Custom Rods
 

Do any of y'all have a preferred custom rod maker. I have talked to a couple different ones at fishing shows but without using their products it's hard to figure out which way to go. Looking specifically for a 6'6" medium fast spinning rod for smallmouth. I usually use BPS extremes for spinning gear but want a step up. My new favorite mass produced rod now is the Johnny Morris carbonlite and I may go that route. Any advice/reviews would be appreciated.

Hi Andy. I make custom rods, just recently built a rod very similar to what you're looking for though this rod was medium-heavy and I'm guessing you're looking for a medium or medium-light action. Here's a photo of the rod I just built:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8...f654b811_m.jpg

Here's a UL I built in August:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/8...7da60f48_m.jpg

I customize each rod according to the angler's preferences, from blank choice to handle design to thread colors. I'll send you a PM with my contact info.

Good looking rods:D I would like to go custom, but I have a feeling I would need to get a second job. I've thought about trying it myself, but I just don't have the time to dedicate to it. From what I['ve heard once you go custom you don't come back to retail store rods.

John Miles is a smallie fishing machine and a great custom rod builder (been making them since the early 80's). http://www.jmilescustomrods.com/

Just be sure to get one of his custom rods, rather than a production rod of his.

MidTN, go for it. All the steps are small, so a 30 minutes period over lots of evenings will be fine. At least get Tom Kirkman's book to see what steps it takes. PS tell Karl and the gang hello tonight from me and you should get some of terry's buzzbaits while your there too.

Thanks for the compliment, MidTNKayak! I still haven't figured out how to make my photos show up larger on here - here's a link to my Flickr photostream if anyone wants to see the rods a little closer up:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/87205953@N05/

My rods cost a little more than what some other builders in the area charge, but I think mine stack up favorably in terms of aesthetics and quality:)