Rod Building Process

Discussion with client. Determine what rod blank and other components will work best for the angler’s desired wants. Many things will be covered here, including what type of fishing, baits that will be used, thread work, colors, blank types and models, guide models and placement, handle configuration, handle materials available, reel seat types, the model of reel to be used on the finished rod. This is the time that we both get to know each other and the more I know about the client; the better I will be able to build them a rod that is the absolute best, both in beauty and performance. Determining the proper blank and components are so crucial to ensure that the angler feels exactly what they desired when they put the finished rod in their hand. No matter how well the rod is built, if the right components for the desired type of fishing are not obtained, the finished rod will never meet the angler’s expectations. This is just one of the things that make a custom-built rod so awesome.

Rod Blank Spined. A rod blank’s spine is that plane or axis where the blank exhibits its least resistance to bending. After testing the blank for its spine, the guides are then placed in such a manner that is best suited for the type & style of fishing to be done.

Handle & Reel Seat Assembly. Depending on the choices made by the client, the chosen reel seat might be modified, or an insert might be crafted from cork, wood, or resins. All of my handle assemblies,EVA, flocked, and cork grips, are made from scratch. Cork is glued up, using various types of cork, burl, etc., & then fashioned on a lathe. Each handle is made to fit each client’s hands. All cork is Extra Fine quality.

Grip, Reel Seat Placement. Balance! Oh so important. Placement of grips & reel seat is performed utilizing the customer’s reel they will use on their new rod. Spacing is partly determined by the customer’s desires & the type of fishing. Achieving a neutral, or tip up, or tip down can normally be accomplished by spacing of these components. This is a crucial step in making a rod comfortable to fish with for long periods.

Thread Art. Another option that can be done is the use of colorful thread design. Various cross wraps and other designs are available to each client to enhance the beauty of their rod.

Static Distribution Test. Once the grips, reel seat, and tiptop are in place, the rod, along with the reel are placed in a device that allows the rod to be stressed, as if fighting a fish. If the rod were going to break, this would be the time, as the stress is much more than the rod should ever be in the hands of the client. This test allows the guides to be placed so that the line follows the curve created in the rod and to keep the line from touching the blank. The guides are temporarily attached and the rod is test cast to ensure the maximum distance. Any minor guide adjustments are made at this time.

Guide Prep & Wrapping. Guides are then properly shaped and sanded. After which, each guide is wrapped according to the color(s) chosen during our initial discussion. All single foot guides are security wrapped, preventing the loss of guides.

Decal, Inscription Application. A special part of each custom rod is the inscription to the client. I can put nearly any words the client wants. Many customers like it to be simple, such as, "Custom Made for Suzanne Abuan". However, I will put whatever you desire. I also apply my logo, rod specs at this time. Nearly every customer I build for or just anyone who looks at a custom-built rod first looks at this area of the rod. I know that I do too, and I go to great lengths to be sure this area of the rod really stands out.

Finish Applications. The epoxy finish applied to the thread wraps are not only a functional aspect of the rod, it is the final cosmetic touch that tells about the quality of the work that lies underneath. Multiple applications of finish are applied in order to protect all thread work, decals, inscriptions, and to enhance the beauty of the rod.

Cork Sealed & Rod Polished. All cork grips are sealed with a sealer that tightens up the cork, reduces chipping & degradation of cork, seals against dirt & oils. The completed rod is then polished and packaged for delivery.

Summary. This briefly explains the process that I take in crafting each client’s special, one of a kind rod. I never rush the build process. The Goal on every custom rod I build is to deliver a rod that performs to its maximum, looks the best, and exceeds my customer’s expectations. Every Time!

Hand Crafted, One of a Kind Custom Fishing Rods

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