Why does a Plane Jane, have to be black ? I consider a Plane Jane rod one that has inexpensive parts - yet not cheep parts. Eva grips, a seat yet with cushioned hoods. The all metal hoods I feel do not hold a reel well. Fore grip maybe depends. Inexpensive guides not cheep, set in the concept fashion. A quick butt wrap and rod info. guides since they have to have thread on any way, color can be used with no CP to give a little color Inexpensive yet with performance and light in weight.

Bill - willierods.com

Pretty or not ,I guess it depends on the person. The thing that got me into rod building is how you can design a rod with nice thread work you cand find on a store bought rod. Some people buy nice clothes drive fancy cars have nice boats, take care of their apperance, why not a nice rod to fish with. If you build to sell it dosent matter you make what the customer wants..

I'm a bling kinda guy myself. I like adding weaves and wraps to builds both for my customers and myself. Your right, it doesn't compute too more fish in the boat, but it sure makes me feel good when I'm fishing with something that looks great. (in my opinion) I feel better about myself and my gear.

Harold

The word "pretty" in most cases is used as adjective.

In the world of custom fishing rods what is "pretty" to some may be "pretty bad" to others.

It does require some talent and thought to decide which is best for you.

Some custom rods belong in bank vaults!

Some custom rods belong in museums.

Some custom rods belong hanging on a wall.

Some are displayed by fishermen as status symbols

Some custom rods are used by talented fishermen.

Some custom rods are destroyed by Bubbas.

Many custom rods spend their lifetime hidden in a dark closet.

Carefully consider What You CAN DO -

Do it well!

Then consider F&F, RPD, DPR, Funding, Profit, Medication

Do What You Gotta Do!

Many custom rods spend their lifetime hidden in a dark closet.

That's funny

Just depends on what a customer wants or if I decide to show off my work ?? LOL

Bill - willierods.com

Bill B:

It sure would interesting to see what other rodbuilders thought about their work in a quantative manner.

How about you starting the ball rolling?

If you rated your F&F on a scale of 1 to 10 what would it be?

What are your current allotments for DPR and RPD rods without any reduction in quality?

Hay Bill

F&F, fit and finish ??

Allotments for DPR, RPD ??? I only graduated high school LOL

Bill - willierods.com

Yep on the F&F

DPR - Days Per Rod (Pretty)

RPD - Rods Per Day (Function)

Only anacronym missing at present is CCOP!

Customer Cash In Pocket

This thread may be the start of the new and innovative UCRBRS!

Unniversal Custom Rod Builder Rating System

I never said I was the brightest bulb on the tree ???

F&F I would have to give myself a 10 being the best ?? Well maybe a 9. I see some of the work on the photo board. As long as the light shinning on the clear is as straight as an arrow
I never try to rush a rod - hast makes wast. I check then recheck, then glue. Would rather do it right once Then have to do it over Only had one guy that said he did not like the finish on the handle Other then that no bad come backs O yea, one guy in Alaska, told him it was a spiral wrap, showed pictures, he wanted it , then asked why the guides were not lined up - go figure

Bill - willierods.com

I love the extremes in rod building, there is lots of room at both ends of the spectrum. In 1957 I built Herter's kits, only for myself - they were "pretty" and functional. I spent many years testing and thinking in the 80's and 90's before I started building "ugly" for myself and one Bass Pro. I never intended to build for any others - when I finally did - I did it for fun and a lot of their money. Every new customer said the same thing - I built the ugliest rods they had ever seen! I agreed - no-forgrip, split grips, modified reel seats, spiral wraps, black threads on mostly black blanks - in a word "ugly" to look at - but exactly what they wanted - the best technique specific tools for bass fishing they could get. They still are.

An ugly rod is beautiful to a high level bass pro because it never takes their eyes off the task at hand and can pass for a "prototype" in their highly sponsored boats. "Oh what tangled webs we weave, ". - but they make for great tales of wins and losses.

Richard I will bet Gary calls his Plain Jane Ugly Things PRETTY!

I know I would!

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