After several fall fishing trips, I was able to get back into the workshop and finish this custom bamboo wading staff for a client. With a background in Alaska, he asked me to do some custom wraps in colors that are often used in Alaskan Artwork. Here is the staff I completed for him.
Custom Bamboo Wading Staff
Bamboo Wading Staff with custom wraps
Custom English Walnut End Cap on Cork Grip
In Central Oregon, the mop-up efforts are going on after a large fire in our area. It was very close to our house, so we were evacuated for 6 days…finally got back into our house yesterday. We were very luck…the fire came within 50 feet of our house. The fire fighting teams did a fantastic job. So, our house and my rod building workshop experienced no damage, but we have a little clean-up to do around our property. Here is a view of the fire damage from my deck. I’ll be back at rod building tomorrow.
Flats fire 2025
I’ve recently added a powerful little 3 wt rod to my Fast Action Series of fly rods. This is a wonderful little rod with lots of power for getting flies of any size into tight spots on small creeks and streams. My plan was that this rod would be a new one for me but as I was half-way though the build process, one of my clients stepped up and asked if it could be his. He chose highland green silk wraps, a maple burl reel seat, and custom engraved down-locking threaded band reel seat hardware. So, it’s off to Seattle, destined to fish the little mountain creeks in the Cascade mountain range.
6′ 6″ Fast Action 3 wt. rod.
My new Fast Action Series of bamboo fly rods has been pretty popular with clients recently. I just completed a new 8′ 0″ 3 piece 5 wt. Bamboo Rod, headed to a client in Vermont. This is a wonderfully smooth casting rod with plenty of power that makes casting effortless, perfect for someone looking for a faster action rod.
An 8′ 0″ 3 piece Fast Action 5 wt. rod.
Very nice Highland Green primary wraps with Straw and Black tippping wraps.
I’ve been working with Olivia Elia for over 4 years now mentoring her in the art of building bamboo fly rods, and she is now building some incredible bamboo fly rods. She is also a talented Luthier building custom acoustic guitars and a musician. FlyFish Journal Magazine recently showcased her in an article in their magazine. And…now they have come out with a wonderful short video about Olivia…and there are a few shots of me also! You can check out the video at: SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING: Handmade Guitars and Bamboo Fly Rods crafted by Olivia Elia.