custom fishing rod question

[rmb]

first this is in no way intended to be a knock on custom rods just something i have always wondered. if you start with a rod blank made by a major rod company such as loomis or St. C how can the rod fish/feel different than what they are offering in their ready made complete rods. i love the detail work and the artistry that goes into a custom but how do they fish/feel better from a utility standpoint. thanks in advance for the insight

[Esox_Magnum]

Most is just the fine points a custom builder can do over a production rod. Now in the case of my 9' custom muskie rod while it's built on a St Croix blank, St Croix does not offer this blank in their line up. So to buy a true 9' blank my only choice was a custom, or have a production Loomis or Croix blank extended. My Loomis while a nice rod went in to get customized as the factory butt wasn't what I wanted, having 3" added to it made it a whole different rod. After fishing a custom all this season I won't go back to an off the shelf rod regardless of who makes it.

[Northlander]

So much can be done to a custom that a shelf rod wont have. Different handles, better guides, reel seats, guide spacing etc etc can all make a big difference in how a rod will perform.

With that said there are tons of good shelf rods out there these days but if you want something very specific the only way to go is to have a custom done. Before you do though make sure you do your homework and know exactly what you want.

[harvey lee]

Some of the first class rod builers like Kris of LakeLady rods will measure you so the rod will custom fit you. He can also make sure you get exactly what you are looking for in a rod.

Check Kris's rods out here.

http://www.lakeladyrods.com/

[rmb]

i have been looking at his stuff for a little while now, they are beautiful.

[Kris Kristufek]

Very good question indeed! There is much more to a custom rod than just attaching components to a rod blank. A lot more, and you get what you pay for.

Manufactured rods regardless of the maker are built for the 'average fisherman'. Almost a one size fits all thing. Custom builders on the other hand can afford the time to make the outfit fit you, balancing all components including the reel that will be used, adding elements such as very dense cork, wood or other materials in handles, finding the spine, adding additional guides to reduce friction, and as mentioned above better quality guides and other components.

The manufacture has a profit motive as well as a quantity motive to get rods out the door, while a custom builder certainly has a need for profit, may not make as much per hour as one might think, and quantity is not in the equation at all. Time and expertise make the rod a much better tool than any off the shelf rod.

Would you have a pair of boots made for you without measuring your foot? Think not!