AVON, Conn. — From his basement workshop in Avon, Michael Day is used to going against the grain., that's part of what it takes to create a fly rod. Day, an attorney by trade, followed his passion and about two and a half years ago he began his grassroots start-up -- “Fly By Day”.
Day makes handmade bamboo fly fishing rods.
“There are people that make these throughout the world but I would say few make the entire rod from raw stock,” Day said.
Because Connecticut is famous for its fishing waters, Day noted that there is a rich history of fly-fishing rod makers that dates back to the late 1800s in the state. Day also said that making high-end bamboo fly rods combines hands-on experience and the cerebral strategizing needed to complete a finished rod.
“I consider it a piece of functional art,” said Day. “it’s nice to do something that is free of technology where your face isn’t in a phone or in an iPad.”
With the bamboo rods starting at around $1600 each, Day said there is good reason for that because each rod takes around 150 hours to finish.
“I machine and fabricate all the parts to create that finished product," said Day.
Day, an avid fly fisherman added that getting more people out on the water is always good.
“The idea is to slow down and spend quality time outdoors," said Day.
To learn more about Fly By Day handcrafted bamboo fly rods click here.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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