My Custom-Built Fly Rod

thorn99

Smolt
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When I found a blank that I really liked, I decided to build a unique fly rod of my own.

Using wood instead of traditional cork provides a firmer feel with no cushioning or flex, which can be an advantage when precise casting is required. I also made the grip in a sword-style shape rather than a traditional round grip, which helps prevent it from rotating in my hand. Once you get used to it, it's much more comfortable to use. (Just my personal opinion.)

I cut the wood, drilled the center hole, shaped and sanded it by hand, and finished it with several coats of water-based varnish.

(By the way, I'm not sure if this is the right forum section for this post. If it isn't, please let me know.)
 
Haha that’s great. When redington came out with the claymore that was basically what they were describing but only made the analogy. You actually did it!
 
That's awesome! Is it an 8wt? I also really like my wood grips for the same reason...and since cork is getting so hard to come by. Hope we see more builds in the future.
 
En garde thorn99! I like your outta the box thinking. Hotrodz of Burien has been making wood grips for years. Why be normal? Boring…….but that’s just me. Not sure I need the “sword” style on my bamboo rodz….but you never know! Keep posting your creations! Here’s a few of mine.

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Haha that’s great. When redington came out with the claymore that was basically what they were describing but only made the analogy. You actually did it!
Haha, I'm not sure when the Redington Claymore was released, but I actually built this rod about 16 years ago!
 
That's awesome! Is it an 8wt? I also really like my wood grips for the same reason...and since cork is getting so hard to come by. Hope we see more builds in the future.
Thanks! It's a very slow-action rod, so it can comfortably cover anything from a 4wt up to about an 8wt.
 
I've been intrigued by wood grips for the reasons you have given. But, I'd be afraid of them slipping out of my hands. Never thought of a sword design. I think you gave @Bambooflyguy some inspiration going forward.
I actually find the grip even better than cork. The sword-style shape helps prevent the rod from rotating in my hand.
 
The cross guard will be very handy when the carp decide to take revenge and rise up against their oppressors. Carp swordplay is very focused on close range fighting, so you need something like that. Until then, it might just be in the way…

😜
Funny enough, a friend once watched me casting and said it looked like I was practicing swordsmanship with a training sword. That's actually where the idea came from! I've recently uploaded an old casting video from back then. Do you think it looks a bit like sword practice?
As you can see in the video, the cross guard gives me a really secure grip when using both hands. I was concerned it might be awkward or get in the way, but it turned out to be surprisingly unobtrusive, even when casting with one hand.

 
En garde thorn99! I like your outta the box thinking. Hotrodz of Burien has been making wood grips for years. Why be normal? Boring…….but that’s just me. Not sure I need the “sword” style on my bamboo rodz….but you never know! Keep posting your creations! Here’s a few of mine.

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Wow, you're a bamboo rod builder! Those are some beautiful creations.
The action is somewhere between a modern graphite fly rod and a bamboo rod.
 
Do you knight the fish after you catch them? You should.

"I dub thee sir carpius, of river columbia, a knight. Arise, and go forth in the name of god"......then touch your rod gently to each shoulder.....something like that.
 
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