This past spring I discovered a stream that held some really
large fish. It is for the most part a catch and release stream.
The stream is bordered on both sides by high banks and high
trees whose branches overhang the waters edge making a back
cast difficult, if not impossible. Wading the stream is the only
recourse, but the fish spook really easy so baby steps and some
stealth is required. This same stream is at best only 25 feet across
in all but a few areas. A long rod was out and something of a stout
short rod was needed, so I set out to build a rod that in my opinion
would fit the bill. After much deliberation I decided I wanted a
7ft medium to fast action blank in 5wt and something that was easily
totalble and could be broken down when I had to climb the banks
or the stream and maneuver though the brush to get to another
vantage point. Hence I choose a 4pc.blank.
The trick to casting on this body of water is casting upstream
(substituting the back cast) then quartering down stream (intended
for a wet fly). Dry fly fishing, using just the opposite. A little tricky,
but it does work. As the final picture will attest.
The following is the procedures I used to build this special rod.
This step by step process became a labor on love and is intended
to be used for that “one particular stream,” although I’m sure it
will be used on other similar streams where quarters are tight.
Making the handle and choosing the cork. The green craft foam
is added for color trim. The cork rings and foam are glued
individually together on a mandrel (shown in the next picture).
The cork and foam are turned to shape using (in this case) a home made lathe.
Pre fitting the completed grip to the blank.
Fitting and Epoxying the Reel Seat and Grips.
Inletting of Butt (just a fancy add on.)
Placing and tying on the guides with stretch string
(for repositioning if needed)
Thread and trim ring wrapping / after which coating
with flex coat epoxy.
The completed Rod—ready to fish.
In conclusion, building a good serviceable rod takes patience and practice.
Art and beauty is added and gained with experience. The
advantages of rod building are many. One that stands out
the most is being able to tailor make a rod to your specific
needs. With those thoughts in mind, you can go ahead and
build that “special rod” and tailor make it just for you.
Something factory rods aren’t able to do, and rightly so,
because they are made for the general public or a
compromise to fit most needs. ~ Ed Temme (Smernsky)
Originally published January 18th, 2009 on Fly Anglers Online.