Gone Fishin'

A group devoted to the Angler and the Angler at Heart. 

If the topic has anything to do with fishing, this is the place to post.  Tell us your fishing stories, talk about tackle old and new!  What you like and what you don’t like.  

Bought some new equipment and want to tell us about?  We want to hear about it. 

Thinking about buying a new pole and want to know it if it is worth the money?  Ask up!

Do you collect fishing tackle?  Show it off with pride!

 Any type of angler with any skill level is welcome!  

And as this is I Knife Collector, this is also a place to talk about the knives made, used and collected by anglers!   We especially want to see your fishing knives -- in the tackle box, on display, or in action!

Thoughts about Custom Rods

I was reading a discussion here about how pleased a member was with his purchase of a Dobyns rod. He commented that the only thing that bugged him was the placement of the hook keeper which interfered with using the reel. This statement got me to thinking and for what it might be worth - here's my 2 cents.

Quite awhile ago, I began using custom rods so I wouldn't have to put up with the probs like the mentioned hook keeper placement. I've found that the cost difference is small (compared to Loomis, etc.) and is well worth being able to select guide foot and material including numbers & placement, blank material, action and length, even the thread type and style of wrap, etc. all of which combine to achieve the rod performance being looked for. Not to mention thread color and grip material. All these items come together to make a hook up, fight and landing even more exciting and pleasurable whether you're on freshwater or salt.

Of course, finding a rod builder that has the expertise and experience to give you what you are looking for can be daunting. Going to fishing show can be a place to begin. Reputation from trusted sources goes a long way in finding one. Even phone calls can help narrow down the search. Any rod builder worth his salt will be more than willing take the all time necessary to discuss all the facets on your "improvement" bucket list. Meeting face to face is important and taking a rod along to show what you want to improve is a good idea. Being able to show and say "I wish this was better" can be a big help.  And I'd suggest also taking along list. The time spent in such research and discussion is well worth the time.