In the last post, I showed you guys a rod that I rebuilt a few years ago. Since then I’ve rebuilt several more as well as built up several on various blanks. It didn’t take long for me to recognize that I have a passion for building fly rods but, I wanted to do more than just wrap guides and turn cork.
I began researching ways to bring my own line of fly rods to the public. It took a couple years but I’m happy to announce that I’ve found a company to build fly rods to my specifications. It will be a time consuming process of test, tweak and retest, but it is happening. In fact, the first batch of prototype rods are en route to my front door as we speak.
This is just a little insight into what’s coming up in the next few months. Keep checking T.D.F. for updates. I’ll post build information and pictures of the whole process.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
How It All Started Part 3...
A few years ago a couple good friends of mine named Gene Bethea & Barry Evans convinced me to try rod building. I was reluctant at first because I didn't want to totally screw up a high dollar rod blank. Gene sent me a book and told me that I'd never find out if I could do it unless I tried.
I had an old fly rod that was more of a broomstick than anything else. I decided I'd turn it into a crappie rod for my Father-in-Law. It turned out okay and would up being one of his favorite rods.
Since I developed a love for fiberglass rods, I began picking up old worn out rods on eBay and rebuilding them. That's when my Father-in-Law stepped back into the picture. He told his Brother-in-Law about what I had been doing. It so happened that he had an old Sila-flex bait caster that he wanted rebuilt.
After getting the rod, I was shocked to see the shape it was in. I did some research into the original color of the wraps and thread size and dove right in. The following are a few before and after photos.
I knew I wanted to save the old Sila-flex label. Fortunately, I was able to do so.
The old rod had definitely seen better days.
I used Gudebrod brown and gold thread in size B. I think it matched up pretty well.
All in all I was pretty pleased with the outcome; thankfully, so was my first customer.
I had an old fly rod that was more of a broomstick than anything else. I decided I'd turn it into a crappie rod for my Father-in-Law. It turned out okay and would up being one of his favorite rods.
Since I developed a love for fiberglass rods, I began picking up old worn out rods on eBay and rebuilding them. That's when my Father-in-Law stepped back into the picture. He told his Brother-in-Law about what I had been doing. It so happened that he had an old Sila-flex bait caster that he wanted rebuilt.
After getting the rod, I was shocked to see the shape it was in. I did some research into the original color of the wraps and thread size and dove right in. The following are a few before and after photos.
I knew I wanted to save the old Sila-flex label. Fortunately, I was able to do so.
The old rod had definitely seen better days.
I used Gudebrod brown and gold thread in size B. I think it matched up pretty well.
All in all I was pretty pleased with the outcome; thankfully, so was my first customer.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Few Things...
The holidays are here! I never do get ready in time and have had a lot going on these past few months. Here are a few things that might be of interest to you.
Fishy Kid is wrapping up their first contest and about to begin the judging. There are TONS of The Fiberglass Manifesto is now taking T-Shirt orders for the 2010 model. They are cool and priced right. Go over there and dig around in his blog if you want to see some awesome looking fly rods and great interviews of some of the fly fishing industry's leaders.
Speaking of leaders... If you're tired of going through smooth tapered leaders like you know what through a goose, and you're tired of knotted leaders hinging or pulling in more weeds than fish; check out DF Furled Leaders. I guarantee they will turn over a fly better than any smooth taper or knotted leader you've ever tried.
I've been working on a few things and have a surprise that, hopefully will be ready to unveil early in the Spring so stay tuned!!!!
Fishy Kid is wrapping up their first contest and about to begin the judging. There are TONS of The Fiberglass Manifesto is now taking T-Shirt orders for the 2010 model. They are cool and priced right. Go over there and dig around in his blog if you want to see some awesome looking fly rods and great interviews of some of the fly fishing industry's leaders.
Speaking of leaders... If you're tired of going through smooth tapered leaders like you know what through a goose, and you're tired of knotted leaders hinging or pulling in more weeds than fish; check out DF Furled Leaders. I guarantee they will turn over a fly better than any smooth taper or knotted leader you've ever tried.
I've been working on a few things and have a surprise that, hopefully will be ready to unveil early in the Spring so stay tuned!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
