Fisherman Fred's Custom Rods
Rod building class
We are now forming a rod building class on March 5 & 6. For more information please
click here.
Why buy a custom rod?
A custom rod is just that - custom. It can be built to your specifications because the rod maker listens to you and fits your physical and fishing needs to a specific rod. A custom rod increases your chances of catching fish rather then just fishing. First, it will cast farther and it increases your accuracy. Secondly, it is more sensitive and provides better hook sets. Finally, it is more comfortable to use and will provide years of service and enjoyment.
What do I look for in a rod?
Blank Selection
An extra-fast action flexes in the upper 1/4 of the rod
A fast action rod flexes in the upper 1/3 of the rod
A medium action rod flexes in the upper 1/2 of the rod
A slow action rod flexes down the entire length of the rod to the grip.
Spine Alignment
When a rod blank is manufactured it has a spine. The manufacturing process creates a natural one direction of bending the exhibits no torque or
rod twist at the tip. The alinment of the spine to the guides and reel seat are critical to good performance. When the custom rod builder "spines"
the rod and places the gudies down this natural one direction bend, the casting accuracy is improved and rod twist under load is eliminated. Casting
distance is improved because the energy of the cast will be down the spine.
Very few, if any, commercial manufactures take the time to
find the spine of production rods. The result is that production rods suffer from poor casting accuracy and twist under load. If you find a commercial
rod with the proper spine alignment, consider yourself lucky, because it is strictly a matter of luck.
Guides
Guide quality and preparation are critical to a fishing rod's performance and service life. If the guides are not prepared and deburred correctly they
can over time weaken the rod. With each guide placement comes a flat spot in the natural rod action. This flat spot can not be eliminated but single
footed guides can lessen the impact on rod performance. Titanium guides are preferable.
Grips
Grips vary in length and can be matched to your physical needs or fishing style. Cork is the main grip material used because it doesn't become slippery
when wet, it warms to the touch, it lasts and it is easily cleaned. Foam or synthetic materials are available and fit specific needs.
Reel Seats
Aluminum, plated brass, nickel silver and graphite composite are the four materials used in reel seats. Graphite composite is the strongest and lightest.
Compared to a chromed brass seat it is 60% lighter, doesn't corrode or suffer from weak or binding threads.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is determined by the total construction of the rod including rod action, rod composition, guide spacing, and all the other materials used.
The more sensitive the rod is the easier it is to feel light bites thereby catching more fish.
Custom Rods by Fisherman Fred's
We can build you your custom rod. You can choose what you want, such as blank, guides, wrap colors, grips, reel seat or you can let us do that for you. We specialize in surf and boat rods but can also build you a freshwater rod. Below are a few of the custom rods designed by us and in the shop now.
Surf Rods
9' Lightweight Lamiglass graphite blank (only 5oz.)
Lure weight: 1/2 oz. to 2 1/2oz.
Fuji Alconite Guides
American Tackle Tip - The top ring is coated with a gold titanium nitride finish. The super high hardness factor is so
tough you can take a file to it. The ring handles all the new braided lines.
Fuji Deluxe Gold finish reel seat
Hand wrapped lightweight cork grip
Stock number: 042510001
7' 6" St. Croix (spinning)
SCII graphite blank
Lure weight: 2 to 6oz.
Heavy power - fast action
Fuji Aluminum Oxide guides
Gold anodized Pac Bay reel seat
Hand wrapped lightweight cork grip
Stock number: 082911001
Spiral Wrapped Rods
This rod is an odd ball conventional rod. Not many fisherman even know what this rod is. It is called a spiral wrapped rod, acid rod, or Robert's wrap.
The funny thing is most people think the rod is a two piece rod and try to fix it so the guides line up. AHHHHHH here is what is
different about a spiral wrapped rod.
The rod is wrapped with the guides spiraling up the rod so that the guides closest to the tip are on the bottom of the rod the same as a spinning rod.
The way rod manufactures build a conventional rod is the guides are wrapped on the top of the rod. Do you know how old this is? Well the original
patent was issued in 1909, yup that's right, the design is over 100 years old. Another reason rod manufactures build a conventional rod like this is
that they only build rods that sell. Why change when they sell so many old fashion rods. Also most consumers will stick with what is familiar and are
unwilling to change.
So what is the purpose of a spiral rod you ask? The purpose of wrapping a rod with the gudies spiraling to the bottom of the rod is twofold. There is no
torsion or twisting force on the rod bank when the rod is loaded. Also the rod is more stable under load because the rod tip is not trying to twist toward
the load. This twisting not only makes it very difficult to wind the reel, but in some cases it could cause the rod tip to break.
People who have used a spiral wrapped rod say "you will have to pry it from my dead cold hands" or "I will never go back to a normal conventional rod".
Boat Rods
2 - 6 foot trolling rods
Solid fiberglass blank / 30-50wt
American Tackle - Heavy duty hardloy guides
Gold anodized Fuji reel seat
Fuji gimbal
Comfortable EVA grips
Full FlexCoat finish
Stock number: 052110004
Stock number: 05251000
7 foot boat
Superior grade 7' e-glass blank
Line class 8-15 lb
Fuji Aluminum Oxide guides
Gold anodized Fuji reel seat
Comfortable EVA grips
Stock number: 082911002
The warranty on our custom rods is for 30 days due to workmanship or material defects. This warranty doesn't cover any misuse of the rod. Misuse will be determined by us at Fisherman Fred's LLC. If determined that it was due to workmanship or a material defect, our policy is to replace the rod.
2222 State Highway 33 Hamilton, NJ 08690
Phone: (609) 570-8035 Fax: (609) 570-8036
