I have as much respect for you builders as I have for any profession. Not only for the professionalism and lack of unproductive competition/criticism, but for your willingness and patience with newbies. Some observations I have made so far after 4 builds: Unlike many building activities, one cannot hide mistakes in wrapping. Redo it! A builder can hear a thread get out of place or back in place, and patience is indeed a virtue. Building a custom rod has way more variables than I ever would have imagined, however it is a very simple process. Being artistic is a big advantage; however patience and creativity can go a long way to mask lack of artistic ability. I have learned that there will probably always be more that I don't know than what I do know. I am sure that at this point I am hooked and will never buy another rod.

Fishing is not a sport, it is an art.

Danny, I think you have two schools of thought on a "custom" rod.

You have the rods that are so pretty you think to yourself, I could never do that and even if I could I'm not willing to put that amount of time into something I'm using to catch a fish and have no intention of selling to others.

Then you have the "minimalist" approach where nothing is added other than what is required. The goal is typically the lightest build and looks aren't on the radar. That isn't to say the finished rod need be ugly or sport poor craftsmanship.

Only you can decide what is right for you to set as a goal to reach.

For me, one of the more rewarding areas has been to learn how to identify blanks made for entirely different markets and purposes that excel in my waters.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

..................

Tom, wonderful quote!

Danny, you have hit the nail on the head. I realize after a seemingly lifetime of the craft that there is always more I don't know than what I do know.

Tom, fablous quote. Bravo sir.

“Simplify, then add lightness” - Colin Chapman.

The struggle between the baroque and the minimalist rages on.

Thanks for your input. As much as I love a beautiful rod, I think the fisherman in me will make me a minimalist, but I want to learn the fancy stuff also. I recently built a flipping stick that has a black blank, cork handle and black single wraps. This is already my favorite rod!

Phil, one style is for selling and the other is for fishing..for the most part..i bet that fans the flames..lol.

Danny, imagin living in a state where you were the only flipper since 1978..every bass over five pounds was yours, especially if you fished from a float tube, and it,s still that way..i expected it to be made illegal any day..lol.

Tom. It's kind of like writing short. Folks just don't understand. ;)

I guess I have the perfect bank account.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

There is a good chance that I don't understand the quote that Tom posted.

Perfection is an opinion, not a mathematical equation. Because it's an opinion, only the individual can define their definition of perfection.

Antione is obviously an excellent rod builder just by his definition of perfection..lol.

David, understand the quote is from an engineer. In the engineering discipline often the simplest solution is considered the most elegant.

It would likely be different if the quote was from an artists.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Two quotes come to mind: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." and "Is all good structure in a winding stair?"