I'm getting ready to start a couple of Surf rods for a veterans center and I have a few of questions to start.

1. Are there any blank manufacturers that give military discounts. I'm looking to build 2 rods, probably 9-10 feet, 2 piece. I like the Batson SU blanks but it depends on question 2. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

2. I want to use only American made components, is this still possible? As a veteran myself I can't in good conscience give away a rod to a war vet on memorial day unless it's all American, I’d rather not do it at all.

3. I've never built a rod for someone in a wheelchair, what is the best configuration. Has anyone built a similar rod?

Thanks,

Matt

Just a couple of things, the Batson SU series hasnt been made in years. The Batson Line is now made over sea's. And I really cant think of a single guide made here in teh US, but could be wrong. Wish I was of more help than that but its all I have to add right now, look at Lamiglas , St. Croix, or Seeker for US made blanks

Thanks Chuck,

Maybe I'll have to rethink the all american aspect. I know what it means to these guys to be able to get out on the water and enjoy themselves. Don't want to deprive them just because I'm stubborn. Also I may not be building the best possible rod that I can and that wouldn't be right either.

It's the same type of internal argument I have everytime I need to replace a tatered American flag and can't find one made in the US, it should be against the law.

I built a 6'6 spinning rod for the Veterans Affairs Dept. here in town. It is mainly for show as they just hung it up on the wall. It is wrapped with an American flag and has some military decals on it. It's gonna be hard to determine for sure if your components are American made. That's really gonna take some shopping around.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

REC still makes guides here in the U.S., if that's important to you.

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If you are intent on made in US parts then your choices will be Lamiglas or St Croix for the blanks and likely Recoil for the guides (from REC). I think I'd keep the rod down to 9 feet (or less) if this is going to be cast from a sitting position.

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George Forster
Fort Collins, CO



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/29/2011 09:44PM by George Forster.

David, these rods will get used their not for display. The center does a couple of fishing outings every years so these rods either get used during the outings or get raffled and the proceeds go to the center. I had specifically asked that any rods I build go directly to the vets for their personal use, hence my desire for american made components

Tom, I will look in to the REC guides thank you


Ken, I will contact lamiglass, one of their pro guides lives close by, thank you.

If you do this, a nice thing you can do is incorporate service campain ribbon (s) on to the rod , with either wraps or paint . Larry

These guys make US blanks ... St Croix, Seeker, Calstar, Lamiglas, North Fork Composites, Rogue.
These guys make US guides and reel seats ... REC Components.

That is NOT an all-inclusive list AND not all the products by all the companies is US made ... but it will get you going in the right direction.

Larry, thanks for the suggestion. I was thinking of a way to incorporate all the branches but the campain ribbons are a great idea. I could make each guide wrap a different ribbon.

Jim, a local supplier has offered to sell me 2 lamiglass blanks at a more than resonable price. I've always had good luck with Lamiglass so it's a win win.

Matt,

Regarding the build for someone in a wheelchair. I have built several and the best thing to do is go to the source. If the rod is not a surprise, go to the person in the wheelchair and ask them what is comfortable for them. You ma want to take the blank and reel seat and get their input. Just my experience. Comfort and leverage to that person when fishing is everything.

Tight lines and Semper Fi,

John