There are some places and people that leave a lasting impression, not because they’re trying to, but because they live with intention and passion. For April Vokey, visiting Bob Clay’s riverside workshop in British Columbia was one of those unforgettable moments.
Bob isn’t just a bamboo rod builder. He’s a man who has shaped his entire life around staying close to the Kispiox River, a place he fell in love with decades ago. After first fishing there in 1971, Bob moved from Calgary to the valley in 1977 and never looked back. “Some people follow a career,” he says. “I do anything I can to live here.”
Learning From A Mentor
Bob didn’t grow up in a fishing family. Instead, he found his way into fly fishing thanks to a mentor named Harry Hohner, an Englishman who ran the fishing department at Woodward’s. Every Monday, when the store was closed, Harry and Bob would head out to fish. Bob had the car, and Harry had the knowledge. Through those outings, Bob learned the art of fly fishing, and a lifelong passion was born.
That same love for the outdoors runs deep in his family now. All four of Bob’s children are avid outdoor enthusiasts, with three of them being serious steelhead anglers. Though he never envisioned that life when he first arrived, Bob credits simply following what he loved for everything that came after. “If you pursue what you like in life,” he says, “then things happen.”
Building A Legacy In Bamboo
For many anglers, casting a bamboo rod built by Bob Clay is more than just using a fishing tool; it’s connecting to something bigger. The craftsmanship that goes into each rod is personal. From splitting the cane to wrapping each guide, Bob builds with intention, knowing that these rods are often used for a lifetime.
The connection between builder and angler is real, even if they’ve never met. There’s something powerful about using a rod that was crafted specifically for you by someone who knows the river and understands the experience you’re seeking. April felt it deeply, especially while standing in the river, about to cast her custom rod, as Bob made dinner up on the hill. It was one of those surreal, quiet moments that tied everything together.
The Value Of History And Storytelling
Bob is also a student of history. His library is filled with books by legendary anglers and writers, including his personal favourite, Roderick Haig-Brown. Bob sees Haig-Brown as a fisherman, but also as a romantic and a writer who had a unique ability to transport readers into his world.
“He wasn’t a steelheader the way we define it today,” Bob explains. “He was a fisherman and a writer, and the way he described the experience has never really been matched.” That appreciation for storytelling and reflection shines through in Bob’s own work, both in his rods and in his conversations.
Books like Measure of the Year remain favourites for Bob. They are stories about simple living, fishing, and family life along the river. They remind us that the fishing experience is just as much about place, people, and quiet moments as it is about the fish themselves.
Reflections From The River
Ultimately, spending time with Bob Clay at his riverside home gave April more than just a behind-the-scenes look at bamboo rod building. It offered a glimpse into a life fully devoted to craft, nature, and family. From hearing about his early days in the valley to standing in the river below his hillside home, casting one of his handcrafted rods, the experience was unforgettable. Bob’s quiet wisdom and deep connection to place are woven into every piece of his work.
Learn More From Bob Clay
If this story resonated with you, there are two ways to explore more. You can listen to April’s full conversation with Bob on the Anchored Podcast, where they talk about his life, philosophy, and rod building journey.
Or, if you want to go even deeper, Bob’s Masterclass is available through Anchored Outdoors, offering a detailed look at his process, tips, and tools of the trade. Whether you’re curious about building your own bamboo rod or just want to learn from one of the best, it’s a rare opportunity to learn from a true craftsman.
