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A quality fishing rod begins with the use of quality components. I don't believe in scrimping on components to "save a buck". When you do, the end result is a rod that you won't be completely satisfied with. Over the years, I have used various rod building components and feel that those suggested, are the finest available. There are many good manufactured rods available, that will do many of the tasks desired. Though some may come close, they are not crafted with the same care and attention to detail of a custom handcrafted rod. Consider some of the advantages listed below.
Rod Blanks: You will have the opportunity to choose from a number of rod blank manufacturers. Determine the blank that best fits the application you are searching for. There are many quality blanks that are light weight, yet strong and durable. Your blank will determine to a large degree, how your rod will balance out. I prefer not to put weight in the butt section of a rod except in extreme cases. You may visit the web sites of some rod blank manufacturers by going to the Favorite Links. page.
Rod Spine: This is the position that the rod settles to when flexed. All rod blanks have a spine. Makers of mass produced rods don't have the time to find the spine on their rod blanks. They will usually go with the straightest side, which may not coincide the spine. There are a number of methods and devices used to determine the spine of the rod. I begin by placing the butt section on a flat surface, such as my rod table. I then place the rod tip in my left hand. The last step is to push down on the blank in the center, with my right hand, causing the rod to bend. The blank is then rolled across the table, which will cause the rod to settle in a relaxed, flexed position. The reel seat and guides are placed on this spine to optimize casting accuracy and/or fish fighting abilities.
Guides for spinning and casting rods
come in various sizes, colors and styles. The most common guides I use for this application are the Fuji New Concept guides. They are constructed of a lighter "J" frame, which decreases the overall weight of the rod, thus enhancing rod blank action. They come with either Alconite or Silicone Carbide ceramic inserts in a chrome or black frame. The frames may be purchased with a titanium finish, if you are encountering salt water conditions, where corrosion is a concern. The prices of these guides vary according to the materials from which they are constructed. We can discuss your applications, then decide on the guide that would best suit your situation. I have seen other guides, from other manufacturers that look nice, but seem to have a higher incidence of the ceramic insert popping out. This requires replacement of the guide. Because of my experience, I encourage clients to use the Fuji products.
Fly rods
may be constructed using the Fuji New Concept guides, if you wish to stray from traditional snake guides. By doing so, longer casting distances may be achieved. If you prefer to keep with tradition, Hopkins & Holloway make very nice chrome snake guides.
Salt water rods, such as used for halibut, are usually constructed with AFTCO roller guides. I have found these guides to be very reliable, while fishing for Alaskan halibut. Heavy duty ceramic guides are available, as well, for less demanding situations, such as salmon rods.
Reel seats for casting and spinning rods are produced by a number of manufacturers. I tend to use Fuji graphite reel seats. Some of the casting reel seats have exposed areas on the bottom, which allow your fingers to contact the blank. This increases your
ability to perceive subtle strikes. I recommend using the Fuji Deluxe graphite reel seats on spinning rods. If you have found that most spinning reel seats are too small and cramp your hand as I have, consider constructing your rod with a larger diameter seat. It will make casting your rod all day long, more
pleasurable. The graphite material is warm to touch, especially in cold weather, as I have discovered while steelhead fishing.
Fly rod seats
can be simple or an item of beauty. Struble and Bellinger are leaders in providing quality fly reel seats. The reel seat may be constructed from anodized aluminum or nickel silver. The barrel or insert, can be assembled of any number of exotic woods. A quality reel seat will enhance the appearance of any rod.
Cork
is generally used for handle construction. The quality of cork can vary
significantly. I attempt to use the best cork available. Nothing distracts from a quality rod more than pitted cork. I don't tend to fill pits. I prefer to use cork with minimal pitting. My belief is that if you are going to spend the money for a custom rod, get the finest components that you can afford.
Two-part epoxy glue is used to apply the cork to the blank. Prior to gluing the cork, the blank is sanded to provide a better bonding surface. The area is cleaned with alcohol to remove any oils, that may interfere with the bonding process. This care insures that you won't have a handle or reel seat that comes loose in the future.
Guide wraps
can vary from simple to complex. I use nylon threads for wrapping all guides and decorative butt wraps. Silk thread is available if you prefer, especially for construction / repair of a traditional bamboo fly rod. A vast number of colors are available and can be combined in any combination that you desire. I wrap all my rods by hand and care is taken to ensure there are no gaps or overwraps. Single-footed guides are wrapped with the Forhan Locking Wrap, to decrease the
possibility of the guide being pulled from beneath the wrap. The thread is treated with color preserver, to maintain its color when the epoxy finish is applied. Some clients prefer not to use the color preserver. This causes the thread to become darker and transparent, allowing the guide feet to be seen beneath.
Decorative butt wraps
can add a very distinctive touch to your custom rod. Most clients have requested the Diamond or Chevron wraps. These wraps are applied by hand and takes several hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the pattern chosen. Care is taken to ensure threads are in proper alignment and not overwrapped. A decorative butt wrap will make your rod truly unique.
Epoxy
finish
is applied to the threads to provide long lasting protection. With the use of color preserver, yellowing should be minimized, from long hours of sun exposure.
