Glass Rods?

[Murdoc]

I've been pondering the idea of starting to build custom glass rods for a while. The more I think about it the more I hear about the popularity of them. I've done some rewraps on a few and really enjoyed the feel. I still have the one I got when I was 10years old. I've got two questions.

Is there a good interest in them?? (Dano I know your thoughts but would like to hear them again)

Which rods are most popular???

Thank you! We have a great diverse bunch on the forum and I enjoy everyones thoughts!!!

[timsfly]

I like a 6' 5wt for crane, glass is so forgiving and it protects your tippets well.

I also sell several glass rods a year, they are wonderful to cast. I don't like a

glass rod over 7 1/2 feet, to me they feel a bit tip heavy then.

We keep them in the shop and people love the way they feel.

[Danoinark]

Mark

Yes you know how I feel about glass. And I would echo everything that Tim said. I would add that glass rods are waxing nostalgic for me in that I grew up using them. Graphite was only on the drawing boards at the time. I feel they are more durable than today's graphite or composite rod materials. Its likely they can take the full force of a tire running over them. The short rods like Tim mentioned may be more sensitive in the tip protecting fine tippets than modern materials. Esthetically they are more pleasing to me. Since glass rods are true medium or full flex actions they fit my casting style. Another reason is that there are few custom glass makers today. I can think of only 2 at the moment. I believe the market is wide open to you. As for lengths weights. I would stray away from anything over 7 ft and weights 5 and under. Tim is right on when he says glass tends to get heavier and bulkier with length. Oh, I forgot to add that you can feel a fish fighting into the butt without ever worrying about it breaking even at the ferrules.

I dare say I might be your first customer.

Dano

[ness]

My interest in glass has been growing some. I'd seen a few custom rod makers offering them, and that's what got it started.

I really don't like a fast rod. I tend to favor quieter places -- smaller streams and tighter conditions -- so a fast-action rod is often a liability. The big manufacturers continue to make faster and lighter rods for the most part, so there is a need for a slower-action rod.

Aesthetics-wise: I think a bamboo-like look would have appeal, and accentuate the old-time feel of the thing.

[TroutBum4wt]

Glass rods are the best. I agree, the shorter rods are more responsive and lighter in the hand.

Cheers.

[trout fanatic]

I concur with all of the comments so far. I think besides McFarlane and Steffan, TFO entered the fiberglass market last year with a finesse series fiberglass rod (I suspect they were testing the waters so to speak). Reddington also offers its fiberglass line (South Fork I think is the name but I may be wrong). Besides that the market is wide open and appears to be growing as far as I can tell. Good luck and keep us informed.

[Danoinark]

TF,

The Steffan Brothers and McFarlands are the ones I was thinking about as to the custom rods, very pricey if I recall. I think the TFO rods had a limited run but you can still get them. I did not know Reddington produced a glass rod. Thanks for that info.

Dano

[Greg]

I think if you could find a good quality blank to build on for a low enough price - you would have a real winner!! I would be interested. I've got an old fenwick glass rod I like. I've looked at the steffan bros and mcfarland rods but find them too pricey.

Greg

[LB&M]

I have a Diamondback fiberglass rod called the Diamondglass. About five years ago I was talking with Ed Story of Feathercraft on the phone and asked him if he had any recommendations for a glass rod. I had lived and fished in Colorado in the 70s and early 80s mostly using a couple of old Fenwicks (long gone now) I was thinking about buying myself a retirement present. Ed said he really liked the Diamondglass 8' 4wt and his customers really spoke highly of it. I don't own lots of rods but already had a couple of Orvis rods 7' 3wt and 8.5' 6wt so I thought the 4wt would fit in well. Since then I have used it more than my Orvis rods and really enjoy it. There is no doubt it is my favorite. It is way lighter than my old Fenwicks (at just a little over 3 ounces) The largest fish I have caught on it was a 6.6lb black bass on a tiny dry fly when fishing for Bluegill. It handled the bass with ease. I got mine for around $250 but I think they are a little more pricey now. Anyway, it's a great rod and I really enjoy using glass again. It's going to Chama, NM next month for some use on the Chama River, upper Rio Grande and Conejos rivers in Colorado and all sorts of little creeks. I'm another potential customer.