Here's how it works: You & I discuss what grade of rod you'd like to give them & I might have a few simple questions for you to help me figure out what they need in a rod. Then after you've made the down payment, or paid in full, I'll mail you a special certificate that states a custom fly rod has been ordered in your recipient's name for you to give them on the special day.
The certificate is printed on nice, heavy weight photographic paper with a personalized hand written section inviting them to contact me. To make the presentation of the certificate really extra-special, the gift certificate comes rolled up, scroll style, in a hand-stitched leather tube much like a round document or print case. This is a really nice touch & will make giving the certificate to that special angler even more memorable!!
After you've surprised them with the certificate, the lucky angler can contact me & the two of us will work together to design the rod exactly how they want it, with all the personalized customization just for them. We communicate & interact as much, or as little, as they wish. If they aren't sure what they want or need their rod to be I can offer many suggestions, showing them photos & offering advice. They (& you) are kept updated as the rod is being made with frequent progress reports complete with photos of their rod as it comes to life. You'll always know where it is in the process. Most rods (unless very unusual) will be completed in 4 to 6 months, maybe less, so they'll be able to fish with their new rod next season!
The joy of giving a gift certificate for a custom fly rod is threefold: first when the certificate is presented to them, then the anticipation builds as we design the rod & it's being made, & then a lifetime of the fun & pleasure of fishing their very special fly rod. Having a rod custom made is an awesome & memorable experience for any angler - one that will only serve to make the rod of their dreams even more special.
The normal policies apply here, where the second half would be due only after the rod is completed, giving you at least a few more months to pay the rest of the rod price. Naturally, I would mail you hard copy receipts for any payments you made for your records. Of course, if you know what they're going to want their fly rod to be, that's fine, too. I'll mail you the special certificate so you can present them with it while they wait for their rod of a lifetime to be made!! A custom fly rod is sure to put a smile on any angler's face!! Please contact me to discuss a special fly rod for a very special angler.