I have two Competative Edge Fishing rods, model #s RR4WJ6 1/2, and RR4F7 1/2. My questions are what brand of blanks and apx. value. These rods are 2 of my favs and i would like to know more about them. I scored them at a local flea market about 6 months ago and they have both caught many fine fish. Any help would be greatly appriciated, tight lines and thanks.

I can't remember the name of the guy who made those, although I don't think he's still in business. However, I don't want to speak out of turn.

Seems to me that they were built on either Shikari or Seeker rod blanks. But I'm not 100% sure.

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Thanks Tom, i have heard of Seeker but not Shikari. I think Richard Forhan possibly built them for comp. egde.

No, but as I recall he licensed them to build his designs.

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Thank for the great info Tom, do you know what these rods sold for and how old they may be?

I'd guess they were made somewhere around 2000 to 2004. I have no idea what they originally sold for, however. Sorry.

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Just looked for shikari online and found nothing, any ideas?

Glen there have been recent posts on this forum detailing the rods you note.

Information concerning the Rich Forhan rods is detailed.

You are right - they were then and are now better fishing tools.

Click on this link and read associated Press Release and The Rest of the Story.

Contact Swampland today for personal contact concerning the exclusive cranking, finesse and flip stick blanks and rod. We have facts, blanks and finished rods in stock and ready for shipment.!

[rodbuilding.org].



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 01/28/2012 07:02AM by Bill Stevens.

Shikari ceased operations a few years ago.

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Might have been made by Brad Tharp.

Glen, I know a little about those rods. Are the grips foam or cork ? - for the rest of the story.

Glen, we sure would like to know the answer to Rich's question -

Factual answers to these questions would interest many!

I suspect Rich's reply to your question will not only define the builder but also the continent of origin.

International intrigue is also connected to Mr. Forhan.

He is departing on his next adventure within two weeks -

A safari to go after real lions!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/30/2012 10:22AM by Bill Stevens.

Rich, they are cork. Just a little tidbit. Caught a 6lb. smallie on the RR4WJ6 1/2 today! Fishing where i am has been slow so to hook up with a sixer was crazy! I love this rod, right now i am using 4lb test w/ 1/8 shakey heads and this rod performs fantastic! Anyways, tight lines, big fish for all! By the way ya'll that is the largest smallie i have ever caught! Also at Rich, i live in chico, are you in oroville?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/29/2012 11:45PM by Glen Johnson.

the rest of the story - it has been over a decade when Competitive Edge asked me have my designs built in Florida and sold under their name (for a %]. I agreed, but only if the rods were built my way and to my standards. In other words - my way or the hi-way - they agreed at the time. My designs, American blanks of my choosing, Fuji components - that was it. They requested the first change - instead of my cork split grips they wanted foam, to save $$$ - I said it was OK as that would not affect the performance of the rods significantly. After one year of successful sales and response from anglers, they wanted to really make some $$$ by having the rods built in Korea with knock off blanks & cheap components. I said NO. They did it anyway.

My only recourse was to hire lawyers and sue for breach of contract - I chose not to as several friends felt their lack of ethics would bury them anyway - someday - it did.
In the meantime, they built many knockoffs in Korea - with my name on the rods. They all have CORK HANDLES. What you have are copies - but since they are copies of some rods that changed the Bass game - they are good - just not great , as I intended. Enjoy your find - the rods are most likely worth much more than you paid for them. They are good rods intended to make money - not be the best possible. The best are still available - just not from me. Build them yourself - the track has been well described in RodMaker and my book. Another possibility is call Bill S. - he is aware of the best current blanks, components and design to duplicate what I intended.

I am in Oroville, but as Bill implied, heading to Africa to shoot a few Lions and other wild beasts, while sitting safely in a Land Rover, using an 840mm telephoto lens to take the shots. (I'm not about to get close to those fangs and claws with nothing between us ) .

Enjoy your find Glen, now build or buy more like them - there is no end to this obsession! The quest for excellence is always worth the effort - just don't let my wife sell all my original rods when I'm gone for what I tell her I have in them.
Rich



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/30/2012 01:10AM by Richard Forhan.

Rich, thank you for your time and honesty, goes far with me. As far as the wife thing, no promises. To have something you built for yourself would be an honor, and i might even fight for it! Once again thank you for YOU! Tight lines,Big fish for all!
Glen
PS. Enjoy the lions and tigers "Oh My"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/30/2012 02:20AM by Glen Johnson.