PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods Reviews

Aj S 2025.06.29

     

Absolutely 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! Update: Rod/class number 2 was even better. Another amazing experience! As happy as we were with the first Rod, the second turned out even better. 2nd Rod pics are at the end. Thank you again for an amazing experience.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2024.06.18

Such a special experience for a Father and Daughter to build a rod together. Thank you for letting us be a part of this lifelong memory. Truly a legacy rod.

Allen Smith 2025.06.25

     

What a unique, challenging, and fun experience it was to spend 6 days with PJ, Rosanna, and Mike crafting my own split bamboo fly rod! I now have a fly rod that is not only beautiful, but is without a doubt, the most functional fly rod of my entire collection. I also greatly enjoyed getting to know the other students in the class, hearing their stories, and planning our next fishing adventures. If you have ever thought about crafting your very own bamboo fly rod, I would highly recommend contacting PJ or Rosanna and reserving your spot now! Allen Smith Fishing Enthusiast & Student with PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.06.26

Hi Allen,

Thank you for such a wonderful review! Reading your words filled us with pride and joy. Crafting your own split bamboo fly rod is no small feat, and we're thrilled to hear it has earned a spot as the most functional rod in your collection. It's truly special to know that this beautiful creation will now accompany you on your fly fishing adventures.

It was an absolute pleasure spending those six days with you, your wife, and granddaughter, sharing stories, laughs, and the passion for this timeless craft. The camaraderie that forms during our classes is something we deeply cherish, and it's heartwarming to hear about the connections made among the students.

Your recommendation means the world to us, and we hope this is just the beginning of many memorable moments with your handcrafted rod. Should you find yourself back in Pagosa Springs or have more crafting aspirations in the future, you know where to find us.

Tight lines and cherished adventures,

PJ, Rosanna, Mike & the Team at PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods

Dow Timmen 2025.06.23

     

What an amazing week. Not only did I have the opportunity to build my own custom bamboo fly Rod, I had the opportunity to gain a lot of knowledge of fly fishing and make some new friends. PJ and Mike were awesome. I’ll go again

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.06.23

Thank you so much for your kind words and heartfelt review! It warms our hearts to hear that your week at PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods was both inspiring and memorable. Building your own custom bamboo fly rod is no small feat, and we're thrilled to know it was complemented by rich knowledge, meaningful connections, and, of course, great company with PJ and Mike.

Our passion lies in not just crafting beautiful rods but also in sharing the timeless art of fly fishing and the joy it brings. Knowing you had such a positive experience makes all the effort worthwhile.

We can't wait to welcome you back to continue your fly-fishing adventure and maybe craft another heirloom-quality piece! Tight lines until then! 🎣

Bill Bonebrake 2025.06.17

     

My first use review of my 8’, 3wt bamboo rod made by PJ. It is a masterfully crafted and engineered piece of functional art I mean to fish in smaller headwaters and streams. It was not the case for my first day with this rod. I went to fish with a friend on a river known for decent sized trout. It exceeded my expectations. First, this rod casts almost effortlessly. I put in six hours wading on the river using a series of single dry flies on 6x with a 3wt line. This was my first experience with a 3wt bamboo rod. And fortunately there was only a light breeze. This rod and line are not meant for windy days. You should know I have been fishing an 8ft, 5wt bamboo from PJ for two years so there were expectations. I’m just saying PJ is a victim of his own success. The first few smaller fish made this rod bow like fish twice their size making them easier to net. Then I started targeting some areas known for bigger fish. I cringed just a little as I thought about what a 16”+ trout would ask of my new rod. I actually was apologizing to PJ as I cast into some foam lines with my single size 20 dry fly. Setting the hook into a trout with a 3wt bamboo rod has such a subtle feel it isn’t real obvious there is a fish on the end of the line until you see the tip of the rod bend down towards the river lower than my reel. As for casting. The minimal effort and movement necessary to load this rod is as big a surprise as the distance and delicate presentaion from this amazing fly rod. Thank you PJ.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.06.17

Thank you so much for sharing your incredible first experience with your 8’ 3wt bamboo rod, handcrafted by PJ. It means the world to us that what we create resonates so deeply with passionate anglers like yourself.
Your detailed account of its performance in both delicate casts and larger fish battles beautifully captures what we aim for in every rod we craft. The fact that it delivered such an effortless cast and maintained the subtlety needed for precise dry fly presentations is exactly what we strive to achieve with each handcrafted piece. And it’s heartwarming to hear that even when pushing its limits, your rod rose to the occasion with grace and strength.

Hearing stories of how our rods perform on the water not only inspires us but also carries forward the legacy of tradition and artisanal craftsmanship we pour into them. Your kind words reaffirm why we’ve dedicated ourselves to this craft—to create tools that serve as both functional art and a bridge to nature’s serenity.

Thank you again for your kind words and trust in our work. May your new rod bring you countless memorable days on the water, filled with tight lines and cherished moments. And don’t worry, PJ fondly accepts your lighthearted apologies—we always design our rods with a little extra heart, knowing they might find themselves in situations like yours.

Happy fishing,
The PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods Team

Craig Stein 2025.05.19

     

What a great experience this spring taking the rod building class in Pagosa Springs, Colorado at PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods. You will leave this course with a functional piece of art and a new bag full of technical skills. Really fun hanging out with the crew at PJ's! I will be back.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.06.07

Hi Craig,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for joining us in Pagosa Springs this spring! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the rod-building class. Watching our students leave with not just a functional piece of art but also a deeper appreciation for the craft is why we do what we do.
It means the world to us that you had fun with the PJ’s crew and felt the heart we pour into every aspect of the experience. We're already looking forward to welcoming you back whenever you’re ready to continue your rod-building journey or simply hang out again!
Until then, may your bamboo rod bring you countless cherished moments on the water. Tight lines and warm regards!
The PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods Team

John Kutlu 2025.05.01

     

Got a great reel at a great price. Highly recommend PJ’s

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.05.01

Thanks, John! You are welcome to use WELCOME10 on your next order.

rance irwin 2025.04.10

     

My experience building a custom fly rod was exceptional. You work through numerous steps, and the culmination is a custom rod. The staff won’t let you fail, the ratio is 1 instructor to 2 participants. Well worth your time and effort. I enjoyed and learned a lot.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.04.14

Hi Emily,

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the process of building your custom fly rod. It’s a joy for us to share our love for the art of fly fishing and to guide passionate anglers like you through every step. Knowing that you learned and had fun along the way truly warms our hearts.

We can’t wait to see pictures of you casting your custom rod and bringing it to life on the water. Here’s to many unforgettable fishing trips ahead, filled with that unmistakable sound of your rod in action.

Tight lines,

PJ, Mike, Rosanna, and Booger

Steve Gausman 2025.04.09

     

I recently attended the April 1 2025 Bamboo Fly Rod making class. My experience was incredible. I am a retired architect and fairly accomplished woodworker and boatbuilder. My forty years of working included numerous continuing education courses and seminars; PJ’s topped them all. I struggle for words to describe the class, but to me it was simply one of my most transformational experiences. PJ and Mike shared their knowledge and passion like an open book. Our class time was hands on and intensely challenging. PJ, Mike and Rosanna were constantly helping us and were wonderfully good natured, as were my classmates. In the end, we all went home with beautiful rods. I have been mulling over this review for several days in an attempt to do the PJ justice. The class was easily one of my best experiences and I recommend as such. I learned many things a person would pick up in a book

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.04.14

Hi Steve,

Thank you for such a beautifully heartfelt review! We're truly honored to have had you in our April 2025 Bamboo Fly Rod-making class. Your background as an architect, woodworker, and boatbuilder brought such a unique perspective to the group, and it was incredible to see the passion and skill you poured into crafting your rod.

PJ and Mike will be thrilled to hear how much their guidance and enthusiasm meant to you. Hearing that this class was one of your most transformational experiences genuinely warms our hearts—we live to share this incredible craft with others who appreciate its artistry and tradition.

We can’t wait to see pictures of the rods you build in your shop, knowing they’ll not only reflect your craftsmanship but also carry the soul of everything you learned here. Please keep us updated as you continue your bamboo rod-building journey.

Wishing you many serene riverbanks and tight lines ahead,

The PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods Team

William Albert 2025.03.10

     

I just finished the rod building class, and came out with not just a very nice bamboo rod, but one with a very nice memory. Pretty good for someone who cannot build a good, square, wooden box. Paul will re-itterate that bamboo is a grass, not wood. That makes the final result even more amazing. The class consisted of beginner and experienced flyfishermen. None were craftsman wood(grass)workers. Yet each finished with a prize of a lifetime. A rod crafted by his own hands, to be fished forever, with that memory. The atmosphere in the shop and class was casual and friendly. We learned a lot about bamboo rods and the bamboo fishing world. Paul and Mike were attentive to all that was going on, and quick to step in if they saw trouble brewing. They also stepped in if someone needed help or a refresher. They insured that the rod was sound and that finishing touches were well added. Rosanna also did her part, insuring that the rod had the look that you want. She does not drive selections. But, she is well versed in what is common, or what is standard, and in other fine dressings. She will help, after the scheme is selected, to insure that those of us who are color schemed challenged, do not go astray. And understand. She is bamboo fluent in her own right. Paul recently won the bamboo class, casting contest at the Denver Flyfishing show. He competed against national and international casters from major corporations. No doubt he appreciates the win, but also, no doubt, he has accomplisments which he holds higher. He is not unknown in the bamboo rod world. Whether you are new or old to flyfishing, have no woodworking skills or are a craftsman, and would like to have a bamboo rod, take this course. You will come out with a fine rod. One in which you own your effort. This ain't no store bought pole. Enjoy.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.03.11

Hi Bill,
Thank you so much for joining us in our bamboo rod-building class! It warms our hearts to hear that this experience not only left you with a beautiful bamboo rod but also with cherished memories to last a lifetime. Knowing that this piece will be a family heirloom brings us immense joy. We hope you and your fly fishing family create countless stories with it out on the water! Please send us pictures of you fishing the rod—we’d love to see it in action.
When you're ready to craft another rod, don’t forget to take advantage of the return student discount we offer. It would be an honor to help you expand your collection and continue sharing our love for bamboo craftsmanship.
Tight lines,

Paul, Rosanna, and Mike

Blair Jannelle 2025.03.10

     

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A F 2025.02.01

     

Wow!!! Awesome place! Hope to take a class soon!

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.03.11

Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting with PJ. We hope that you can find the time to attend a class with us too.

scott holmgren 2025.01.25

     

Simply the Best! I built my first 4wt with PJ two years ago. The thought I would leave with a beautiful bamboo fly rod in six days seemed impossible. PJ and staff made the build so enjoyable, their attention to detail and instruction gives you the confidence to do things you have never done. I just finished building a gorgeous 6wt. with them. No surprise that three out of four in this class were repeat clients. If you enjoy the company of fly fishing addicts, bellys full of laughter from PJ's stories, and a new bamboo fly rod in your quiver, get out to Pagosa Springs. Experience of a lifetime. Thank you, PJ, Rosanna, John and Mike

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2025.01.27

Hi Scott,
We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your second rod building class—it was such a pleasure having you back! Your story truly stands out as one of the most memorable ways we’ve met a client, and it’s an absolute honor to be part of your craft-building journey.
It means so much to us that you continue to choose our classes, and we can’t wait to see the beautiful work you create next. Don’t forget, as a returning participant, you can take advantage of our prior participant discount to join another class soon. We’d love to have you back and share more great stories together!
See you again soon,

PJ, Rosanna, Mike, John, and Bugger

Marty Lisonbee 2025.01.20

     

Wonderful experience building a high quality rod with tons of history during the making process. Update: I had so much fun building my first rod I grabbed a friend and took the class a second time. You can’t ever have too many rods right? Everyone walks out with a high quality rod at the end. On this visit PJ took time to take us down to the park and give us some tips on how to cast with bamboo compared to other rods. Thanks a bunch for a fun class and time with new good friends.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2024.11.26

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute delight spending those six days with you in Pagosa Springs, crafting your very own bamboo fly rod. Seeing your dedication to the process and your skill as a woodworker brought such depth to the experience. The history and tradition embedded in these rods shine even brighter when someone like you pours their artistry into the work. It was truly a pleasure to get to know you, and we hope this rod becomes a cherished piece of your fly-fishing adventures for years to come. Tight lines!

Scott Gibbs 2024.12.24

     

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.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2024.04.20

Thank you, Scott! You and your family have been a true pleasure to get to know. We can not wait to hear about your fishing adventures to come with your new bamboo fly rod. Thank you again for participating and all of the knowledge you had to share with us.

Jonathan Padro 2024.12.20

     

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!

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2024.12.26

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for choosing to spend your week with us at PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods. It was an absolute pleasure having you in the December 2024 rod-building class. Your enthusiasm and commitment to the craft truly shone through, and we’re thrilled to hear you’re delighted with your new bamboo fly rod!
PJ, Rosanna, Mike, and even Booger all enjoyed sharing this experience with you. It’s always wonderful to witness the joy and skill that emerge when passionate individuals like yourself take on the art of bamboo rod building.
We’re already looking forward to welcoming you back for another class—there’s always something new and exciting to explore in this timeless tradition. Until then, may your new rod bring you many memorable days on the water!

Mike Knapp 2024.12.16

     

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.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2024.12.18

Thank you so much for your glowing review and for being a part of our rod-building community! It’s truly heartwarming to hear that your 3wt fly rod is already well on its way to becoming that cherished heirloom—and that your 5wt continues to bring such joy chasing cutthroat trout in the San Juans.
We’re so glad you had a memorable experience and learned so much during your time with us. It means everything to know we’ve been able to share our passion for craftsmanship and the art of fly fishing with wonderful people like yourself.
When you’re back out on the water with your new rod, we’d love it if you could share a photo or two of your fishing adventures! There’s nothing quite like seeing these rods in action, doing what they were made to do.
Tight lines and happy fishing!

Paul rogers 2024.12.07

     

Amazing quality products, super cool friendly owners! Store is amazing!

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2024.12.07

From one PJ to another, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you and your wife. Thank you so much for taking the time to spend the afternoon with us, learning about our passion and craft. It’s always wonderful to connect with individuals who appreciate the story and care behind what we do. We hope to see you again soon while you're exploring the beauty of Pagosa Country!

Greg Payne 2024.12.01

     

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.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2024.12.01

Hi Greg,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot to hear that building your bamboo fly rod was one of the greatest experiences you’ve had—that’s exactly the kind of magic we strive to share. PJ and the team loved having you and Marco with us in the shop, and your craftsmanship truly shines through in that “heirloom quality” rod you created.
We can’t wait to hear about the adventures you have with it! Please send along some pictures of the fish you and Marco land—we love seeing these rods in action. And next time you’re in Pagosa Springs, don’t hesitate to stop by and share a beer with us.
Wishing you both tight lines,

PJ, Rosanna, John, and Booger

Alyn Martinez 2024.11.19

     

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.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2024.11.26

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words and for joining us for six unforgettable days crafting your own bamboo fly rod in Pagosa Springs. It was truly a pleasure to witness your dedication and enthusiasm throughout the process.
We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed every step of the experience and appreciated the seamless flow of techniques and traditions that PJ, Rosanna, and John take immense pride in sharing. Your thoughtful feedback is a testament to the artistry and connection that this craft inspires.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for your next class and continue this wonderful journey of craftsmanship with you. Until then, may your new fly rod bring you countless moments of joy on the water!

Warm regards,
PJ, John, Rosanna, and Booger

David Arnold 2024.10.18

     

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.

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Reply from PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods 2024.10.24

Hi Dave,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a rewarding experience in PJ's Bamboo Rod Building class. It's wonderful to know that PJ's attention to detail and dedication made the process enjoyable and educational for you.
The fact that you've crafted a fly rod, which will become a treasured family legacy, truly warms our hearts. We hope it brings you many years of joy and serves as a cherished tool passed down through generations of fishers in your family.
Thank you again for sharing your experience, and we look forward to seeing you back in the workshop sometime soon!

Best regards,

PJ, Rosanna, Mike, and Booger