Shout out to RDP Fly Rods

[grizwilson]

Just wanted to say Thanks to Mark, at RDPflyrods.com, he lives just down the road from me, but would have not known about him other than seeing his truck, he is also a member of this forum. I broke my 7wt St. Croix last year on hybrids, having built the rod no S/N etc.  but the fine folks at RodGeeks(St. Croix blank sellers) got me a replacement blank at very reasonable cost.  I did not feel up to wrapping another rod so contacted Mark.  He took the blank, salvaged my titanium guides, and the burle cork handle that I had constructed with the help of Charlie Reading.  The rod was splined perfect to my inspection, and wrapped beautifully. We tested it with a SA GPX and a Rio Big Ugly, it casts wonderful, ready for those hybrids.  If I ever need another rod Mark gets my business.  

g

[curtisce]

I saw him in his truck driving the other day. Had his company logo on the back window with a rather aged OA sticker. I guess he's been around for awhile. Good to know if a big hybrid ever overpowers me

[BilletHead]

                      Oh, yea Baby I got to cast that rod. A very nice piece of equipment 😁

[tjm]

I  met Mark at RR a year or two ago,  stuck in my mind because he said that he was one of only two companies making true zero weight rods. The (3wts) rods he had with him that day sure looked good.  I'm not sure/can't recall if said he was rolling his own blanks or if they were his design and custom rolled, still have his card somewhere, but will probably never have a  use for ultra light stuff.

[grizwilson]

we use the 3 and under out west for brookies etc, would love one of his, but not enough use to justify at this time.  My buddy in Clark uses a 3 wt 9 ft loomis and can cast and land everything, but a much better fisherman than me.  

[tjm]

With no false casting, it's easier for me to use a 7/8wt line than a 5wt, unless the flies are very small and the wind is dead still. For situations where I could see any need for lighter than #5, I'd just use mono, like I did back in the '80s when I did the Humphreys nymphing thing. It only takes a couple minutes to extend the leader butt 15'-20'.

I can see #3-4 being useful with very long rods (9'6"++), because the length of lever increases the line speed, offsetting the lack of line mass,  but as I've gotten older I've hit on 7'6" as my ideal length, longer rods put more stress on my shoulder, so, I have gone back to "vintage" rods to get the short length and the 5-9wt capability.

I guess that in landing a fish, the line weight makes no difference, they all break at about the same 25#+/-, but I truly admire anyone that can cast large bulky bugs and streamers with light lines. Far better casters than I am and with lots more energy and  ambition too.