Itinerary of a passionate fisherman turned rodbuilder.

By Thierry Cendrier.

A lover of gear and beautiful equipment, for nearly a decade I collected a very large number of rods. Being able to afford it and considering the object as an extension of the Pleasure to which it was dedicated, I accumulated rods from the biggest brands on the market (megabass, deps, evergreen, zenaq, tenryu,etc...).

However, aesthetics and reputation (even if they are taken into account when finalizing a purchase and hesitating between several models) are secondary, it's mainly the consistency between the supposed use and the characteristics of the rod that conditions the purchase... And the resale and change of equipment!

In fact, being a stickler for equipment, I'm demanding and, as a result, often partially dissatisfied with a detail in use... A handle length, a power range, specificity or versatility, ... So many little details that lead to the search for the ideal, even perfect rod!

I wasn't perfectly satisfied ...

I wasn't perfectly satisfied and I knew something was missing. That's when I had the opportunity to fish with homemade rods from a rodbuilder ...

-"really top your rod! But I'm not a big fan of aesthetics and it's a shame the handle is a bit long! It's a shame, because it's perfectly suited to what I'm looking for in terms of use!"

- "Well, that's not a problem! You make the finish you want when you assemble your rod. You choose the elements, the length of the butt, the distribution of the rings, etc..."

-"Yeah well, it can't be that simple and DIY I'm no expert!"

- "Think again! Frankly, it's easy and if you want I'll help you with the first one. You'll see that it's not rocket science!"

That's how I ended up spending 2 hours on a Saturday afternoon at a rodbuilder friend's house to demystify rodbuilding... It really wasn't that complicated, and I can confirm that anyone can build a rod!

But in the end, why take the plunge?

Simply because I see rodbuilding as two philosophies (let's say 3!) in which each and every one of us can find ourselves:

- The fisherman-technician in search of performance:

His approach is clear, his rod is a tool. No frills, but features that respond exactly to a set of specifications. He needs a short butt for float tube fishing, a specific action, a specific power range, etc.... Whatever the look, the rod is a tool that must perform to the highest standards of precision. The choice of blank, the search for a precise spine, the measurement of the butt, the definition of an optimal distribution of rings, etc. are all parameters that are studied to make his rod the most accomplished tool for its intended use.

- The artist angler in search of aestheticism:

For him, the rod is a tool that allows him to practice his passion, but it must be a beautiful tool. A bit of an aesthete, but not totally ignorant, he knows perfectly well that a pretty one won't make him fish any better. But he loves his equipment as a work of art; he finds Pleasure as much in the practice of fishing as in marvelling at neat and, if possible, unique equipment... While respecting the fundamental principles of rodbulding (spine, ring distribution, choice of blank, etc.) he will pay particular attention to the choice of materials, the color of rings, the finish of cork, he will push the vice to turn his handles, customize his reel seat, make a wrap, etc... All with one goal in mind: to create a unique work of art that perfectly matches his tastes.

- In the middle of these two philosophies lies LE rodbuilder:

It combines the demands of performance and aesthetics. It is capable of producing a unique object that is perfectly accomplished technically. This rodbuilder exists in all of us, requiring no special skills, simply time and attention to detail.

One-year review.

So it was a year ago that I took the plunge, getting caught up in the game I've ridden a dozen rods and I won't be doing it again.... Today I have a bundle of rods that perfectly match the different techniques and situations I've encountered while fishing, as well as my personal aesthetic tastes.

Investment you might say! Financial? Less than a bundle of top-brand rods for equipment that meets my morphological and technical requirements. Pleasure? A huge return on investment precisely!!

Rodhouse