Bill Oyster 100+ cast with boo

[Fire Walker]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIG8aBEif3I&feature=player_embedded

[Buck Henry]

I always get a chuckle when Bill tosses the rod down on the ground (devil may care attitude or keen marketing ploy for his rods, not sure which? :) )

Here are a few still shots of Bill doing the 100 yard cast thing at one of our bamboo rod gatherings. The dude can definitely move some line.

PS: Bill is a proud new Papa! He and Shannen's new little girl Veronica was born last week. :cheers:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u207/buck_henry/P6140022.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u207/buck_henry/P6140021-1.jpg

[Prowler]

Are casting instructions included in the bamboo rod building class? :) I have gotten the approval from the wife so looks like I am going to sign up.

[WillyMitchell42]

Prowler,

Casting instruction may not be listed as part of the class but when I was there in November we had several opportunities to cast some of Bill's fly rods and he was more than happy to give pointers on how to improve your cast. It helped me decide the length and weight I wanted to build. The best part about taking the class now is that your only minutes away from the Toccoa River where you have the chance to cast to a real live trout. If and when you take the class you will not be disappointed. Casting tips, fishing stories, the knowledge to build a bamboo fly rod and to boot you get to keep the rod you build. You will definitely get more than your money's worth. IMO

Mitch Whitmire

[Prowler]

Prowler,

Casting instruction may not be listed as part of the class but when I was there in November we had several opportunities to cast some of Bill's fly rods and he was more than happy to give pointers on how to improve your cast. It helped me decide the length and weight I wanted to build. The best part about taking the class now is that your only minutes away from the Toccoa River where you have the chance to cast to a real live trout. If and when you take the class you will not be disappointed. Casting tips, fishing stories, the knowledge to build a bamboo fly rod and to boot you get to keep the rod you build. You will definitely get more than your money's worth. IMO

Mitch Whitmire


Yeah I can't wait!!!! My inlaws live in blue ridge so it will give me a chance to spend some time with them as well. I just need to decide what weight and length rod I want to build. I have a 9 foot 5 weight and a 7 foot 4 weight. Any suggestions on what I should build?

[WillyMitchell42]

I just watched this video again for about the tenth time. It's amazing to me how straight the cast is along that tape measure.

Prowler,
It's really up to you and where you plan to fish with your bamboo rod. I built a 7'-0" 4wt. rod to use on streams like Smiths during the D.H. or Waters creek. When I build another one it will probably be a 7'-9" 5 wt. If your ever up this way let me know and I'll try to meet up and you can cast mine.

Mitch Whitmire

[Buck Henry]

Kevin,

Yep, you can build just about any configuration you wish in Bill's class. I built a 7' 9" 4 weight with a medium fast action taper. As Mitch said, it really is driven by what type of fishing you plan to do with the rod. If you are wanting it to be a classic trout rod, then you should consider building a nice 4 weight. On the other hand, if you want it to be a bit more general purpose then you might want to consider a beefier 5 or even 6 weight rod. Bill has a great 8 foot 6 weight taper that is a cannon if you want something to chunk big streamers and bass bugs (that is the rod he is using in both the video and still shots above).

And what length / weight rod to build is just the beginning of the anquishing decisions you will have to make when you take the class. Many nervous moments will be spent deciding on:

flamed versus blonde cane
what type of wood for your reel seat insert
what color wraps for your guide
what color for your agate stripping guide (assuming you opt for this option, which you will:))
what shape for your cork handle
and what words to inscribe on your rod.


PS: now what was this thread about again? :)

[Prowler]

Dang I have about decided on the 7ft 9inch 4 weight and then you have to mention the 6 weight which is one I don't have and then you sweeten it by saying that is the rod he made the cast in the video with. Grrrrrr Now I am torn again. :) I don't really want the boo rod to be a bass rod. I would probably use it mostly for trout and an occasional bream bed so I guess the 4 weight will be my best option. I already have a 4 weight but I don't guess there is any law that says you can't have two. :)

[fishnpreacher]

Prowler, if you already have a 4wt graphite, go ahead with the 4wt 'boo. There will be enough difference in the actions that they won't even be in the same class. I know Bill has some of his own tapers, but there are tons of tried and proven tapers, 2, 3, and 4pc rods, and almost any configuration you want.

BTW, Clark forgot one other MAJOR consideration about your new bamboo rod.
What reel do you pair with it? I love the classic Peerless look, though I can't afford a Peerless. Bill Ballan makes a good solid classic reel. The older Orvis Battenkills (made in England) pair up well, as well as many others. :)
Please don't put a new fancy large arbor reel on a bamboo rod. :shake: :( Classic rods deserve a classic reel.

[Prowler]

Dangit now yet another decision to make. I am getting a migraine. :) I was going to put my gold CV2 Large arbor on it but I guess I shouldn't do that eh?

[Prowler]

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!! Just priced peerless. $650!!!!!!

[fishnpreacher]

Dangit now yet another decision to make. I am getting a migraine. :) I was going to put my gold CV2 Large arbor on it but I guess I shouldn't do that eh?

You can, but IMHO large arbor reels on bamboo SUCK. But thats just one mans opinion.

I have a Bill Ballan on my 7613 rod, and an Orvis B'KILL on my midge. I also have a Pflueger Supreme in a gold finish that looks pretty cool. Some folks may like the LA look, but not me....too much of a traditionalist, I guess..;)

[Prowler]

Well I have a long time before the class so who knows.....maybe I can find a good deal on a peerless.

[WillyMitchell42]

Oh by the way, with a nice reel you gotta have a top notch fly line.

[Prowler]

Yeah I am kind of hooked on sharkskin right now so I guess I will have to get another spool of it. :(

[Buck Henry]

Yeah I am kind of hooked on sharkskin right now so I guess I will have to get another spool of it. :(

Hmmmm, much to learn about bamboo this one does! :)

http://blogs.fayobserver.com/faytoz/files/2008/08/yoda.jpg

[fishnpreacher]

SHARKSKIN!!
ON BAMBOO!!
HERESY!!

Prowler, repeat after me "silk, silk, silk"

You think 650.00 for a reel is expensive, just wait...;)


Really, check out cortland Sylk fly line..

[Fire Walker]

This caught my attention as well crazy accurate!I just watched this video again for about the tenth time. It's amazing to me how straight the cast is along that tape measure.

Prowler,
It's really up to you and where you plan to fish with your bamboo rod. I built a 7'-0" 4wt. rod to use on streams like Smiths during the D.H. or Waters creek. When I build another one it will probably be a 7'-9" 5 wt. If your ever up this way let me know and I'll try to meet up and you can cast mine.

Mitch Whitmire

[Prowler]

Ooops. I guess sharkskin is a dirty word in the bamboo community. :)

[Town Creek]

I have the Cortland Sylk Line on a reel for my bamboo and like it. I think Mr. Oyster sells the Wulff Lines. Both are very good. No Sharkskin please.

[trythefly]

Awesome video, makes me want an Oyster even more.

[big worm]

So, if you're going to limit the fly line and reel you can put on a boo rod, then you need to also consider that only certain flies should be allowed on the end of your line, as well.