The Bamboo Fly Rod - how a favorite hobby can make a global impact


Oyster's Conservation Liaison

I’m Veronica Oyster.

I was born and raised in Fannin County, specifically in the current Oyster workshop.

I have fly fished —sometimes right near the shop, and as far as Central America, I am learning to hand engrave but most importantly, I am Oyster’s conservation liaison.

As  Oyster’s conservation liaison, December 5, 2025, we are applying for the Fannin County Commitment to Conservation designation.

The Commitment to Conservation Program is promoted through the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce.

In order to receive our badge, Oyster must meet specific criteria showcasing our commitment to conservation and sustainability.

When we safegaurd Fannin County’s biodiversity, we create a

global impact.

North Georgia, specifically Fannin County, is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Over 40% of Fannin County is protected within the Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness area.

Oyster’s commitment to conservation

The bamboo fly rod and the conservation mindset

Each Oyster bamboo fly rod is made from Tonkin cane, which is a type of bamboo. Bamboo is a renewable natural resource (grass) that grows back quickly with little need for extra resources, making it an excellent natural resource.

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Bamboo grows in many ecosystems and does not need much energy to do it, unlike a lot of synthetic materials. It’s a better alternative to stuff that’s disposable or uses tons of energy.

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Bamboo fly rods are crafted to last multiple generations. They are durable, repairable, and passed on for generations. Many of the first bamboo fly rods built in the 1800's still exist. Oyster bamboo fly rods are repaired instead of replaced. We reuse and recycle materials to avoid waste.

Honoring American craftsmanship with sustainable methods

By sourcing almost all of our materials from the U.S., including retail items like Abel fly reels, Case knives and Filson, Oyster supports domestic businesses and reduces emissions.

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Making bamboo fly rods preserves a valuable American heritage. It’s a uniquely American craft with deep roots in U.S. fishing culture, and we work to keep this old-school tradition alive.

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Oyster bamboo fly rods are handmade, so the process uses very little energy. Most of the work is done with hand tools instead of machines.

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"In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous."

-Aristotle

Local community engagement

Partnerships

Oyster partners with local businesses, Fannin County Schools, Charities, the Chamber of Commerce, the Art Center, the Community Theater, nonprofits, Trout Unlimited, volunteer groups, and even local government (where we are helpful)—all organically to promote responsible practices in a natural way.

Internships

Oyster offers paid internships and jobs for high school and college students in the area. Because of the culture here, these positions teach craftsmanship, how to use natural materials responsibly, and give students a sense of community and pride in Fannin County’s amazing resources.

Over time, these students naturally become ambassadors for protecting the environment. Our internships help build career paths in crafts, environmental science, or small business entrepreneurship.

The Next Generation

The next generation gets hands-on learning through field trips, career days, and a 12-week STEM program taught at West Fannin Elementary about the life cycle of a trout.

Education through making

Oyster teaches more people to build a bamboo fly rod than anyone in the world. Our six-day, 10 hour classes attract thousands of students from around the world and are booked 18 months in advance.

THESE students leave our class with a bamboo fly rod they have made with their own hands and a renewed passion for the craft and the environment required to use their new rods...

Fly fishers need clean water to fish.

Oyster passively promotes this sentiment throughout the week. It is just that simple. Conservation is at the heart of the fly fishing community.

Economic and Rural tourism

Tourists from all over the world travel are attracted to Blue Ridge, GA for its landscape, wildlife and activities.

Maintaining a thriving natural environment helps support local businesses such as cabin rental companies, fly shops/fishing guides, and local farms (like Mercier’s).

Oyster clientele comes from all over the world, spend their money (a lot of money) in Fannin County and most of it stays in Fannin County. This strengthens our tax base and keeps rural tourism thriving.

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More than ever, with tourism in full swing, we MUST protect and preserve what makes Appalachia so special.

Did you know?

The Eastern Brook Trout is the most threatened trout in North Georgia because it is the only native species, and its populations are at risk from factors like rising water temperatures, habitat loss from erosion and sedimentation, and competition from introduced species like Rainbow and Brown Trout.

As a native species with a southern range limit, Brook Trout are especially vulnerable to rising water temperatures. They become stressed at 65 degrees and cannot survive above 70 degrees.

All trout in Georgia are threatened by increasing water temperatures, pollution, and runoff from land development.