I will never be accused of being a master rod builder or a master of anything for that matter. However, In the past twenty years, I have probably built close to fifty rods. I have built most of them for myself or for friends and family. These rods and my reasons for building them were born out of pure frugality. I am cheap, and I have no problem admitting this. I can build a very nice rod for a fraction of what it would cost me to buy one completed. And, I have never had a trout refuse a fly based on the brand of rod I was casting. Add to this the satisfaction of catching fish on a rod that you built yourself while casting flies that you tied yourself, and I am happier than a pig in mud!
- My Favorite Lenght and Weight
My latest project is another rod for Mike. He and I are planning a trip back to Rocky Mountain National Park and he needed a good pack rod for the trip. He settled on a 7’9” four piece three weight. It is the same rod that I fished with on my trip last year. It is a wonderful little rod that was up to the challenge of a high mountain back pack trip.( I will share more about this trip in the near future)
- Ready to Fling Flies
The blank is a Hook&Hackle XE.(www.hookhack.com) It is smooth and delicate. It is on the slower side as far as the action goes, but this is just how I like it. I absolutely adore mine and it has been a constant companion on many of my trips. Mike picked thread colors that most Ohioan’s would be more than happy with. The reel seat is up-locking with a natural maple insert. I shaped the cork down to a more stream line fit so that it tapers down to the blank. As with every rod I have built, it is by no means perfect; however, it will do the job and do it well.
I have two more that need to be finished before adding a new one to my own arsenal. It is tedious process at times, but one that I find is worth the end result. I compiled some video of this build that I hope to share with you all at a later date. Until then, the pictures will have to suffice.
The Stripping Guide
The good part of having a custom-built fly rod is that I know the hands behind the work…not to mention it saves me some bucks. Shane has a level of patience and attention to detail that I’ll never have. I’m proud to fish these rods. In fact, I think that’s about all I’ve ever fished! Very excited to add this 4pc 3wt to my custom built collection that already includes a 7’9″ 2pc 3wt and a 6’6″ 2pc 2wt.
The bad part about fishing a fly rod that Shane built is that he reminds me with each fish that I land that he deserves the credit for the catch. Ugh.
This type of project is probably on my plate for next fall. I’ve recently gotten a couple glass rods from Cabelas (the 50th anniversary ones) and am having a custom creek rod made.
As my fly tying progresses I’m sure it will spawn into rod making. I’ve been keeping my eyes on the Hook&Hackle kits much to the girlfriends dismay but it will have to wait. First I need to catch a fish on a fly I’ve tied!!
Nice rod you built that guy named Mike. By the way you have always been a pig in mud that’s why you’re always happyJ
Very cool! Nice work, too! Keep building those light and ultralight rods.
Shane crafted my first and only fly rod and it is really an amazing rod.
As Mike mentioned, every fish we catch, you deserve a bit of credit. So does that mean when we don’t catch any fish that you are also at fault? It’s only right you know. haha
I only take credit for fish caught. The rest of the time it is just user error. I can’t help it that when I tell you where to fish,I build your rods, I tie your flies… and you still come up empty. Yep, user error!
Time to try that rod out on some big water Mike.Hope you and Shane can make it over sometime this year.