Bamboo Fly Rod Making Workshops - Learn to Build Your Own!

We use The Morgan Handmill for our workshops. This is the most accurate device for tapering strips of bamboo. With over 24 years of experience using the Handmill, you will be learning from one of the most experienced instructors anywhere. Our students come from all over the country. One of our students came from South Africa to learn how to properly use the Morgan Handmill which he had just purchased.

Another satisfied student with his finished 7’9” Parabolic rod!

Located in the historic Town of Kittery Point, Maine, our shop is situated only 300’ from salt water. Listen to the sounds of fog horns and lobster boats as you craft your own personal bamboo fly rod. Our classes are truly unique by offering one-on-one (or two-to-one) instructional classes eliminating the congestion associated with other venues. Spouses may enjoy shopping at the local Kittery Outlet Malls or across the river in the historic seaport town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Accommodations may be found in local B&B’s and hotels. Contact us for help in locating a place to stay. We also offer our own in-home appartment through Airbnb. Let us know if you'd like more information on this option.

These classes are generally scheduled for one week, Monday through Friday, with Saturday as an optional day if needed so that you will leave with a fully-completed rod, ready to fish. Some students may not be able to take a full week of vacation, so an alternative schedule might include a day or two here and there (adding up to 5 days). Students will craft their own bamboo rod under the direction of master rod-maker, Fred Kretchman, with all the materials and equipment supplied by The F. D. Kretchman Rod Co. We use the Morgan Handmill (developed by the late Tom Morgan) for tapering the strips. This Handmill is the most accurate devise available today and virtually eliminates “open glue seams” that are common with other methods such as hand planing. We started using our Morgan Hand Mill in 1999, and have more experience using them than other instructors.

Fees for this class start at $2100 for a classic grade, 2-piece, 1-tip rod. Additional features can be added for an extra cost. Classes can be scheduled throughout the year, so contact us to discuss possible dates. Lunches are provided and may be enjoyed overlooking our local harbor and private town beach!

Hi Fred - Just wanted to let you know that I got my first two fish on the new rod this morning. I like it more each time I use it, if that is possible.” -Lynn

Students will flame bamboo, split it into strips, taper & glue them, straighten the sections, mount ferrules, wrap guides with silk thread, install the reel seat, custom-make a cork handle , and varnish their rod. We only use the finest quality nickel silver components, snake guides, and pure silk thread. The end result is that you will make a quality rod that you’ll be proud to own, fish, show to friends, and pass down to the next generation. Remember, the emphasis in our class is to fully complete a high quality rod; not a fast/cheap substitute!

November, 2023
"Fred: I just want to follow up to say THANK YOU to both you & Bonnie. Not only was the rod building experience amazing, but the hospitality & meals were outstanding too!
I've only had one chance to get out to test the rod so far and it casts beautifully! Unfortunately, I didn't see one fish during my short time on the Pemi, but I'm looking forward to getting into some action in June up around Rangeley.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the class. Not only was the rod building worth it , but the time you took to explain so much more about the history of the makers, and all of the legendary crafters you know was much appreciated. That was most impressive. I also came away from the experience with a much greater appreciation for the bamboo than I had before. I knew there would be much more to it than assembling a graphite rod, and I assumed there was an art to it, but I was surprised by the effects that has on the rod's performance.
Lastly, I appreciate all of the advice you gave me on the rods I've been collecting over the years and the pointers & 'tips' you provided on my DIY restoration plans. Again, the training you provided will give me the confidence to tackle the project rods on my own. I hope to see you & Bonnie on the water some day- and I hope you enjoy dinner in Portsmouth." --Brian H.

10/22/2018
I had the opportunity to work with Fred Kretchman from October 15 to 19, 2018 in one of his Bamboo Rod Building workshops. I had researched working with several rod builders and decided that I wanted to work with Fred. After contacting him regarding when he had the time to work with me, he responded quickly, and was very informative regarding his class, reading that I might do beforehand and details regarding this experience.
He and his wife Bonnie were able to suggest accommodations, which were a success, as well as inquiring as to any dietary preferences. Lunches were provided each day, curtesy of Bonnie, who is an outstanding cook.
Fred explained and broke down each stage of the design, construction and finish of bamboo rod. He was able to show samples of his work as well as the work of other master rod builders to me, which made it easy to settle on what I wanted to try to build.
Fred is both an outstanding craftsman and teacher. Fred explains each process, demonstrates each task and then had me perform the task. He is attentive and focused on the student, but is not overbearing. Fred very patiently taught me the various special skills needed to work with bamboo, and to craft a rod.
During this instruction, Fred was able to teach me some of the history of rod making and relate a great deal of information about rods, and rod makers. The days of working in the shop moved along quickly, but I never felt rushed to complete a task. The experience of taking bamboo in its raw form and then gradually transforming it into a working rod, is quite amazing. Fred made this process both understandable and very enjoyable.
I am extremely pleased with the 6’6”, 3 -weight rod that I built with Fred. The rod turned out far better than my expectations, largely due to the care and attention given to this project given by Fred. I am looking forward to fishing with it and passing it on when I can no longer use it. This whole experience was a positive due to Fred’s craftsmanship, professionalism and ability to teach. I would endorse this workshop to anyone who has an interest in handcrafting their own bamboo flyrod, as well as learning much of the history or these iconic implements.
Robert D.

Hi Fred
It has been several months since I completed making my bamboo rod in your “one on one” bamboo rod making class. With the benefit of hindsight, I would like to share my thoughts on the experience. I am sure I told you at the time that I own several fly rods that are all special to me. The rod I made under your supervision, however, is very special. It looks great and it is a pleasure to cast and fish. The building process was a very positive experience for me due in part to your communicating and instructing skills. You are a thorough and patient teacher. I could not be happier with the rod or the learning experience in making it.
Besides building the rod, the week also provided me with an incredible educational experience. You are not only a fine craftsman and instructor, but you also possess a wealth of knowledge about the world of bamboo fly rods. You were more than happy to share that knowledge with me as you patiently answered my endless questions. At the end of the class, I felt a new appreciation for the craft of bamboo rod making along with a greater understanding of the history, and the lure and lore of bamboo fly rods.
I would also like to add the following points, which enhanced my overall experience. First, the fact that you are a real gentleman and an all around great guy made the workplace relationship a whole lot easier. Second, your rod shop has just the right atmosphere, making it a great place to work. Third, Kittery Point is a beautiful area of southern coastal Maine (who knew Kittery is more than Rt.1), and fourth, the lunches prepared by your wife Bonnie (and I know you helped) were terrific.
In sum, it was an unforgettable experience for me. The week could not have been a better 70th birthday present to myself. Thanks for the memories.
Lynn

This came from a recent student: fly tyer Rick Little of Shadcreek Flies (www.shadcreekflies.com):

"I have been intrigued by the history, the traditions, and the "feel" of bamboo rods for many years. However, I was not sure I would ever have a bamboo rod of my own. Over the last few years, I have been exhibiting at shows and been adjacent to Fred Kretchman's booth, F.D. Kretchman Rod Co., and I was fascinated by the beauty of the rods he was displaying. Then, a couple of years ago, I tried out several of Fred's rods at the Eldredge Brothers Fly Shop Spring show in Cape Neddick, Maine and I was hooked.

Fred offers a program in which he takes a student for a week, and during that time, the student builds his own bamboo rod. We started off by casting a number of rods, and I loved the feel of a rod built in the style of a Payne 102 rod. Perfect for my style of fishing! Fred is a great teacher and we then began the process of preparing the bamboo, from torching the culm, filing down the nodules, and splitting it into workable sections that would make up the rod.

This was a week in which I learned a tremendous amount. Fred stepped me through each step of the rod making process and in the middle of the day, we relaxed over lunch prepared by Fred's wife, Bonnie. To me, this was an experience to learn about the history and traditions of bamboo rod making, as well as create a rod that I will treasure for years to come. As I finished my week with Fred and Bonnie, I drove away with a wonderful rod that I know will be a pleasure to fish with. I had learned an incredible amount about the art and craft of making a bamboo rod, but most of all, I left having made two new friends. What a fabulous experience. If you have ever thought about having your own bamboo rod, you might just want to think about building it under the watchful eye of a skilled craftsman and teacher - Fred Kretchman."

Here are a few of my "students"

Samantha was a delightful student. She crafted a fly rod for her father's 50th birthday.... a gift he'll never forget.

Ray (a retired machinist and machine shop owner) is crafting his first rod and working with bamboo for a change. He's become a very good friend and loves to tell folks about his experiences making and fishing his rod.

A talented jewelry maker and leather worker, Hannah crafted a gorgeous fly rod for her husband in celebration of their wedding anniversary.

Walt is making his own special rod. Here he is removing the dams inside the bamboo.

A delightful couple who were so fun and a joy to have around- and he made a beautiful rod.

The above photo is of myself with noted flyfisher/author/guide from South Africa: Dean Riphagen. What a great time we had together as I helped him learn how to use the Morgan Hand Mill.

The duration of a class is usually Monday through Friday, but can be arranged to accommodate a busy work schedule.

Saturday is an optional day, if needed, so that you will leave with a fully-completed rod, ready to fish.

Classes are scheduled throughout the year, so contact us to discuss possible dates.

Fees for this class are $2100.

Schedule your class now