Need some feedback - Fiberglass series of rods-

[Steeldrifter 0]

I've been doing some work for awhile now and speaking with some blank manufactures about getting some true fiberglass blank to offer a series of classic glass rods through Midwest Custom Fly Rods. Eventually there would be a couple different sizes and lengths, but to start out with the first ones would be a 6'6" 4wt 2pc Spigot ferule, gloss blank finish and classic smooth action glass. These rods would be built with a all brown burl grip (no exotic corks just to keep it classic styling) but it would have a grain pattern in the grip since it would be brown burl. The reel seats would be silver all aluminum, again to keep the classic look to them. Guides would be double foot snake guides, hook keeper, and wrap colors would be available in a number of wrap choices.

 

So overall it would be a nice nostalgic looking, smooth casting, quality glass 6'6" 4wt rod.

 

If I do this then I am going to try to make it happen where I can keep the price between $120-$140 range hopefully. Just depends on how many blanks I initially order.

 

So before I dive much deeper into this project I would like to get a gauge of if/how much interest there would be in these rods? And if there is real interest in I may even start taking some pre-orders if it looks like it would be a viable market for them.

 

So let me know your thoughts.

 

Steve

[mikechell 0]

Honestly, for me ... I don't know what the difference is. I've fished inexpensive rods all my life. The custom you did for me is the highest price I've ever paid for one ... and you gave me a great deal on that one.

Without the comparison or "nostalgia" gene ... I wouldn't buy a rod just because it's a retro style fiberglass rod.

 

Sorry.

I hope you get a bigger, better response from others.

[Guest rich mc]

I would be very interested in a glass rod like that I prefer the slower casting of a glass rod rich mc

[shoebop 0]

I don't understand the nostalgia surrounding fiberglass rods. To me it's like prefering an outhouse over indoor plumbing. That being said, I mean no disrespect to someone who does get the nostalgia. I am quite uneducated when it comes to fibergass rods.

 

Excuse me...I have to get up and change the channel on my black and white television.

[ditz2 0]

Black and White TV. Hahahaha........I am watching a b&w movie right now. hahaha.......I learned on glass and I still like glass though I seldom fish one since the new black stuff is much lighter. Especially in the heavier line wts.. I did find an old Fenwich 7' 5wt for cheap at a flea market that I plan on using this coming season though I may find it to be too long for most of my fishing since I normally use a 6' rod.

 

I personally like the idea of a glass rod such as you describe as long as the grip is cork and the guides are stainless and the reel seat is anodized. If I find that this 7' Fenwick is too long and you come up with a 6' er in a 3 to 5wt I might just buy one myself and I don't buy many rods any more. I have an old South Bend click/pawl that needs a rod.

[Steeldrifter 0]

Mike the main draw of a glass rod is not just the nostalgic look aspect, but mainly it is the smooth casting stroke. In this day and age of high modulus graphite the action of so many rods out there today is so fast/tip flex that they cause the caster to have to have a very abrupt and short casting stroke. Some anglers like a more slower smooth casting rod that is more full flex which is where the classic style of fiberglass comes into it's own. It's also better for small dry flies on shorter casts where you need to lay the fly down softly without scaring trout in flat water.

 

The main problem these days is there are not very many makers of glass rods out there today outside of Steff bros, Mcfarland or Lami. Those are all great makers but when I see a glass rod costing $400 or more it just blows my mind. So I'm looking into trying to provide a quality glass rod at a much better more realistic price. So keep the feedback coming, thanks.

[Steve P 0]

Steve, when and if you find a maker for a reasonably priced glass rod I am seriously looking for a good 10wt.

 

Stev

[mikechell 0]

I'll have to find a glass rod, or some one near with one that I can try a few casts on.

 

Shoebop ... I am surprised you aren't into the nostalgic more. I found this picture of you fishing from a long time ago.

 

 

[shoebop 0]

Ha Ha Haaa! If you look closely, that was a gopher wood rod...as per the Lord's specifications. No fiberglass for me!

[mikechell 0]

I heard that they were only supposed to be floating for 30 days and 30 nights, but you took the first olive branch for a rod and stripped the feather off that poor dove to make flies. Took another 10 days before another dove showed up.

[mikechell 0]

Steve ... sorry to temporarily hijack your Fiberglass rod thread.

[Christopher K 0]

I don't understand the nostalgia surrounding fiberglass rods. To me it's like prefering an outhouse over indoor plumbing. That being said, I mean no disrespect to someone who does get the nostalgia. I am quite uneducated when it comes to fibergass rods.

 

Excuse me...I have to get up and change the channel on my black and white television.

I just got my first glass stick and I like it better than all of my graphite stuff, not for nostalgia but just for how smooth it is. Steve, try fiberglass flyrodders, I can guarantee you'll get a better response there

[Steeldrifter 0]

I don't understand the nostalgia surrounding fiberglass rods. To me it's like prefering an outhouse over indoor plumbing. That being said, I mean no disrespect to someone who does get the nostalgia. I am quite uneducated when it comes to fibergass rods.

 

Excuse me...I have to get up and change the channel on my black and white television.

I just got my first glass stick and I like it better than all of my graphite stuff, not for nostalgia but just for how smooth it is. Steve, try fiberglass flyrodders, I can guarantee you'll get a better response there

 

 

Yeah I'm aware of that site, but I'm just interested in feedback from normal fly anglers right now such as here. In other words by posting there on a fiberglass rod forum I'm sure the response would be 100% positive. Where as I want to see what the average Joe that isn't a strict fan of any one particular type of rod, but fishes various types thinks about it.

[JohnP 0]

I really enjoying casting and fishing with my Fenwick FF805 that I received as a birthday gift when I was 14. Many years later, when I taught my current ex-wife to fly cast, she also fell in love with it, so much so that she refused to use the Berkely graphite rod I got her for her birthday. It wasn't until after we split up that I was able to get my old glass rod back from her. For shorter casts or when I just want to enjoy the smooth, flowing action of the rod, I definitely prefer glass over graphite. If I am trying for distance or I am fishing a larger river or lake, I tend to prefer the faster action of the graphite. I am not a rod geek; along with my now ancient, gifted Fenwick, my graphite rod cost about $25 when I bought it 25 years ago. Although I am not interested in a small rod such as you describe, I would be interested in something along the lines of a 9 foot, 4 weight rod such as the one Redington puts out in its CT line. I believe those cost around $130.

[flysmallie 0]

I like glass a lot. Still fish a lot of graphite but the "slowness" of fiberglass works great for me when casting bulky type flies. Yeah I know you would think it would be the other way around but I learned to slow down and give the rod and line time to work and things fly beautifully. I don't have the distance that I do with graphite but my accuracy is better. I like the way they fish. It's supposed to be a relaxing sport.

 

 

If you can get me a 6' or 6'6" one piece in a 5/6 then I would be interested.