Oyster Bamboo Rod Class

I just completed the six day split class at Bill Oysters' Bamboo Rod Shop and I wish I were going in for another six. The class was an absolute blast! I can't believe we all completed our rods right on time. It seemed like there were a hundred things that could have gone wrong but Bill and Riley kept us between the ditches.  I was in awe during the whole process and I was in love with the first cast I threw with her. Becky had to tell me I couldn't sleep with it.

I spent most of the next day casting on and off for about 6 hours. The rod is incredibly accurate at close or long range and the power to rip out 70 feet of fly line is effortless.





By the time I left for home after my first day with my new best friend, I gave Becky a ring and told her to sell all the rest of my 4 weights because I don't believe I want to fish anything else for the rest of my life. I already have plans in the works for a 3 weight, a 5 weight, and an 8 weight. I think I'm bamboo crazy! Here's some pics of my new baby.

Bill Oyster Bamboo Rod Building Class

I just completed the first 3 days of a 6 day split class to build my first bamboo fly rod. I am amazed. I didn't realize how much labor and thought that goes into building one of these works of art. Under the watchful eye of Master Bamboo Rod Builder, Bill Oyster and his apprentice, Riley G., five of us started on a journey that is perhaps hundreds of years old.

We are first taken to the edge of total destruction of our rods, and then steered into the light only to be taken onto the next gut wrenching step. It has truly been one of the best experiences I have ever had. I am still trying to comprehend the last 3 days after going from a full piece of bamboo as seen in the upper right of the photo to the chocolate bamboo blank I'm wrapping.

Ever since Bill and his family moved to Blue Ridge, a steady stream of his students have made their way down the street and into the fly shop. They come to show me their newly finished fly rods. They are beautiful and I knew one day I would have to give it a try. In about a month, we will gather again to work for 3 more days to complete our rods. I really appreciate Bill sharing his knowledge and expertise. He is a true master of his art. If you find yourself in Blue Ridge, be sure to drop by and visit the Oyster Bamboo shop on Main Street. Usually, he will have some of his rods on display. Also, you might visit during one of the classes and get to see a bunch of folks bent over their workbenches taking truly a inspiring journey.

Unicoi Outfitters Joins Atlanta Fly Fishing School

Unicoi Outfitters and River Through Atlanta Guide Service have joined the Atlanta Fly Fishing School to enhance their offerings for beginning fly fishers. These three are offering a complete fly fishing education and river fishing package. The package will include a 5.5 hour fly fishing course to be followed by a one-half day guided fishing trip on either the lower Chattahoochee River or the trophy trout fishery at Nacoochee Bend near Helen, GA. These packages are available at a special affordable rate perfect for introducing someone to the sport.

See the Atlanta Fly Fishing School website for more info.

The Hooch is Still Cold

Last Thursday I invited my church fly tying class for a day on the water for casting and fishing instruction and for searching for bugs in the water. This seemed like a great idea because it was a beautiful day and we're tying the flies so we can catch fish with them--right? The folks in the class were looking forward to this and so was I. The casting instruction went well--so we headed down to the river to try a little "hands on fishing". I talked about wading safety, but I didn't really listen to what I was saying. While positioning the fishermen, I tripped and fell over a big rock and made a perfect dive to the bottom. Before I knew it, I was in the water struggling to get out. Simms waders are great, but not when you let water go over the top--they were filled and I was cold. Embarrassing--not really--funny--to them--really. Leave it up to your guide--but I did keep fishing with them. One of the students did hook a big trout that broke him off.

Things didn't go exactly as planned, but it beats sorting mail any day--I'm a blessed person. I'm really looking forward to the fly tying class on Feb 21. It's all going to be about the basics-because that's what fly tying is about. We'll tie some flies that will really catch fish. The pheasant tail, featured in an earlier post, will be one of them--we'll tie it in several different patterns. We're going to have some fun--if you are interested contact Unicoi Outfitters so they can sign you up.

Thanks and Watch Your Step!

Ron