Edmund Everett Garrison (1893–1975) was a structural and electrical engineer whose focus on the physics of bamboo fly‑rod design revolutionized the craft. Garrison didn’t rely on tradition or apprenticeship alone—instead, he applied stress‑analysis formulas and engineering principles to develop precise tapers and specifications. This approach, rare among rod makers of his era, led to rods celebrated for their balanced, parabolic action and lasting performance. By his own count, Garrison built roughly 650 rods between the early 1930s to his retirement from engineering in 1970, and his death in 1975.1
In partnership with Hoagy B. Carmichael, Garrison documented his methods in A Master’s Guide to Building a Bamboo Fly Rod (1977), a definitive text richly illustrated with Garrison’s drawings, hundreds of photos, and engineering notes. The guide not only opened the door to amateur rod builders but also became the bible of modern bamboo‑rod construction. Alongside his rod designs, Garrison created tooling that remains a mainstay in rod maker workshops today. His rods are highly prized by collectors, sought after for their artistry and historical significance.
Garrison’s legacy lives on not just through his rods and book, but also through modern builders who carry forward his blend of engineering rigor, handmade detail, and dedication to performance and simplicity.
