A closer look...
Here are a few recent projects
Lee wulff clone 6 foot 6 weight
This is the 6th and last rod I built during the winter of 2021. I had stumbled on a site that was selling blanks that were acquired by buying out the blank stock on hand in 1982 when an Abu Garcia / Conolon rod factory was shut down. I bought a casting blank, two light casting kits, and a 6 foot 6 wt blank that they were able to discern matched the characteristics of a 6 foot 6 wt one piece rod that was a favorite of Lee Wulff. I found it intriguing that a huge name in fly fishing would pick such a unique rod as his favorite. I did some research as to guides and spacings and built this. He caught 20 pound Atlantic salmon on such a rod which I can't imagine, I would be terrified. But I have caught a lot of grayling and a few rainbows on it and I like it just fine.
MHX Saltwater Series spiral wrap
Based on a MHX SW70H blank this is my first build. A little heavy for most of what we fish for in the Yukon it's still a capable and enjoyable rod to use. An interesting perk of the spiral wrap is that it always presents the reel in a level straight up fashion. A nothing detail in a way but it's surprising how often it comes up...
Proof Fly Fishing 6 wt switch rod
This is an 11 foot 4 piece 6 WT offering commissioned in a tentative fashion via a contact on instagram. In the end he decided perhaps it was too expensive but I decided to build it anyway and after it was built if he still felt it was too much I would try to sell it. This makes it my first rod built with the intent to sell. It really is lovely though and I kinda want to keep it...
Solstice - Northern Lights
This rod was built as an entry in the 2023 International Custom Rod Building Expo in North Carolina. This and Solistice - Midnight Sun were sent as a pair for judging in two different categories. The aim was as clean as possible with two intricate features but not a lot of frilly-ness. Two features and the rest clean and to the point. I've seen my son bring in some pretty decent pike on this unit and it's a pleasure to watch in the context of your son hammering fish on a rod you built. Very satisfying!
Mr Grey
Spinning rod comprised of all American Tackle components. 7' 3" Bushido 12 - 20 lb Bass Blank. This was to be a personal rod that turned out not to be. I coulda swore this one was mine. Happy where it's gone tho and happy how it turned out with a subdued grey / white / black color scheme. It has great promise as a solid pike / walleye rod.