Kustich reflects on his early years in New York, growing up within reach of a polluted Niagara River, and the path that led him from the seminary to the wide-open waters of the West. Eventually settling in Twin Bridges, Montana, he built a life as a rod maker and angler, sharing it with the love of his life until tragedy altered his course. His journey is one of resilience, purpose, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Along the way, readers travel with him to steelhead rivers in Kamchatka, the flats of the Florida Gulf, waters in Mexico, and the estuaries of Chesapeake Bay. Yet this book reaches far beyond fishing alone. It’s a reflection on conservation, a call to protect cold-water fisheries, and a reminder of the forces that continue to threaten them.

At its core, Bamboo Days is an honest account of a life lived not for recognition or wealth, but for the simple satisfaction of casting a finely crafted rod to a rising fish. 6 x 9 inches. 216 pages.

“An honest account of a life well lived, not for money or fame, but for the simple satisfaction of casting a finely crafted fly rod to a rising trout.”
— Bob Romano, author of Return to Rangeley and River Flower

“One of the best, most relevant and influential books I’ve read in years. For anyone who cares about the why and how of fly fishing, this book delivers.”
— Kirk Deeter, editor and vice president of angling, Trout Unlimited

About the Author

After building graphite and cane rods for more than two decades, Jerry Kustich partnered with renowned bamboo rod maker Glenn Brackett to found Sweetgrass Rods in Twin Bridges, Montana. A craftsman, writer, conservationist, and lifelong angler, he has co-authored Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead and written multiple acclaimed books of fly-fishing stories. His work has appeared in numerous publications and platforms throughout the angling world.