Components
Saturday, 20 February 2010 16:33 | 
The following are some of the components used to build custom rods.
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Every effort is made to use well tested rod components on each custom rod. Each year new items are introduced to the market. Only after vigorous field testing will these components find themselves on a Phoenix Custom Rod. Remember, custom fishing rods must not let us down at that critical moment – only tried and true components will do.
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Blanks: This is where the design process starts. What type of fishing do you expect to do? Will you be trolling from a boat, wade fishing a flat or fishing from a bank; there is a myriad of rod blanks available. Together we will discuss the end use and narrow blank selection to one or two types. Several brand named blanks are available to the customer such as, Sage, G-Loomis, Lamiglass, Powell, Seeker, Cal Star. Additionally blanks by Batson, Pac Bay, CRB, Hastings ( formally Graphite USA ), Scott and St Croix are also readily available. Blank selection is a major cost component and every effort to select the best blank for your needs is carefully considered. |
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Handles and Grips: The handle assembly is a very important component of the custom rod. The grip and the entire handle must fit the angler's hand, his physical build, and his casting or fishing style. Materials used are bural cork, cork, EVA, leather and exotic wood, to name a few. There are so many colors and patterns to choose from, the possibilities are almost endless. |
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Reel Seats: The market has produced many great reel seats – both in style, color, and size. These include Aftco, Batson, Fuji, Pac Bay, Struble to name a few. Depending on your reel, rod type, we will choose the correct reel seat that will provide the best service for your custom rod. I also make custom reel seat from exotic woods such as zebra, black walnut, tulip wood, bocote, cocobolo and many more. |
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Guides: Guides and guide layout are critical in the structural design and casting ability of any custom rod. Manufactures as well as many rod makers have written volumes about this subject. Aftco, American Tackle, Batson, Fuji, Pac Bay are several manufactures available – all have tested documentation and will provide years of dependable service.
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Thread: Thread selection is another area where you can choose great colors and patterns. In concert with grip selection you can design your stand out custom rod. We now have mylar materials, metallic threads, and a host of nylon threads by Gudebrod, Pac Bay, Sulky to name a few. |
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Butt Wraps: Whether the wrap is bright, bold and fancy or a more conservative muted color pattern, the butt wraps are a great area to show an unique expression of color and design. Many options and materials are available to choose from. I will be glad to share some of the different material and ideas that I have used. |
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Decals and Inscriptions: Every rod needs that special item that makes a custom rod yours. I like to use feather inlays on fly rods or decals on casting rods. And if you wish, your name can be inscribed also. It is the extra fine detail that sets my rods apart from others. |
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Finish: Every thread wrap is coated with finish material. Finish wraps as well as butt wraps have multiple coats that give protection and a polished look to all thread work. |