Bamboo fly rods embody the best things about fly fishing. Just like fishing requires your utmost concentration and effort, so too does building a fine-casting rod from stalks of dried grass.
These rods take anywhere from 80 – 100 hours to build. I don’t take any shortcuts, and I make sure each rod is worth taking out on the river before I send it off to a customer.
I also took care to price my rods at what I feel is reasonable – especially considering the warranty I offer. Bamboo fly rods aren’t a cheap investment, but I don’t think they should be cost-prohibitive.
| 2-piece, 1-tip | $1,100.00 |
| 2-piece, 2-tip | $1,600.00 |
| Custom sizing | $1,900.00+ |
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All rods include:
- Lifetime Warranty: This warranty is good for the lifetime of the original owner, and covers any problems that arise due to manufacturing defects. If a rod breaks for any other reason – like snapping in a truck door – repairs start at $250.00
- Nickel Silver Ferrules*: If you opt for traditional metal ferrules, I use only the best nickel-silver ferrules I can find. Each set of ferrules is custom fit and lapped to fit your rod.
- Silk Thread Wraps: I use various brands of silk threads to wrap guides in place, giving you the option for a translucent finish, or a solid color. Wraps can be tipped with other colors if you want.
- Snake Brand Guides: These are the same high-quality guides you’ll find on rods from big-name builders like Orvis, Winston, and Scott.
- Exotic Wood Reel Seats: I take great pride in sourcing amazing exotic and domestic wood for use in reel seats. Popular options include purpleheart, bloodwood, cocobolo, paduak, Russian olivewood, box elder burl, and figured maple.
- Rod Tube/Sock: I take the time to source high-quality powder-coated aluminum rod tubes, along with hand-sewn rod socks.
*I also have the capability to do bamboo ferrules on my rods. If you’d prefer a bamboo ferrule, or want to know more about them, please let me know on your Order Inquiry Form.
Rods are built from genuine Tonkin cane, sourced directly from the 25-square mile area in China, the only place in the world this bamboo grows.
Rod Gallery
Rod Models
My bamboo fly rods are based on the tapers of classic makers like Everett Garrison, Paul Young, Lyle Dickerson, and Jim Payne. I’ve tweaked the tapers to match modern fly lines.
I offer my rods in a variety of weights and lengths, but they’re all within three model families, named after some of my favorite rivers in the world.
The Fremont
- Weights 2 – 4
- Lengths 6′ – 7’6″
This is the rod you want for small streams. Designed specifically for fishing the small, brushy Fremont River in Utah, this rod excels at presenting small flies to wary trout. Whether you’re in the high country chasing cutthroat, or need that perfect presentation for a brown trout in the Driftless, the Fremont will exceed your expectations. It features a relaxed action, with a full flex that you’ll feel all the way into the cork.
Models
- 6′ 2wt
- 6’6″ 2wt
- 7′ 3wt
- 7’6″ 3wt
- 6′ 4wt
- 7′ 4wt
- 7’6″ 4wt
The Thistle
- Weights 3 – 5
- Lengths 7′ – 7’9″
When a big fish surprises you on smaller water, you want a rod that’ll handle the task of landing it. Look no further than the Thistle. This rod has a beefier butt section, to help steer big fish away from snags and into your net. The soft tip protects the lightest of tippets, and the classic slow-action of a bamboo rod makes it an absolute dream to cast. Everything from small dries to hoppers and streamers are a pleasure to fish on the Thistle.
Models
- 7′ 3wt
- 7’6″ 3wt
- 7′ 4wt
- 7’6″ 4wt
- 7′ 5wt
- 7’6″ 5wt
- 7’9″ 5wt
The Sweetwater
- Weights 5-6
- Lengths 7′ – 8’6″
Whether you’re throwing salmonflies from a drift boat on the South Fork, or stripping streamers in the deep pools on the Green, the Sweetwater is the big-water, big-fish cane rod you’ve been waiting for. It’s heavier than its brothers, but that’s by design. You’ll have no issue hauling in fish, regardless of the situation.
Models
- 7′ 5wt
- 7’6″ 5wt
- 7’9″ 5wt
- 8′ 5wt*
- 8′ 6wt*
- 8’6″ 6wt*
*Note: rods 8′ or longer are hollow built, to reduce overall weight. This requires significant extra work, so an added charge of $300.00 per rod will be assessed.
Rod Orders
Bamboo fly rods can be ordered one of two ways – fill out this Order Inquiry Form, or shoot me an email. I’ll answer as quickly as possible.
I require a 50% deposit up front, and then you can plan on rods taking 6-10 weeks to be built and shipped your way. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and chat bamboo rods, or anything else fishing related that’s on your mind. I look forward to hearing from you!