Bill Oyster is a bamboo fly rod maker specializing in custom designed, hand-engraved fly rods. In the Southern mountain town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, Bill leads fly rod making courses that attract fishermen from as far as England and Scotland to create a one-of-a-kind rod. Each custom fly rod is personally hand engraved by Bill making each rod truly a work of art.

As an artisan, Bill’s work has been recognized worldwide. He has been commissioned to create custom rods for some of the world’s finest anglers, one of which was President Jimmy Carter. In 2010, Bill’s was recognized for his talents in Garden & Gun, winning the Sports Category of their Made in the South Awards.

As part of the Artist in Residence program in Moreland Village, Bill shared his talents with Palmetto Bluff last week. Members and guests stopped by the Artist Cottage during Gallery Hours to learn more about Bill and his bamboo fly rods by watching Bill work and even throwing a few casts in the backyard.

Bill hosted Fly Fishing Charter on Saturday with local angler Fuzzy Davis along the salty May River. Then later that night the fun continued with a Garden & Gun style fish fry with festive cocktails, live music and dishes from The Southerner’s Cookbook.

For more information on Artist in Residence and to learn more about our upcoming artisans, please visit www.palmettobluffartist.com or call 912.706.6402.