I am thinking about getting a new rod however I want something different that noone else will have. I do not want bamboo. I do want a med/fast action rod with a high quality blank. Does anyone know a good rod maker that could do that for me at a reasonable price.
Thanks in advance Jason
Post that same question here:
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/forumdisplay.php?f=11
I’m sure there is plenty of talent there.
contact me at nightprowler87@hotmail.com
Google up “Streamside Custom Rods” click on the custom rod section then scroll down to the 9’ 5wt Z Axis. That is my personal rod. Kelly will build whatever you want but will only use the finest seats, guides and cork. His work is flawless! Even then it will set you back at least $100-150 less than the same factory rod. Nothing to gain here for me, just a happy customer.
Bill V
Steve Clark at http://www.midwestcustomflyrods.com/
I ditto Lucky’s recommendation for Steve at Midwest Custom.
You can talk to him and have the rod built as fancy or as subdued as you like. Even get into custom grips and seats
Another place you want ot check is rodbuilding.org. It’s the FAOL of rod builders. Take a look at some of the photos they have on that website to get an idea of just how talented some of those folks are. I’m sure you can find someone there that can meet your needs.
Jim Smith
I would imagine any of the guys mentioned here would do a great job for you. I’ve never worked with harleybob but have heard good things about his rods.
I had Steve at Midwest Custom Rods build one for my son’s birthday back in April. It’s a terriffic rod and he did me right on the price. He added custom touches with different types of cork on the grip. Also, he made the grip just a little thinner to better fit my son’s hands, put his name on the rod (really cool when you’re 13). I’ve fished the rod several times and it’s well made. I had him use a tiger eye blank which has a medium to medium fast action which suits my son’s casting style.
Anyway, I can recommend Steve because I have one of his rods but I woluld imagine any of the guys recommended here can and will do equally good work.
Your best bet would be to contact a couple of them and see who you feel most comfortable working with. You’re having a custom rod built so it’s not about finding the lowest price, it’s about finding the guy who will make the rod you want.
Hope this helps.
Jeff
I have to agree with everyone here I have heard nothing but excellent things about Steve. He will probably be the best bet for you.
Dave Lewis has a very good reputation. Here’s his website:
You might try Steve Moran in Spokane, WA ( http://www.stevemoranscustomrods.com/ ). I have one of his rods and love it. The handle is a piece of art and I really like the way it feels and fishes.
Adam
Last year the lord blessed me with early retirement! I decided to treat myself to a “good” fly rod. After months of pouring through fly rod catalogues I decided to look at the fly shop on my home waters. Since I fish Kettle Creek in central Pa. I went to the Kettle Creek Fly Shop. I made the trip in March, when “fishermen traffic” was at a minimun!
What I found out is that the owner builds all the fly rods himself, hence, custom made! That March morning, he took the time to question my abilities and type of streams I fish. Then he put, maybe, twenty differemt rods in my hand to try casting. I ended up buying a 3 wt., which I thought was too light! It turned out to be perfect and casts better than any rod I ever tried. Furthermore, it cost less than $250.00 (within my budget!).
Next, I tried to couple it with a very light reel so the outfit would be “balanced” but as light as possible. I had several “upper end” models picked out. Again, Phil, the owner, made me handle several reels. Lastly he put a reel in my hand that was lighter than all the others. I never heard of it. TCI Fishmaster! And he offered to throw in the backing and flyline to match the setup! The reel was under a hundred dollers!
I ended up with the best, most sensitive, custom made rod, for fishing my home waters. Granted I have nine other fly rods, but since I got this one, it is all I used last year!
My advise to you; check out your home waters and any fly shops near them. You may be surprised!! I was. Ron G.