Whats the deal with custom rods?

[bassslinger]

I hope this doesnt come across as a stupid question, but what's the deal with custom rods? I have been fishing for many years but until recently had never owned a "quality" rod, and wow what a difference! So what are the advantages of having a custom rod made? I'd realy like to know all the specifics of what can and cant be done to make a rod "custom". I am looking to speak with Mike at M&D's about this but would appreciate any info some of you guys may have. Thanks!

[gray gables]

this thread could go on forever,you can have it designed to your liking,thread wrap, colors,design style,reel seat height, all kinds of stuff,mike is a good guy at m&d's I have talked to him a couple of times,I like the fact that he fishes himself and he talks with alot of guys that fish so he gets alot of input,I know one thing don't skimp out,spend the money and you will have a rod the rest of your life.matt

[bassslinger]

Cool, thanks for that info. How much can one expect to spend with out skimping?

[BS4Shore]

Cool, thanks for that info. How much can one expect to spend with out skimping?

 

 

how much you got?

[BS4Shore]

Depending on the blank you use a custom rod can run you from 250ish to 6 or 700 dollars.

 

It all depends on which blank you use, who builds it, the hardware you put on it, and how fancy you want it to be.

 

I do not know of any builders around here that will run you the upper end, most are close to 400 and change with a quality blank.

[gray gables]

if you wait for some of the shows in early spring you can get some good deals,I bought a ron arra surf series1322 1pc conventional for 308.00 with tax and I am very happy with it,but this winter I am having a spinning rod built,a lami super surf 11 ft 1 pc and it is being matched to a diawa emblem pro 5000.But expect to spend between 350 and 450 for a high end rod custom built.matt

[bassslinger]

Thanks guys. Something to look forward too, sounds like a fun project to research over the winter...

[Joe G]

Does anyone here think that a high end custom rod will out catch fish caught on the same blank or factory rod costing much less?

[jdinklage]

Yes - there are some heavy factory rods that are very tip heavy that I could build balanced and thus be able to fish with longer before my arms gave out thereby catching more fish. One example how.

[numbskull]

Does anyone here think that a high end custom rod will out catch fish caught on the same blank or factory rod costing much less?

 

Absolutely. You can fish better, longer, and more efficiently with a rod built using better components and sized specifically to fit you and the reel you intend to match it with. You'll enjoy your fishing much more as well. All factory rods are compromises. There isn't a single one that can't be built better as a true custom (off the shelf or formula customs are a different issue). Good reason to learn to build rods yourself. Best of both worlds.

[Back Beach]

Depending on the blank you use a custom rod can run you from 250ish to 6 or 700 dollars.

 

It all depends on which blank you use, who builds it, the hardware you put on it, and how fancy you want it to be.

 

I do not know of any builders around here that will run you the upper end, most are close to 400 and change with a quality blank.

 

 

400 would even be on the high end around here, but its a good upper limit to set, no doubt. Above 400 you're adding things that do nothing to enhance the performance of the rod, IMO. Its all bells and whistles...i.e. fancy wraps, 24 kt solid gold guides, ebony reel seat, corkscrew...etc.

 

I do suggest you get one of those topless mermaid decals though...

[jdinklage]

Titanium guides can easily pop a rod over 400 and their weight savings and never rusting are performance related whereas every cross wrap takes away from performance.

[bassslinger]

Is it possible to buid a custom rod for fresh water applications? Or would it not be worth the extra money?

[gray gables]

nope,I would buy one,matt

[canyondiver]

Is it possible to buid a custom rod for fresh water applications? Or would it not be worth the extra money?

 

Actually, this is an arena where a really well built rod can have qualities that are ridiculously obvious.

Rods can be mad so incredibly light these days it's sick!

I have been crafting rods for over 20 years, and I got into it because I was given two customs from Bill Fisher's when I was a kid.

They were Christmas gifts from my oldest brother.

After these rods, I wanted a few more of different design, so I learned the basics and had at it.

After all these years, I finally know what I am doing...

Thank goodness I get to use all my mistakes too