Before answering some of the inquiries on the custom rods, I would like to share my philosophy
Some of us spend a lot of money to fish.... 40k truck/30k boat/5k electronics/1k trolling motor/ $300 rod holders and list goes on and on....All those things help us "get to the fish", but still not the DIRECT tool which connect us to the fish. Thus, I like my DIRECT tools in which I can actually feel the fish to be the best it can be, nothing less.... From jigs to rods...I just want them to be the best I can make. Not just functional, but also look goods. Looking good not only to the fish (talking about jigs), but also to the pleasing of the eyes of the anglers!!!
Also, if we try so hard to make-believe what the fish see is edible, then why not make it as closely related to what they would likely think it is edible?
how much are the rods CV and how many lengths do you make?
Not cheap meaning, how much?
Where can I go to see the rods? Website? Thanks.
To answer your general question regarding custom rods.
I do this as a hobby more than a business, thus, no website, no ads.
Cost and length varies per your needs.
Length varies from 51/2 to 15 (10-15 are the high end high dollars spey blanks)
Type of Blank: St. Croix SCIII, SCIV, SCV
Gloomis GL3, IMX, GLX
Sage: (very high end CTX)
Type of Handles and butt cap: All corks even the reel seat insert for lightness; EVA butt cap, not hard plastic. I lathe each handle per your comfort fit (some like small diameter handle, others like larger.I will work with each individual)
Type of guides & tips: High Profile very small diameter for lightness (approx. $2.50/ea)
Titanium (very expensive) extremely light and tough for braid-line, and only for the willing spender
Also, there is always a hook holder!!!!
Logos: Will have original manufacture blank logos for lifetime warranty on the blank, along with SLABmesilly custom logo, and best of all, your company logo, signature, namebasically what ever you like.on bigger diameter blank, I can even put pix/image.etc. i.e. John Doe Retired United State Marine
Cost???? What most have been asking. Cost of all material (including shipping) & labor I charge $10/hr. to build these as a hobby (trust me, I cant quit my day job for this) A typical rod would take from 10-15hrs depending on the length and number of guides and diameter of handles But I always give a quote before building, and if it takes longer.its on me.
Warranty Since I am not a big manufacturer, but I do love my fellow anglers/clients so I would always do what is right!!! WorkmanshipAs long as I am physically able to build rod, its cover for life!!! Blanks warranty per manufacturers are also lifetime (until they go out of business). If you happened to break your rodand I dont care how even if you bend it over your knee because your spouse wont let you go fishing), you will need to send it in to the manufactures to get a replacement blank. They will charge you a minimal fee depending on the manufacturers, but they will also return your broken rod. Your cost for me will be the cost of the new cork handle/reel seat/butt cap (once glued, its not re-usable) I will remove and reuse all the guides and tip + $5/hr. to rebuild you a brand new rod.
If you break only a couple of inches from the tip, send in, get your new blank replacement. I will replace a tip, and charge you $10/hr to build you an additional rod + materialsyou will then have 2 rods!!!!!
As you can tell per my jigs, I DO pay attention to detailsmy way of looking at it is.if I cant build a better & lighter rod than the manufacturers, then you dont need to have it. It will save you $$$ to just get it from a retailer!
