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Michael Cook
Bamboo Fly Rod Building Class Student
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.
Josh Curtis
Fly Fishing Guide
‘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.’
Mark Young
Client & Customer
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.
The appearance of the rod is like a piece of fine art worthy of being displayed in a case on a wall in your home – but don’t. It is crafted to be used in all locations and conditions which is exactly what I’ve done. From small mountain streams to rugged hard-to-get-to rivers to mountain lakes, it has served me beyond expectation.Mine is an eight-foot, five weight, two-piece, two tip rod. The handle is Rattan wrapped with a Buckeye burl reel seat. The Ferrell’s are nickel silver super swiss and are wrapped in two colors of silk.
The most exciting aspect of this rod is the simplicity of the feel as it loads and unloads. With my other rods I often seemed unsure about the timing and feel of my cast, not being able to determine the stage which my line was in. Bamboo offers a better feel and a smoother action. It slows down my actions helping create a rhythm resulting in a more precise and easier presentation.When you get your PJ’s bamboo rod you are getting a one-of-a-kind rod that no one else will have, a legacy piece to be handed down from father to son to grandson.
Bill Crompton
Repeat Custom Bamboo Fly Rod Client
Many have waxed eloquent about the beauty, quality, and performance of PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods. And I wholeheartedly agree with every superlative used to describe them. Thus, there is little I can add to enhance these reviews.
I would, however, like to add the highest praise and heartfelt thanks to the “father” of these functional works of art, Paul.
Last year I decided to have “legacy” bamboo rods built for each of my children. Rods that will be used throughout their lifetimes and ultimately passed on to future generations within each branch of our family tree. When I first spoke to Paul about this project I was taken aback by how quickly he understood and embraced the concept and my objectives. Each rod is to be customized to reflect the individual style, fishing approaches, personality, and character of each of my children. He honestly seemed to be most excited by the challenge of making these rods, each with a distinctly different identity.
“We” completed the first, my youngest son’s, just about a month ago. Paul was highly and proactively involved in every aspect of its creation. He took significant time to get to know my son by reading some of his writings regarding his love of mountain streams, fly fishing, and his family. Paul helped select passages from these writings and turned them into relevant personal messages to be passed on to my sons heirs. Messages that are now inscribed on his rod.
The end product is magnificent. I cannot be happier with this rod or the man I chose to masterfully craft it. We start work on my daughter’s rod in the Spring. I anxiously await our next collaboration!
Will Rice
Bamboo Fly Rod Building Class Participant
I just finished up my bamboo rod making class in May 2023 with PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods. The overall experience was amazing, not to mention the final product – an 8 ft 4 wt piece of working art. I will admit that I’m not a “builder of things” by nature and I was a bit intimidated going into the class. PJ’s program was very well thought out, well organized and 100% on point (and worth every penny). It was an experience of a lifetime.
Also, it was generally fun to hang around the shop and to explore in/around Pagosa Springs. If building a bamboo fly rod is on your bucket list (or any list), I highly recommend this class.
Steve
Custom Rod Customer
I met with Paul a couple of times before starting this build. I had some ideas for what I wanted. Fish a lot of high mountain streams. He listened carefully, offered ideas of his own, and sent me on my way to think about it for awhile. So I thought about it.
I wanted an 8′ 3wt. with a Colorado theme. Left the interpretation of that up to him. Tippy with muscle to handle the occasional big fish I come across.
Since I am local he had me come to the shop to help shape the grip. Wonderful experience.
Only rod I have cast that required no adjustment on my part. Power to handle wind balanced with delicacy to present small dries with precision accuracy. Roll casts, bow and arrow, distance perfectly represented in a stunning package.
Impeccable craftsmanship with the flawless attention to detail I expected. Everything I wanted and more.
Paul made the agate stripping guide himself with an agate he found up on Wolf Creek pass in our backyard to honor my Colorado theme. Did I mention attention to detail?
Thanks to Paul and Rosanna for making this journey to my first bamboo rod so beautiful and smooth.