A Slower Load Leads to a Natural Fly Presentation
My daughter and I just completed PJ’s bamboo fly rod building class. PJ’s rods are the embodiment of delicate beauty, grace, precision and strength. PJ is a master craftsman, educator, fisherman and bamboo rod historian. His rods are mostly made of grass (per PJ, bamboo is a member of the grass family), glue, patience, passion and intensity. He uses old school techniques, with a few modern twists. His rods are a working work of art. They are wondrously smooth and cast like a dream. It was all like no other experience I have ever had. Terrific in every regard.
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.
I 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.
J A2024-08-09Incredible Rods! Saw the Rod they sponsored Running Rivers with and it was an absolute work of art that casts even better than it looks!Santiago A2024-08-05Paul was super friendly and really cool to talk too. Definitely planning a future visit to build my own rod!Jerry Beck2024-08-04I picked up my new fly rod from PJs a couple days ago. It's gorgeous, a work of art! More importantly, it casts great and is extremely accurate! I have always wanted a bamboo rod and when I found PJ, I commissioned him to build my custom rod. The entire experience was excellent. PJ spent time getting to know me, where and how I fish and so forth. He then helped me configure the perfect rod for me. I live a day's drive from PJ so I decided to pick up my new rod at his shop rather than have him mail it to me. I am so glad I did. He and Rosanna are so welcoming. I learned more about how PJ makes rods and saw examples throughout the process from the raw bamboo culm to the finished product. PJ also gave me a lesson on the finer points of casting bamboo. It sure made a difference today when I fished with it for the first time. The rod has such wonderful feel in my hand. It casts so easily and is deadly accurate. I am so glad to have met PJ and to now have one of his rods. If you want to elevate your fishing experience to the highest level, please get in touch with PJ. You will be glad you did.Michael2024-07-18I did not get to go due to an emergence but my friends we were to go with could not speak highly enough of. The handmade bamboo fishing nets we were presented are beautiful.Sarah Cook2024-06-20PJ's Fine Bamboo rod building class is an outstanding experience, thanks to the expertise and dedication of PJ, Rosanna, and Mike. Their passion for bamboo fly rods is infectious, and their knowledge is unmatched. Beyond just building a rod, the interactions with this incredible team makes the class truly exceptional. PJ is a true master at his craft and clearly explains, teaches, and models each step in the process. The small class size fosters a warm and engaging environment, allowing for personalized guidance throughout the class. I left with a beautiful custom-made fly rod, new friends, and the itch to learn more about the craft. I highly recommend this class for anyone seeking a unique and rewarding experience in fly fishing and rod building with the added pleasure of learning from the best. Thank you PJ, Rosanna, and Mike for an unforgettable experience!Aj S2024-06-17Absolutely the best bamboo rod building experience! PJ, Rosanna, and Mike are the best. Amazing class with wonderful teachers. Thank you for the best Father’s Day gift ever!Alexa Pickel2024-06-07I had the most wonderful experience in this class. In never in my fondest dreams visualized that I could truly create such a work of art. PJ. and Rosanne were so wonderfully warm and accepting. They were very careful to be sure we understood each and every segment and were never overwhelmed. It was a marvelous experience and created an astounding heritage rod. I loved every minute!Erik Playe2024-05-29This place is great! I bought a bamboo sun hoodie that is now my favorite shirt. Super light, cool, and comfortable. The store has all kinds of other cool things made out of bamboo and super friendly, helpful service. I don’t actually fly fish, so I was not even looking at their main attraction! I highly recommend stopping in if you are in Pagosa, even if you don’t fish…George Brooks2024-05-21I’m not one for following up with reviews, but my recent experience with the May Bamboo Fly Rod Building class at PJ’s requires one. First, I’ve got to say that PJ, Rosie and Mike were fantastic – they welcomed the group with open arms and provided a very comfortable and exciting learning experience. PJ’s and Mike’s knowledge of the process is second to none. The team provided clear and thorough guidance on the entire process and brought in the help when I was going down a rabbit hole, with no hesitation at all. This was such a fantastic experience with the end point of a custom built beautiful bamboo fly rod that I almost don’t want to take to the water for fear of a scratch, but I will!. This class was an experience that I’ll remember for years to come. Liked this so much that I’ve signed on for another rod class next year – can’t wait. Thanks PJ, Rosie and Mike..