Muskalungeeeeee!
-Mike
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
MDFishing.org has requested and was granted a "Club/Organization" account with Versitex. If you are a custom rod builder or a wannabe custom rod builder and are paying retail prices for blanks and other supplies then I think you'll be very interested in this generous offer that Versitex has provided to MDFishing.org members.
If you want to take advantage of the offer then send us a note with your MDFishing.org username and within a few days we will send you back a club code that will get you started. Send the note to: webmaster@mdfishing.org
Enjoy!
Smalljaw
Over the years our components have had a major impact in rod building. From the first ceramic guide, introduced by Fuji over 38 years ago, to the new wave of concept guides and tops, there is no doubt that these innovations have paved the way for new and better ways to use guides. The Concept Guides and tops introduced by Fuji have shown that rod performance relies on much more than the blank alone. Guides and Tops are just as integral a part of fishing as any other component. Fuji’s concept components allow a rod to have increased sensitivity, accuracy, and even improved weight balance without sacrificing strength and durability.
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There are two basic strategies for building a cork grip for a fly rod.
Rod builder Dave Lewis of Performance Fly Rods reveals a few of his secrets.
Preformed grips are ok, but having the ability to turn your own grips really enforces the notion of a "custom built" rod.
