Tag Archives: bamboo

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 Bamboo Trout Net in my inventory

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I just completed a new Bamboo Trout Net in my inventory.  It is made from the same select bamboo culms that I use for my bamboo fly rods.  This net is 27″ long, perfect for walk-and-wade situations.  Check it out:

The overall net length is 27″, perfect for walk-and-wading.

Hand inscribed in black ink.

Beautiful all-bamboo trout net.

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

Getting Out Fishing Today With Our Bamboo Rods!

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I was able to get out fly fishing today with my good friend, Joe, on Whychus Creek, the small creek in the canyon below my house.  Whychus creek is one of my favorite spots here in Central Oregon…beautiful water and no other anglers around.  I took out my 6′  8″  3 wt. Fast Action Series Bamboo Rod and Joe took out his 7′  0″  4 wt bamboo rod he built with me in my workshop.  After a bug sampling that showed a lot of stonefly nymphs, I started with a #10 black rubber legged black stonefly nymph.  Joe started with a #16 Tan X-Caddis pattern.  We both were successful and caught several nice rainbows.  After an hour, I wanted some dry fly action so I changed over to a #12 Yellow Stimulator pattern…Joe stayed with his X-Caddis.  For the next 2 hours, we both raised a lot of feisty native rainbows, and by the end of the day, we each caught about 15 fish.  What a fun day with our bamboo rods on one of our small creeks here.

A Big, Black Stonefly Nymph

6′ 8 3 wt rod

Joe with a great Bow And Arrow cast.

One of the beautiful native rainbows we caught.