Category Archives: Bamboo Rod Building

Videos and postings about bamboo rod building

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.

New 6′ 6″ Fast Action 3 wt rod

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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.

New 8′ 0″ Fast Action 5 wt. Bamboo Fly Rod.

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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.

Wonderful Video about Olivia Elia

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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.

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