I was wondering how many people use custom fishing rods for bass fishing

Sort of. I find old Falcon Cara series rods and customize them the way I want them. I am pretty much set now so it's been a while since I have had one done. I change the grips, reel seat if needed, and change all the eyes to the size I like. I have never had a rod built from scratch but it's about the same thing. It' s basically about the blank you like.

I've built rods for many years. Even before graphite was a "thing" (yes ... I'm an old fart). In my opinion there is no factory rod out there that can compete with a purpose built custom rod. And I am not saying that trying to make a sale. I don't have time nor desire to build for resale.

Build my own.

I just use a bunch of old cheap junk

I make my rods, not that I am a professional, it is just a fun hobby and great to catch a fish on the rod you made. It is not a cheap way to go; I cannot buy a good blank, seat, grips and guides for what you can buy a decent rod for. But it is customized and quality built when I finish.

Build my own and sell to a select few people as well. Finishing up one on an Immortal blank tonight.

I like the immortal blanks that are great

I have a few custom rods.

Here are a few I have built, Nothing like a custom rod to match a fishing technique.

Custom pool cues make a difference. Fishing poles are all medium to high end store bought stuff.

Yes, hard to beat a true custom rod built to your exact needs. I have one for 10xd, frogs, chatterbaits

I use fairly inexpensive rods - All Star Classic mainly.

Since some jack hole took most of my rods and all of my tackle a couple of years ago, 90% of mine are now custom made by a coworker. It’s great to get exactly what you want and not just settle. Unless you’re going straight low end factory rods, you can get a MUCH better custom for the money!