My handwriting isn't good enough to use a pen. Are there rub-off letters which will stand up to epoxy coating? Source? Other suggestions?

You can get dry transfer lettering at art supply stores or contact Decal Connection, they will make one-off decals at reasonable prices.

Try weaving their initials on a rod. It is not hard if you map it out on graph paper, especially letters that can be done block style, like "H" or "T".
Give it a try.

Tim

Tim's got a good idea and one that I like best. Letter weaving with a light thread against a dark backgound is awesome. It is not hard to do with minimal practice. Once you get proficient at it, you can weave a name and date in about 1/2hour. Set this off within the contrasting band colors you want, and it will look professional. If you want to go all the way, use a fish decal within that space opposite the letter weave. It will get you a lot of compliments and people that would not otherwise know you could do this. Display a rod like this for best effect.

I would get hold of Decal Connection and have a decal made with something like Custom Made for ********* and the rod specs below Use a nice decorative font and you can have a beautiful gold or silver metallic waterslide decal for under 5 bucks!!

Mike

You can't go wrong with waterslide decals from Decal Connection. You can design your own inscription on your PC and email it to them, or describe what you want, and have them do it. Tip: order two copies, in case you accidentally tear one or scratch the printing off it while handling it. Trim the decal to size, and cut off the corners, so they won't fold over when applying them to the rod. Soak the decal in water for 3 to 4 seconds, then apply to the rod. Pat dry with paper towel. Let it dry overnight, then apply one coat of rod finish (I use Flex Coat Lite). Here's a link to one of my rods that has a Decal Connection inscription decal (the photo is titled "decal inscription):
[www.fishingphotos.net]
Have fun!

Dry transfer letters work great too, if you can find them the right size and style for what you want.