Bob Clay

Bob Clay lives in northern British Columbia's Kispiox Valley and is the owner of Riverwatch Rods. Bob started fly fishing the Kispiox river in 1971, where he went on to live, guide and become somewhat of a historical figure. Bob guided all through the 80's and 90's before selling his guiding operation and focusing extensively on bamboo rod building. He would eventually cross paths and work with Tom Morgan, formally of Winston Rod Co., who became his rod building mentor Bob is now one of the most respected builders in the industry.
Bob Clay

Building a bamboo fly rod is no easy task.

It requires dedication, commitment and patience. It also requires knowledge and proper guidance. That's where we come in. This class will teach you how to build a bamboo rod from start to finish. Regardless of whether you are looking to build a single or double-hand rod, or whether you're an experienced or novice craftsperson, this class is a treasure to all aspiring rod builders.
Building a bamboo fly rod is no easy task.

Course curriculum

  • 01
    Before You Start
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    • Some Important Notes
  • 02
    Chapter 1: Introduction to Bamboo Rod Building
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    • Introduction to Bamboo Rod Building
  • 03
    Chapter 2: Selecting Culms
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    • Selecting Culms
  • 04
    Chapter 3: Flaming Culms
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    • Flaming Culms
  • 05
    Chapter 4: Rough Splitting and Oven Prep
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    • Rough Splitting and Oven Prep
  • 06
    Chapter 5: Oven Heat Treating
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    • Oven Heat Treating
  • 07
    Chapter 6: Final Splitting
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    • Final Splitting
  • 08
    Chapter 7: Node Removal
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    • Node Removal
  • 09
    Chapter 8: Scraping the Cambium Layer
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    • Scraping the Cambium Layer
  • 10
    Chapter 9: Stagger and Cut Strips
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    • Stagger and Cut Strips
  • 11
    Chapter 10: Node Preparation
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    • Node Preparation
  • 12
    Chapter 11: Straighten Strips
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    • Straighten Strips
  • 13
    Chapter 12: Rough Triangulate
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    • Rough Triangulate
  • 14
    Chapter 13: Rough Taper
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    • Rough Taper
  • 15
    Chapter 14: Final Taper
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    • Final Taper
  • 16
    Chapter 15: Align and Hollow
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    • Align and Hollow
  • 17
    Chapter 16: Glue and Bind
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    • Glue and Bind
  • 18
    Chapter 17: Scraping the Blank
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    • Scraping the Blank
  • 19
    NEW Figuring the Splice into Taper
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    • Figuring the Splice into Taper
  • 20
    Chapter 18: Splice Joint
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    • Splice Joint
  • 21
    Chapter 19: Dip Varnishing
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    • Dip Varnishing
  • 22
    Chapter 20: Handle Assembly
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    • Handle Assembly
  • 23
    Chapter 21: Handle Shaping
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    • Handle Shaping
  • 24
    NEW Spey Rod Handle Assembly
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    • NEW Spey Rod Handle Assembly
  • 25
    Chapter 22: Wrapping Guides
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    • Wrapping Guides
  • 26
    Chapter 23: Varnishing Guide Wraps
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    • Varnishing Guide Wraps
  • 27
    NEW Final Dip
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    • Final Dip
  • 28
    Chapter 24: Conclusion
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    • Conclusion
  • 29
    Chapter 25: Equipment List
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    • Equipment List
  • 30
    Chapter 26: Tapers and Specs
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    • Tapers and Specs
  • 31
    Congrats! Here's what's next...
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    • Course Completion Certification, Resources and More

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FAQ

  • How long do I have access to this course for? Is there an expiration date?

    You'll have access to this class for LIFE!