Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod Testimonials

"Look, I knew from the pictures on the website you folks work artistic miracle, but I was floored after holding those rods in my hands. I just have never seen anything like them. I love the saltwater rods and look forward to putting them to good use...the freshwater rods are breathtaking. I don't even know what to say or how to begin thanking you. Needless to say, you captured everything I requested and went well beyond what I thought was possible. Those rods are too nice to spend all their time in storage tubes or a case and I could spend hours gazing at them. I just wanted to tell you how much these rods mean to me."
-CT
  • "I just wanted to let you know how moved I was, not only by the Oyster fly rod, but the unbelievable engraving on it...I cannot say enough thanks for creating such a remarkable piece of art and for putting the gold inlays into the windows. I also admire your passion toward rod building, engraving, and the sport of fly fishing. Thank you for helping me appreciate the sport more."

    -Paul (2015)

  • "The fishing rods are outstanding. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll give them to my friends. The rods will be cherished. I'm grateful for your work."

    -Jeff (2022)

  • "Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality last Friday at your lovely shop. I love what you are doing, your family and the fly rod as well. Thank you again for everything."

    -SW (2020)

"My Oyster Bamboo fly rod casts like a dream. I have fished five fine graphite rods for many years. I never understood the attraction to bamboo rods. Now I do."

-Greg

"I have always wanted to feel the power of these fish through a bamboo rod, and today, I did that. I battled a 70cm Paca Peacock Bass with my 9 weight saltwater Oyster fly rod."

-Jordan

"A few days on the water and finally connect on a red and a few snook. Saltwater fly fishing is a whole different game, but it's addicting."

-Jake

  • "Y'all do an amazing job and I couldn’t love my rod more!! Cannot wait to take a class and build my own oyster rod one day!!”

    -Jay M.

  • “Premier fly rod… finally, but it is headed for a grandchild in the near future (timing and recipient are still matters of fate).  Older grandchildren are already fishing Battenkill rods from me.  Eight Oysters would be a little stretch, but so would eight truly fly-rod-dedicated grandchildren. an Oyster rod in the Master series is the equivalent of owning a masterpiece that can and should be used every day.”

    -Mark H.

  • "I received my Oyster rod and the engraved knives and they are simply amazing. It’s such a work of art that I hate to even use it. My trip is coming up in 10 days to the Seychelles and I can’t wait to use my new Oyster fly rod.  Please tell Bill he has gift, artist and rod builder."

    -Saif

  • "First fish on my new 6wt in Montana this morning. The rod is such a joy to fish with. Thanks again for getting it done in time for our trip."

    -Brent C.

"I was talking to the guys at Mossy Fly Shop (the main one in Anchorage) and they told me they have never heard of anyone catching a Black Rockfish in the ocean on bamboo…so having the 8wt here, that was an obvious challenge. As it turns out, it isn’t a big deal. I caught a dozen of them easily, as large as 6-7lb no problem with cast or fight, it was very easy, too easy. I was halibut fishing with fly rods and my wife and I got a bunch with graphite 12's, limited 2X so we put them back. Let's see how things look in the fall and if it seems it and I am viable I will ask Bill to build me the right 12wt weapon- halibut on bamboo, not sure that one has been done either.  The captain who takes me out is absolutely game for it. Caught way over my limit so they were going back one after another."

-E.H.

"I had the chance to finally baptize my 5wt today. As I’m sure you already know, it was spectacular! It moved so light and easy. Absolutely loved it. 

I would send you photos, but the brownies were a bit feisty! I hooked up with three. Well, technically two. I thought the first was a rock snag because the fly wouldn’t move and it didn’t do anything. Then the line twitched. Then moved. It was a good size brown, but when we had it about in the net, it made a huge leap and wiggled the fly free. 

Second one took a dry, but I got overly zealous and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. 

Hooked the third on a dry, too. Fought it as my buddy came to help net, but it yanked off the fly before we could land it. 

But it doesn’t matter. The whole magic of the morning was this - I was fishing a masterly crafted bamboo rod with flies I tied myself, and fish were taking them! This was everything I’d envisioned fly fishing to be."

-Daniel K.

  • "I can’t tell you how excited I was leading all the way up to the opening of the case when my Oyster rod arrived…and then I was totally amazed when I opened it up! The rod is a beautiful work of art!!!  Most of all, I appreciate your patience with this rookie bamboo fly rod purchaser!!"


    -Loran

  • "I recently purchased a beautiful rod and reel from Oyster. It is beautiful and fishes like a delight. It’s my first bamboo rod after owning more than a dozen graphite...but after reading and looking in to your company that was not unexpected. I’m am writing you today primarily to compliment your employee, Kassie. After apologizing for her relative inexperience (which was not apparent), she was knowledgeable, attentive, and pleasant throughout the transaction. She is an asset to your company. Thank you for a wonderful experience."

    -Eric S.

  • "You know, you all have ruined me. I’m never going to be able to buy a “normal” fly rod again. Although, I’m certain that you’re going to take that as a compliment. The new bamboo rod is beautiful. What I’m pleased most with is your ability to get it to me before my big sushi trip. I suppose I can send photos of a tuna on the fly. Seriously said, I love it and will absolutely send pics! Thanks, as always, for such a beautiful masterpiece!

    Just one final request - please let Bill and the rest of the staff know my gratitude."


    -DK

"I want to let you all know I received the rod. I know I don't have to tell you this, but the rod is really nice. Thanks again for the outstanding service."

-Wes B.

"Bill and Shannen, just gifted Elaine her rod and reel, I've never seen her speechless. Thank you for your exceptional work. You bring great joy into people's lives."

-BW

"I received my fly rod, leather case, Hardy reel, and all of the other gifts you sent. I absolutely LOVE the rod! It is literally perfect in every way. I just sat and looked at it a long time last night. Thank you so much for a wonderful experience and heirloom piece. It will stay in the family forever."

-Derek