wife and 50-50 owners of Oys...
National Geographic Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
August 23, 2023
Atlanta isn’t all that Georgia has to offer. Here are 7 other worthy trips.
Azalea Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 31, 2022
With a handcrafted, heirloom-quality bamboo fly rod in hand, Bill Oyster casts into a circle of ...
Explore Georgia: 2022 Travel Guide Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
January 01, 2022
The real reward is six days of laser-focused, leave-it-all-behind handiwork, starting with split...
Kinfolk Travel
November 16, 2021
Kinfolk Travel is grounded in the idea that an attitude of discovery is more meaningful than any ...
Kinfolk Travel Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 09, 2021
"It's not like trawling behind a boat where you can go out with a captain, just sit in the chair...
CBS 46 Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 17, 2021
Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods in Blue Ridge, GA on CBS channel 46
Cut The Craft Podcast Featuring Bill Oyster
April 26, 2021
“…this is the heritage of the American fly fisher, and the modern materials, even if they're fast...
History in the Making Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 02, 2020
Our friends from History in the Making did his beautiful video on the history of fly fishing and ...
Field Ethos Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 14, 2020
They teach others, they patiently demonstrate their style to newcomers who want to learn, and th...
Fly Life Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 07, 2020
So it was through a small stack of dusty books and countless hours of trial and error that Bill ...
Garden & Gun: Eight Elite Sporting Schools Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 01, 2020
Find the best places to steady your aim, dial in your cast, fly a falcon, or craft an heirloom-q...
Georgia Trend Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 01, 2019
“The whole thing started with no business intentions,” he says. “It was something I did for the ...
Blue Ridge | Hometown Georgia | GPB Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 17, 2019
Life in Blue Ridge as told through the people who call this town home.
2019 Georgia Small Business Rockstar of the Year Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 19, 2019
Georgia Small Business Rock Star of the Year ceremony of 2019
Lake Living Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 18, 2019
A handmade bamboo fly rod is a functional work of art. Though there are few people versed in tha...
GON Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 01, 2019
Anyone can buy a ready-to-fish fly rod outfit complete with a reel, line and maybe even a few fl...
RoadRUNNER Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 28, 2019
Now here I am, standing outside of Bill Oyster's shop in the fly fishing capital of Blue Ridge, ...
Southern Living Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 01, 2018
Chat with the locals, and you'll find that many of them are transplants who came here to visit,...
The Blue Ridge Excursion Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 06, 2017
This episode of "The Excursion" explores the trails, towns, & tanks of North Georgia’s beaut...
Wander North Georgia Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 03, 2017
Below is the result of that conversation with Bill and Shannen (and their son Cutter) as we talk...
Garden and Gun: All-Star Casting Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 28, 2017
“Fly rods made with newer modern materials are tremendous tools,” says Georgia-raised rod maker B...
RodMaker Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 15, 2016
He knows whereof he speaks - that's his highly engraved fly rod gracing the cover of this issue!
Robb Report Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
December 01, 2015
No wonder they are the rod of choice of outdoorsman and former president Jimmy Carter (and plenty...
USA Today Hunt & Fish Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 03, 2015
"It's not just Granddaddy's fly rod, but the rod Granddaddy made himself," says Bill Oyster, who...
American Museum of Fly Fishing Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
September 02, 2015
The first time that Bill Oyster witnessed fly fishing was while growing up in the northwestern...
Lake Allatoona Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 30, 2015
We all have stories with a beginning or two. There are current events and seemingly predictable ...
Life Refined Magazine Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
April 14, 2014
FLY FISHING IS KNOWN as “the quiet sport,” said to be good for the soul. It is also a last basti...
PBS - Blue Ridge GA: Fly Fishing Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 17, 2014
See how and where the big ones are caught as local expert Bill Oyster takes the cast of the PBS...
Bloomberg Businessweek Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 25, 2013
Oyster’s hand engraved bamboo fly-fishing rod is handsome enough to hang on the wall.
Vintage Luxe Lifestyle Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
May 01, 2013
Bill Oyster integrates engineering knowledge into exquisite art works, and introduced superb fis...
Southwest Georgia Living Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 28, 2013
The craft is king for Oyster, who views the fly fishing rod as an integral part of American spor...
Worth Magazine: The Bespoke Issue Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
February 01, 2013
Every bespoke Oyster rod is crafted with an eye to matching flawless performance with museum-qua...
Virginia Sportsman Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 01, 2012
Arriving on a Sunday morning. I entered the shop and looked around at the tools of real craftsmen...
Forbes Life Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
December 01, 2011
The perfect feel of this bamboo fly rod with hand-engraved nickel silver hardware can take up t...
Garden and Gun Made in the South Awards Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
December 15, 2010
What emerges is a form of functional American art. With their distinctive engravings and elegant ...
Georgia Trend ("40 Under 40") Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
October 01, 2010
From a stack of nominations submitted by readers, our editorial staff selected 40 individuals who...
The Anglers’ Club Bulletin Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
April 05, 2010
IN APRIL, 2010, six Club members went to Blue Ridge Georgia to build bamboo rods. Three members ...
Fortune Small Business Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
September 01, 2008
In their backyard studios and workshops, these entrepreneurs create beautiful gear for the wild ...
Garden and Gun: Casting a Spell Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
April 01, 2007
A young man rose to greet us, slight and black-haired, looking younger than his thirty-five years...
American Angler Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
November 01, 2006
Don't be intimidated by the vast array of cane rods available. Armed with a few basic concepts a...
ESPN2's Fly Fishing America Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
June 02, 2003
Bill Oyster and his bamboo fly rods on ESPN2's Fly Fishing America with Chad Foster in 2003.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Features Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
March 15, 2001
Oyster's pearls of fly rods