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Agua Fria Alchemy Bamboo

Posted on June 1, 2015October 3, 2018 by azwanderings
Dickerson 7012
Dickerson 7012

Last summer I commissioned my friend and local bamboo rod builder, Mike Johnson, owner of Agua Fria Alchemy, to build me a rod. I’d been pinching the pennies I made from tying flies and finally saved up enough to get the ball rolling. After talking with Mike for quite a while about bamboo and casting/fishing a couple of different tapers, we decided upon a Dickerson 7012 in a 4 weight and the journey began. When Mike finally let me know that the rod was finished and ready to fish, I was blown away by how sweet it cast, and not to mention the beautiful craftsmanship. If you’re looking for a gorgeous handmade bamboo rod here in Arizona, give Mike a shout. You can find him through his blog Agua Fria Alchemy or his facebook page.

Here she is – start to water

Bamboo Rod
Curls
Bamboo
Agua Fria Alchemy
Bamboo rod
In the shop
Agua Fria Alchemy
The man himself
Agua Fria Alchemy
Torpedo grip
Agua Fria Alchemy Bamboo Rod
“Mino”
J.W. Young Pridex
J.W. Young Pridex
Agua Fria Alchemy Hand Crafted Split Cane Rods
Agua Fria Alchemy Hand Crafted Split Cane Rods
Southwest Custom Rods
Spalted Maple Reel Seat courtesy of Southwest Custom Rods
Pridex
Ready to rock
Bamboo
Brown trout and bamboo
Agua Fria Alchemy
Agua Fria Alchemy
bamboo fly rod
On the water
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19 thoughts on “Agua Fria Alchemy Bamboo”

  1. Mark Coleman says:
    June 1, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    What’s the story behind “Mino”?

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      June 1, 2015 at 10:36 pm

      Mark,

      Mino is a silly little nickname for my daughter. Someday, I hope to pass this fly rod down to her.

      Ben

      Reply
      1. Mark Coleman says:
        June 4, 2015 at 1:35 pm

        Beautiful

        Reply
        1. azwanderings says:
          June 5, 2015 at 5:33 pm

          Thanks Mark.

          Reply
  2. walt says:
    June 1, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    At first I thought the rod is 4-sided, but a beauty either way. Should be lots of fun on AZ water. Reminds me of a custom rod that’s finally coming my way after a 2-year wait. An interesting exercise in patience.

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      June 1, 2015 at 10:36 pm

      Thanks Walt. It sure is a fun rod. The wait has a way of building that anticipation. Best of luck with your new stick.

      Ben

      Reply
  3. anselmo says:
    June 2, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    Nice! Bamboo rocks. warning: Once you start, you can’t stop. I’ll predict that will quickly become your “Go-to” rod 🙂

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      June 3, 2015 at 3:29 am

      Anselmo, 10-4. I’m already feeling the addiction setting in.

      Ben

      Reply
  4. terry potter says:
    June 2, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    Beautiful piece of art……..

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      June 3, 2015 at 3:29 am

      Thank you Terry.

      Ben

      Reply
  5. Mike McLaughlin says:
    June 3, 2015 at 12:07 am

    Beauty.

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      June 3, 2015 at 3:29 am

      Thanks Mike.

      Ben

      Reply
  6. 33AD says:
    June 3, 2015 at 4:26 am

    Spalted (or burled) wood classes stuff up. Great legacy piece for the kid one day…

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      June 3, 2015 at 5:32 pm

      Thanks 33.

      Ben

      Reply
  7. Pingback: Arizona Fly Fishing: Summertime - Arizona WanderingsArizona Wanderings
  8. daniel lukensow says:
    January 13, 2023 at 7:38 pm

    I would like purchase one bamboo rod for my son’s birthday Sept 1st. Pls let me know if it can be done.

    Thanks Daniel

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      January 17, 2023 at 7:04 pm

      I sent you an email. Thank you.

      Ben

      Reply
  9. Terry L Jirovsky says:
    July 10, 2024 at 11:10 pm

    Would like to order a bamboo flyfishing rod….for a great friend.
    What is the process to place an order….timing, choices?, pricing.

    Reply
    1. azwanderings says:
      October 25, 2025 at 6:02 pm

      Sadly Mike has passed away. He was a good friend and great rod maker. He’ll be missed.

      Ben

      Reply

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