I spent last Saturday at one of the largest East Coast's tackle shows, and was amazed at the poor quality of the so-called "custom rods". They were in the $350-500 class. I particularly was suprised at the abysmal feather work done. These rods had feathers strewn all over the rod and just laid out one over the other with no thought behind it. It was a hodgepodge of colors to impress someone. And worse was listening to these guys talk about how they are the best rod builders in the business. If they took as much care with the building of the rest of the rod as they did with the feather or thread work, I don't think the rod will hold up very well. This is what makes me appreciate the time and effort all of you guys put in to rod building, particularly the esthetic side. I guess Barnum was right! There is always someone to buy these rods, but in the long run, I do think good work will win the day.
Sanford

Most of these I would not even consider being custom, just hand made. I knew one guy who use to make and sell at local outdoor shows. He always told me don't bother with making things really look good, just call them custom rods and people will buy the up. Well I never follwed his advice and I walys thought his rods looked rather ugly. His were the same fut with thread, all sorts of colors used on one rod and no pattern or sense to it.

I went to the fishing show in Houston last month and saw the same thing. There was several what I call production rod companies there. While looking at these rods I noticed several flaws such as thread gaps, glue residue, and misaligned guides. These guys call themselves custom rod builders but they are outsourcing the work and they do the public relations. With the prices that they charge I would expect a better quality product.
Pat

Years ago there was a rod called CUSTOM MADE It was Aa China copy cat of a Penn rod.

Good Wraps Bob

Sanford, I know the show and booth of which you speak. I too went to that booth. I was with a friend that I have built several rods for and he had quite a chuckle over the questions I asked or should I say the answers to the questions I asked. The best part was the "EXOTIC FEATHER INLAYS". They looked like my old grandma's easter hat. Oh by the way , those exotic feathers can bought at the local box craft store, I know, because my wife has a draw full for her craft projects. They have been at the show for a few years now , but I haven't seen anyone in the area fishing with them. Poorly hand made, not custom made.

Rather than be upset or complain about this gentelman's work, it sounds like this is an excellent opportunity for another builder or builders, to display at the same event and show their superior custom rods. Everything is relative - here is a perfect chance to show the public the different levels involved in custom rod building.

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This was just a commentary rather than a complaint regarding shoddy work. I have already entertained the thought that perhaps a few rod builders get together and show their work at such a show. It is fairly expensive to rent a kiosk at these shows, particularly a big show such as I mentioned, but it probably would be worth it. This is the first time at these shows that I have seen so much in the way of hand made rods, so it struck me as to how the quality was being touted.
Sanford

Another thought is if you go to a lot of these shows, have a shirt made up with your name on the back, this way people will see it and maybe ask some questions ??

Bill - willierods.com