Pulled The Trigger - My First Custom Rod

muskalungee 03/28/2009 - 11:09 Essays Rod Building and Repair

Well, I finally pulled the trigger. I ordered my first Custom Rod. I did a lot of research and I decided I wanted to have it built by someone that I knew would do it right. So I chose to go with Duane Richards, otherwise known as "DR".

Now, the next question was what do I want? I figured that if I was going to get a custom rod, I wanted it to be custom right down to the color and design. So I wanted it to be my favorite color...orange. :D Duane helped me locate exactly the blank I was looking for, and we were able to find it in the super bright orange I was looking for. Typically, it has to be custom painted by the rod manufacturer (CTS Rods) and shipped from New Zealand, but DR was able to find a buddy that had one and he worked out a trade. Here's some pics of what we have going so far. The first picture is what I put together to see what it would all look like, the others are the font we're using for the decals and photos DR took of the rod blank.

No doubt, this rod is going to be unique...I can't wait. Now I just need a name for it...and NO IT WILL NOT BE CARROT STICK!
Muskalungeeee!
-Mike

You beat me to it! "Carro

jackson 03/29/2009 - 03:12 You beat me to it! "Carrot Stick" Did I read somewhere that there is a rod made from 70% carrot fibers! That's cool, what action, length? Tube rod? Good Luck, Jackson!!

Stats

muskalungee 03/29/2009 - 16:31 Here are the stats: Rod:

CTS EF 704 Tangerine, Elite Spin F 7'0" 8-14lb 3/16-1/2oz

Reel Seat:

17mm Fuji Soft Touch DPSSD17

Guides:

Fuji Titanium Frame Concept Guides with SIC rings (TYSG) sized in:
- 1-25.0mm
- 1-12.0mm
- 1-8.0mm single foot spinning guides
- finished out with 5-5.0mm TLSG fly guides with matching TFST Concept Tip

Misc:

17mm Fuji Soft Touch DPSSD17
Batson Mushroom EVA Butt Cap
AAA Grade cork with NO fillers
Thread: black with silver metallic inlays and trim

Muskalungeeeeeeee! -Mike

Custom

HookUp 04/07/2009 - 10:03 Nice job Mike. I've seen many DR rods and each are unique and top quality. DR's great working with and you'll be pleased at the rod you're getting.

DR got me a CTS blank for me to build on and it went north last year with Steven Flint. 30 fish over 18" and my first 6# smallie that was well over 21".

The TiSiC guides will add a crispness to an already sensitive blank that you'll find very enjoyable.

Glad to hear you pulled the plug, but trust me, once you have one custom, it's a journey and you'll have to replace every rod in your quiver with one.

Nothing beats dumb luck

Rod

spothogg 03/28/2009 - 19:01 Good choice, DR builds a great rod, Got two made by him. Don't know what to say about that color though,

Will it be ready for the trip North,