Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do I Start? How Do I Order A Custom Bamboo rod?
- You may order directly from our website here OR see below for a personal and frictionless experience. We promise.
- Call us at (706) 374-4239 Please leave a message if we do not answer. We will call you back promptly.
- Email Shannen at shannen@oysterbamboo.com
- Text us at (706) 633-3230
- As always, you may visit us at our brick and mortar on Main Street in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Please review our hours or make an appointment.
I want to buy this rod as a gift and know nothing about fly fishing or bamboo fly rods. Should I just buy a watch instead?
No. You can buy a watch anytime. Call us at 706-374-4239. Gifts are one of our specialties. Answer a few simple questions and we will guide you through the process to ensure a smooth experience purchasing a rod.
Does Oyster have rods in stock that can be shipped Immediately?
Certainly. At Oyster Bamboo, we take pride in our free-standing brick and mortar showroom located on Main Street in beautiful downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia at the foothills of Southern Appalachia—a bustling tourist destination. As a result, we consistently keep a diverse selection of rods readily available in our showroom. These Showcase Rods ensure prompt shipping for customers seeking an immediate purchase.
Can you customize your Showcase Rods?
Yes. In fact, Oyster is the sole destination worldwide that can have a fully hand engraved bamboo fly rod customized in your hand within a few days.
How do I make a rod deposit?
A 25% deposit is required to secure your “place in line”. Choose a series of rod OR the closet series to your preference and we will make adjustments on our end when we speak with you concerning your details.
• Master Series
• Signature Series
• Salt Series
• Epic series
• Hart Series
• Flo Series
What is the difference between your established Series' of rods, (i.e. Signature Series, Master Series...) and your customized bamboo rods?
There is no significant difference between our rod Series' and our customized bamboo fly rods. Our rod Series' collection serves as a guideline that combines some of our finest appointments which have become client favorites over the years.
What are Oyster bamboo fly rod's standards?
Each Oyster rod is a 3 piece, 2 tip made from a single culm of genuine Tonkin bamboo, all rods are hand split, hand planed, hand engraved. 100% made in the USA.
We use traditional nickel silver reel seats and ferrules, elegant agate stone stripping guides, super fine silk thread, Ultra flor grade Portuguese cork (no filler used) and duplicate tip sections are made from the same position, on the same culm as the original.
Each rod also includes a rigid ABS locking presentation case.
How can I place an order for a custom bamboo fly rod with hand engraving and immediate delivery?
To order a custom bamboo fly rod with hand engraving and immediate delivery, simply select one of the available Showcase Rods and make a note at purchase of your preferred customization and desired timeline. Oyster will call you ASAP to give any additional quotes and delivery information.
What configuration are Oyster bamboo fly rods?
All Oyster rods are crafted in a 3 piece, 2 tip configuration, versus the two-piece single tip commonly found among other makers. Despite the additional time required, we remain committed to this traditional approach.
What length and line weight should I buy?
Oyster has a “cheat sheet” of sorts in Bill’s words defining our tapers and a few short films that may help you through your decision process or CALL US at 706-374-4239.
What engraving options are available?
Our in-house hand engraving options are only limited only by the imagination, allowing us to accommodate nearly any engraving request. Examples of previous hand engravings can be found on our website to inspire you.
Where are Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods hand engraved?
Oyster hand engraves their bamboo fly rods in-house, in the same workshop on Main Street where our rods are handmade. In fact, Oyster is the only brick and mortar shop worldwide dedicated to full-time bamboo fly rod making that also hand engraves in-house. This ensures meticulous attention to detail and a level of craftsmanship that is truly unparalleled.
What type of bamboo fly rods does Oyster Bamboo offer?
Choose from our popular "series'" of rods or customize.
Where are Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods made?
Oyster rods are handmade in our workshop on Main Street in Blue Ridge, Georgia. MADE IN THE USA.
Where are you located?
We are located in beautiful downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia: 494 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
What are Oyster’s hours?
- Online: 24/7
- By Phone & Email: 8AM-6PM Monday-Saturday
- On Main Street: Thursday-Saturday to The Public
- By Appointment: (Hint: We Are In The Shop Most Days But Class Weeks Are A Guarantee That We Will Be Here). Click Here For Class Week Schedule.
- OFF: Sunday
Why Oyster Bamboo?
In a market flooded with enthusiast makers, Oyster Bamboo is a full-time professional business dedicated to the production of the world’s finest fly rods.
In addition to producing custom and standard model rods, we also teach more enthusiasts (and future pros) to make fly rods than anyone else in the world. This combined experience gives us an understanding of our product which is difficult to match.
This is not our hobby. This is not our retirement business. This is our life and livelihood. Our production and sales shop in the Appalachian mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA operates at full tilt six days a week and is open to the public Thursday - Saturday for the convenience of both the tourists in town as well as those who fish our rods.
We have the capability to customize and create almost any option imaginable, resulting in rods that are both practical to fish and appreciated as heirlooms for generations to come…
May I come by the shop and cast a rod?
Yes! Please make an appointment before you travel to Oyster so we may prepare for you.
What is the story behind Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods?
Although there are numerous approaches to recounting a narrative, our About Us (the professional version), social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube), Bamboo Fly Rod Maker’s Widow (a casual peek into Shannen’s personal blog) and Press and Media (a story that travels) serve as the gateway for a more comprehensive exploration.
Why Bamboo Fly Rods?
In the mid 1800’s the hexagonal bamboo fly rod was developed and popularized by eastern anglers of the fledgling United States.
Designed in a time when things were made to last, the simple, sturdy construction of varnished bamboo creates a rod that is a true lifetime investment. Beautiful, supple, and elegant, the American split bamboo fly rod has become the standard of fly fishing tackle by which all others are measured.
As these rods are passed down from one generation to the next, they accrue a rich patina of history, becoming a tool devoured with sentimental value and a sense of permanence that transcends individual lifetimes.
“Hand Crafted for your Lifetime…an Heirloom for Future Generations”
Do Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods come with a warranty?
Simple and fair (at least we try): Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod does hereby guarantee that you will be satisfied with any bamboo fly rod we sell and we will find a way to make you happy. If one of our rods fails to live up to your expectations either in appearance or performance, send it back. If there is a flaw in workmanship or materials, we will make it right. If you stick your rod in the ceiling fan, fall on it in the stream, or otherwise abuse your rod, I will do my best to repair or replace it at a reasonable cost. In other words, we are only interested in happy customers and will do everything in our power to keep you that way.
How long does it take to receive a custom bamboo fly rod?
The time to receive a custom bamboo fly rod can vary depending on our current workload and the complexity of your order. Generally, it takes several months for your custom rod to be made, hand engraved and delivered.
What is your shipping and insurance standard?
Domestic shipping on our rods is a flat fee of $35 sent UPS unless discussed otherwise in advance. Oyster handles the insurance through a private carrier that protects both parties.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Shipping costs are “actual” and calculated at the time of final payment. Client is responsible for any taxes incurred by their country.
Why is your waitlist so short?
As a dedicated full-time bamboo fly rod making shop, we prioritize supporting our craftsmen and their families. Our team takes immense pride in delivering happiness to our clients and ensuring that our rods reach the water promptly.
How can I contact Oyster?
We pride ourselves at being good communicators.
Online: 24/7
By Phone & Email: 8AM-6PM Monday-Saturday
On Main Street: Thursday-Saturday To The Public
By Appointment: (Hint: We Are In The Shop Most Days But Class Weeks Are A Guarantee That We Will Be Here). Click Here For Class Week Schedule.
OFF: Sunday appointment. Call us at 706-374-4239, email us shannen@oysterbamboo.com, text 706-633-3230 or CHAT.
We will help make your transaction as frictionless as possible.
Do you make graphite rods?
No… Not that there’s anything wrong with that.