Category Archives: bamboo wading staffs

I’m heading to FFI Fly Fest 2026 in Redding, CA on Sept. 25 and 26.

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I’m not doing many fly fishing shows any more.  I’ve always enjoyed doing shows but due to the rising cost of booth space at most events, I’ve just backed out of shows.  But, Fly Fishers International is having their annual convention in Redding, CA next week, and I’ve decided to be there as a vendor with a booth.  I’ll have several of my custom Bamboo Fly Rods, Trout Nets, and Wading Staffs there for sale.  There will also be a lot of great classes and demonstrations, so if you’re in the area, check out the show.

Custom Bamboo Fly Rods, and Wading Staffs.

Completed Custom Bamboo Wading Staff

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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

I’m now offering Custom Bamboo Wading Staffs

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For the past few years, I’ve been working at designing and building Custom Bamboo Wading Staffs, and I’m excited to announce that I’m now offering them to customers.  I build these Wading Staffs from the same Select Tonkin Bamboo that I build my fly rods with…they aren’t made from engineered bamboo flooring material.  I offer these Staffs in lengths from 48″ to 52″, and build them with a custom Cork grip, an English Walnut end cap, and Pearsalls Cardinal Silk wrapping thread.  I also include a retractor from Gear Keeper.  The cost for these Bamboo Wading Staffs is $600.

Custom Bamboo Wading Staff

Custom Bamboo Wading Staff

Some Thoughts on My Costs of Building Bamboo Fly Rods, Nets, and Wading Staffs.

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I do my best at keeping the prices of my bamboo fly rods, nets, and wading staffs down so they are affordable to many anglers.  Yes, bamboo fly rods cost more than graphite fly rods of today…but really,…when did the cost of high-end graphite rods increase to $1600???   Every couple of years, I do an assessment of my costs for building my bamboo fly rods.  Unfortunately, costs continue to go up. Over the past 3 years, I’m seeing these increases:

  1. Cost of raw Bamboo has risen by 85%
  2. Cost of silk thread has risen by 20%
  3. Cost of ferrules has risen by 35%
  4. Cost of reel seat hardware has risen by 15%
  5. Cost of shipping through FedEx or UPS has risen by 20%
  6. Cost of consumable materials (sand paper, varnish, glue) has risen by 10 to 25%

As a result of these increasing costs, I’m feeling that I need to increase the prices of my fly rods, nets and wading staffs.  Any orders placed over the last days of this year will be at my current prices.  Starting January 1st, 2025, the updated prices will be in place.

All two tip bamboo fly rods will be $2395

All nets will be $600

All wading staffs will be $600

 

Best Regards,

Dave Dozer

Summer Fishing In Idaho

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Mary Ann and I spend a week fishing in Stanley, Idaho this summer on the Salmon River.  Here are a few shots our time out with our 4 wt bamboo fly rods.

All about Bamboo!

My 7′ 9″ fast action 4 wt rod.

Mary Ann working a nice run.

More “fishy” water with Mary Ann.

 

Some of the local wildlife.