Pile "O" Parts 01/11/2012
 
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Thought I would give you a look at how some  custom builders start a build.  In this case this is a graphite rod to be donated to the Southern California chapter of "Casting for Recovery" (CFR)  So there will be some pink highlights on the rod.  Basically we start with the blank, guides, tip top, cork, seat hardware, winding check and in this case a chunk of Olive.

A custom handle will be made by gluing up different types of cork.  The Olive wood will be turning  down for the reel seat insert.  Unfortunately I will not be machining any wedding band hardware for this rod.  For 4 weight rods and up I usually go with locking hardware, up-locking in this case.

The goal on this rod is to not let the pink highlights overwhelm the rod.  To quote a breast cancer survivor "If I ever get another pink item, I think I will scream".   Hearing her say that prompted me to tone down my urge to build a PINK rod.  Too much of something is not always a good thing.

Check back in a couple of weeks to see how the "Casting for Recovery" rod turns out.  And please support CFR in any way you can.  The Southern California chapter of CFR is just getting set to fire up in 2012.  The survivors needs all the support they can get.  Check em out at:  http://castingforrecovery.org/wordpress/?page_id=5519. 

Until next time my friends,
Pete
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Some things in life and fly fishing, you just want to keep to your self.  Well.... Sierra Nets isn't one of them.  Greg makes the most beautiful landing nets around.  Each one is a work of art and should probably be displayed as art instead of getting fish slime all over it.  But, as with any prime fishing equipment, it needs to be used for its intended purpose.

Greg has recently been featured in "Western Outdoor News"  If you can't get a copy of it check out writer Jim Matthews web site for the write up.
http://www.outdoornewsservice.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=311:these-functional-fishing-nets-are-also-pieces-of-art&Itemid=18

Its good to see an artisan of Greg's calibur get the recognition he so justly deserves.  Check out Greg's web site and get on his waiting list.   Like a fine Bamboo rod, Greg's nets are heirloons that will surely be passed down thru the generations. http://www.sierra-nets.com/CMS-Sierra/
Until next time my friends,
Pete
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The Studio 01/02/2012
 
Thought I would start the new year off right and give you a quick look at the home of "Renaissance Rods" .  I don't consider it a shop, I consider it a studio.  I feel that myself and many other custom rod builders are Artisans, not just rod assemblers.  So I dubbed it "The Studio".

I was fortnuately able to keep much of the old lumber from a late 1800s constructed  building I dismantled for a friend.  That lumber went into "The Studio" giving it instant character.  It was a great project for me.  I was able to build the entire shop, including the pine cabinets, without any assistance, so I can really call her my own.

"The Studio" has one purpose and that  is to be devoted entirely to fly fishing.  When not building rods, the studio is used for fly tying.  As I told the wife "Fly fishing only, no household storage and no girly curtains on the windows." 
Thanks for checking out "The Studio".  If you are ever on the Central Coast of California, shoot me an e-mail and stop by for a tour and a cold beverage

Until next time my friends,
Pete
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Remember when I talked about selecting your builder?  I mentioned having a rough idea of what you would like.  Ring a bell?  Here is an example of what I was talking about.  The customer commissioned a Steffen Brothers 7 weight fiberglass rod.  He knew he wanted a Reverse Half-wells handle necked down to flow into a down locking Nickel Silver seat.  I made the handle 7” long to accommodate the heavier rod, machined the insert out of Maple Burl and machined a Nickel Silver winding check to look like the older traditional stamped checks.  The rod will be complete shortly, but I wanted you to see how a customer's input effects a build.  I believe he hit the nail on the head with his outline. 

I and many custom builders greatly value customer input on any custom build.  Just give the rod outline a little thought and you and your builder can come up with exactly what you really want.

Until next time my friends,
Pete
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Within the last year I have started machining my own wedding band reel seat hardware, along with turning all the reel seat inserts.   I use both Nickel Silver and Aluminum.   The weight difference between the Nickel Silver and Aluminum is quite noticeable.   If you are concerned about weight on a smaller rod, you might think about using an Aluminum seat.   As with any metal, Aluminum can oxidize over time.   The oxidization can be avoided by properly caring for your rod.   When you are done fishing for the day, wipe the entire rod down before you store it.   Then again, patina can give the rod a bit of personal character...... as in:  "I bought this rod to use and by golly I'm using it."

Eventually the plan is to become a Rodsmith and make the majority of the components in-house.   Along with the reel seats, the hope is to include machining the Nickel Silver ferrules for the Bamboo rods and making my own snake guides.   The guides will have the old school look and will not be chrome plated.

Below are a  couple of the seats and inserts that have come out of the shop.  The top seat is Aluminum with a Sycamore insert.  The bottom seat is  Nickel Silver with a stablized Maple Burl insert.
Until next time my friends, Merry Christmas
Pete
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What should you look for in a custom rod builder?  First off check out web sites and there are plenty out there to choose from.  Find a builder with a style that fits your needs.  Once you find a builder that interest you, interview them.  Questions, questions, questions, get all your questions answered. You are hiring a builder for your custom rod build.  Get enough information to make an informed decision.  Ask for references.  Former customers are a great source of information.

There are some preliminary things you can do to help in the selection of your builder.  Have a rough outline of what you want in your custom rod.  Things like: Budget?  What kind of fishing do you plan on using the rod for? How about weight, length, number of sections, and rod action? What types of options do you want? Agate strippers, feather inlays, custom handle, reel seat insert, yada, yada, yada..... Having a rough outline can really assist the builder in knowing where to start.  Don't worry if you don't have things nailed down.  A good builder will ask the right questions to finalize the build before they start.

Questions to ask your prospective builder:
*   Cost?  Does the quote include everything? Shipping, taxes, insurance?
*  Delivery date? If they have a waiting list where would you fall and what is the estimated      delivery date.
*  Is there an inspection period after delivery?  A few days to inspect the workmanship and lawn cast the rod.  And no, it isn't a period for you to take the rod on a fishing trip.
*  Do you have the ability to perform the extras that I want?  For example, if you want a custom handle, can they do it?

Things you should expect:
*  To be heard.  You are paying good money to have your dream rod built.  The builder should listen to what you want and do their level best to provide it.
*  Communication.  If you ask for a status update, your builder should  provide status as often as you request it.
*  A deposit required to start the build.  This deposit can differ between builders.  Example: I require a deposit to cover the cost of the components and in the case of a bamboo build, the bamboo.  That deposit is refundable until I order the components or split the bamboo.  But, that is just my way of handling deposits.
*  Pay for changes.  If you start changing things after the build details are finalized expect to pay.  Example: If you want a custom handle made one way and then change the design, it will probably cost you extra.

From the builder's side: Builders put more time and effort into preliminary build details than most customers realize.  If you decide not to have them build a rod for you, please  communicate that to them.  I understand my style doesn't suit everybody's needs and I don't take it personally, but I would like to hear back even if the answer is no.

Until next time my friends,

Pete 

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Build Style 12/07/2011
 
I was sitting in my rod building studio last night.   Not really doing anything, just sitting there thinking about rods I have built and would like to build.   A couple of questions came to mind.  First: Do I really have a style? And second: Why do I stick to "my style"?

Do I have a style?  I think I do have a style.  I prefer to build rods that have a classic/ traditional look to them, especially Bamboo and Fiberglass rods.  Personal preference: the components of a rod should compliment each other.  The wood insert in the seat should flow with the wrap color.  The Agate stripping guide, if used, should flow with the wraps and seat.  Never felt the need to go with the latest trends, in rod building.   Trends come and go, but the classic/ traditional looks will stand the test of time.  

Why do I stick to my style?  Short answer: Because it's who I am as a builder and fly fisherman.   Fly fishing has been referred to as "The Quiet Sport".   I fly fish because it gives me the opportunity to just drop everything and decompress from any stress.   When you are fishing your favorite water, ever notice how the colors of everything flow together?   The rocks, water, trees, and even the fish are all in sync.   That is how I want to fish, in sync with my surroundings.  My builds need the same elements.  They need to be in sync with each other.  Like nature, the rod should flow.  Nothing against a loud, bright, NASCAR or Bass Pro circuit colored rod.   I just don't build them.   It isn't my style.   And to be the best builder I can be, I need to stay true to what works for me. 

My style doesn't fit yours?  No problem. builders talk to each other.  I know several fantastic builders, all with different styles.   I can refer them to you with 100% confidence they will deliver a top quality rod.  It isn't about me getting all the business I can.  It's about ensuring your custom rod experience is the best it can be, no matter who builds your rod. 

What's all this talk about flow, in sync, compliment?   Pete, you some sort of hippie?   Nope, check out the pictures on the site.   Hopefully you will see what I am talking about when I say flow.   The rods in the pictures should flow together just like the natural surroundings in the fishing shots.  Look at your own fishing pictures and I bet you will see the same thing. ........nature flows.  

Until next time my friends,
Pete

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Good question. Why do I build custom fly rods?  Main reason:  The Quest.  Quest?   What am I talking about?  "The Quest" is to build a rod that is perfect in every aspect.   Fortunately that is a goal I don't think is obtainable, for any builder.  

This quest has taken on a life of its own.   Ask any rod builder if they have ever built the perfect rod and I am willing to bet the answer is no.  Well……. if they are completely honest with themselves, the answer should be no.

Even though customers and friends say they love a rod and claim it is perfect any custom builder will always be able to find a flaw, no matter how tiny, in any rod they built.  Be it a thread wrap that wasn't packed completely, a speck of dust in the finish or any one of a hundred other reasons, to the builder there will be a flaw.   Hence "The Quest" to build the perfect rod.

"The Quest" has turned rod building into an obsession for some of us.   Fortunately it isn't a negative obsession.  By feeding off  the obsession, a builder will push harder to create the perfect rod every time they tackle a build.  This obsession is a win-win for everybody involved.  The customer gets a better product and the builder a sense of satisfaction with putting out the best product they can.  

Personally, "The Quest" should keep me building rods for many years to come.

Until next time my friends,
Pete

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