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Rod Making Classes 

In March of 1998 I led my first brief rod making workshop in Mountain Home, Arkansas.  For several years I led the "Beginner's Workshop" at the Southern Rodmakers Gathering.  At two National Rodbuilders Guild Conclaves in Nashville, Tennessee I conducted intense seminars on making bamboo fly rods. Fall of 2003 opened a new chapter in the adventure of making bamboo fly rods for me as I began to dream of teaching others to enjoy this craft in more formal settings.

When someone who wants to
learn to make bamboo rods picks up the Garrison-Carmichael book at his local library, all the terms, tools, and techniques can be intimidating. Learning this craft by one's self presents a rather steep learning curve. Often the practical in's and out's of making rods are best understood through hands-on instruction.  Actually handling and using the necessary tools is often easier than learning only from written instructions or video lessons.

Making a first rod with some hands-on instruction helps one discover whether rod making is a hobby worth his (or her) personal time and effort without first making the costly investment in time and tools.  Students who complete my class leave with a complete ferruled bamboo blank they made for themselves.  Students also take home all the knowledge required to turn that blank into a fine fishing rod, and the ability to make their own rods in the future.

In most of my classes one student at a time comes to my workshop.  There he uses my equipment, under my watchful instruction, and builds a rod for himself.  Class time is intense, and we will work 8-14 hours each day, or as long as the student can last. All the major tools and materials are provided.  If a student brings his own tools (strongly encouraged) I'll help evaluate those tools, tune them, and make them ready for use.  Of course, if 2-5 friends want to work together and can set up a place, I'll be happy to travel to their location.

Starting with a class offers the student the advantage of my experiences and teaching skills in a personal learning environment.  Before the class begins, each student is expected to study my guide to rod making here on this site and at www.globalflyfisher.com , as well as study Wayne Cattanach's Handcrafting Bamboo Fly Rods before arriving. Several weeks before the class students fill out a "Rod Design Form" which helps them choose the rod they wish to build in class.

The classes are held at the headquarters of Boyd Rod Company, Inc.  - my 20' x 6' garage workshop!  The class fee is $700 per student.  A $200 deposit is required to reserve a time for the class. Lodging is available at two local hotels, and a nice bed and breakfast.  I'll be glad to make recommendations.  Meals will be divided between my wife's wonderful kitchen and dutch treat at the local restaraunts.

The class package includes:

   Class Instruction
   All materials, including cane, ferrules, guides, cork, reel seat
   Use of all necessary tools and equipment