I feel confident with the efficiency of this rod! This rod has continually compelled me to pursue the art of dry fly fishing, and perfecting the technique of coaxing picky brown trout to slurping up my dry fly. I feel inspired to diversify away from my tendency of modern nymphing which is my go-to fishing technique. A bamboo rod of this caliber persuades me away from my competitive fly-fishing roots and moves me to slow down and embrace the history and tradition of the sport.
Michael Cook Bamboo Fly Rod Building Class StudentI feel confident with the efficiency of this rod! This rod has continually compelled me to pursue the art of dry fly fishing, and perfecting the technique of coaxing picky brown trout to slurping up my dry fly. I feel inspired to diversify away from my tendency of modern nymphing which is my go-to fishing technique. A bamboo rod of this caliber persuades me away from my competitive fly-fishing roots and moves me to slow down and embrace the history and tradition of the sport.
Josh Curtis Fly Fishing GuideI began fly fishing in the early 2000’s after buying property in the Pagosa Springs, CO area. Over the ensuing fifteen plus years I’ve acquired and used various rods from Orvis to Sage to TFO and numerous others. In 2018 I received my first bamboo rod custom made by PJ’s.
Mileni Den Client & Customer Scott Gibbs2024-12-24 What a great experience! I finished the April, 6 day class. Four of us in the class each started with two pieces of bamboo and each of us completed a bamboo fly rod. PJ and Rosanna are a great team! PJ and his assistant Mike made sure each of us could complete each step in building our rods successfully. They led us through each step of the process from flaming our bamboo, splitting the culms, planing the 6 strips to the correct tapers, gluing up the rod blank, adding the hardware and the silk wraps and finishing our rods. We each left with a beautiful bamboo rod. I have fly fished for over 30 years. This is my first bamboo rod. I have always loved slower graphite and fiberglass rods. My favorite places to fish are the high mountain streams in Colorado and New Mexico for native trout. Casting my new rod is a pleasure. PJ's taper for my 3wt allows me to lay out a beautiful cast, and roll cast with precision. His work refining the rod tapers shows in all our finished fly rods. I am looking forward to many hours on the water chasing native trout. If you have the time to invest in building one of these rods you will not regret the time spent with PJ and Rosanna. December 2024 update I took PJ’s fly rod class in April of 2024. I built a 3 wt bamboo fly rod during the 6 days of the class. I fished this rod all summer with dry flys. Getting to understand the differences between fishing one of my graphite or fiberglass rods and the bamboo rod I quickly found my dry fly presentations were much better when I fished my bamboo rod. I also began to appreciate the ease of roll casting my bamboo rod. PJ spent a lot of time refining the tapers he uses with these fly rods. They cast beautifully. Bamboo is different than either graphite or fiberglass. You do need to learn how it responds. An opening happened in the December class. I signed up and built a matching 6 wt fly rod. I plan to fish the 6 wt on some larger waters and with nymphs as well as dry flys. I am looking forward to having the two rods to fish into 2025. PJ’s knowledge on the history of fly rod construction, his knowledge of the old bamboo rod manufacturers lead our groups to fascinating discussions. PJ and Rosanna provide students with a great experience. Mike was patient and extremely helpful during everyone’s rod builds. It is 6 days of work but having a bamboo rod you built from a culm of bamboo makes for a special fly rod. Jonathan Padro2024-12-20 I took the December 2024 rod building class and I am beyond happy I decided to visit PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods. The class was exactly the in depth learning experience I was hoping for. I am thrilled with the results of my new bamboo fly rod and am incredibly thankful to PJ, Rosanna, Mike, and Booger for making this such an awesome experience! Ill definitely be back! Mike Knapp2024-12-16 I had the pleasure of building a 3wt fly rod at PJ‘s. I had purchased a 5wt a few years ago and just loved how it felt catching cutthroat trout with dry flies here in the San Juans and decided it was time to build my own. It’s true, it is an instant heirloom. It’s something you’ll fish with I, you will love it well and then the kids will fight over when you’re gone. Extra bonus for all the skills learned in the class. It really was an experience that needs to be on your bucket list. I can’t recommend them enough, come to Pagosa Springs and enjoy a week in this beautiful country and learn some fantastic new skills with the highest quality people you’ll ever meet. Paul rogers2024-12-07 Amazing quality products, super cool friendly owners! Store is amazing! Greg Payne2024-12-01 Since I got home, I have been asked by family and friends, what did I think about building a bamboo fly rod. All I can say, it is one of the greatest experiences I have had. PJ and crew were exceptional. We started with a large section of bamboo and ended up with a beautiful "heirloom quality" fly rod. If you are in Pagosa Springs anytime soon, I highly recommend this class. Alyn Martinez2024-11-19 The experience at PJ's fine Bamboo fly-rod class was phenomenal, the meticulous attention to detail and how organized the whole process was mind blowing. The understanding that PJ, Rosanna and John have with technique and the processes makes the whole experience flow seamlessly. I can't express enough how enjoyable the whole experience was and am looking forward to booking my next class. Thank you PJ, Rosanna and John. Marty Lisonbee2024-11-17 Wonderful experience building a high quality rod with tons of history during the making process. David Arnold2024-10-18 I had the privilege of attending PJ’s Bamboo Rod Building class, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The entire experience was excellent from start to finish. PJ’s personal attention to detail and dedication to each student ensured that the process was both smooth and rewarding. He took the time to guide me through every step, from selecting the materials to the final touches, and his expertise made even the more intricate parts of the craft feel manageable. The end result is a beautifully crafted fly rod that I am proud to have built myself which I will treasure for years to come. Eric Reddish2024-10-13 I recently completed PJs Fine Bamboo Rods rod building class. The class and staff far exceeded my expectations. I cannot recommend this class enough to any angler. It is six days full of information, history, comrodery, and working with your hands. And you leave with the most beautiful rod you have ever own. I can't wait to fish it and will be proud to hand it down, when the time comes. Mike McVay2024-09-20 I recently completed the five day course to build my dream bamboo fly rod. I took the course at PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. From the first day meeting PJ and his wife Rosanna, the course was explained in detail and all phases of creating a bamboo rod were demonstrated first. The one-on-one assistance was very helpful. They made sure every step was correct before moving on ensuring the bamboo rod will be a thing of handcrafted beauty. At all phases PJ gave detailed information on the bamboo, where he gets it from and how the sugars in the bamboo give it its strong points. His knowledge and expertise ensured we would go home with an amazing rod. The workshop was supplied with all the necessary tools and materials for the project. By day five and many hours of detailed work, we received our completed rods after three coats of a clear finish. They looked amazing! I can’t say enough about the experience, expertise and professionalism. If anyone is considering building their own bamboo fly rod, this is the place to go. PJ told me one day that any rod completed in his shop is a rod he would fish himself. Highly recommend!!! Thank you PJ, Rosanna, Mike and Boogy!
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