Frequently Asked Questions:
I want a custom made rod, but I can't decide on a specific rod action, line weight, rod length, etc. Can you help me?
Absolutely. If you're not sure about the specific aspects you want in a rod I'm here to help. What kind of fish do you go after? What type of waters do you most often fish? What specific aspects of other rods do you like or dislike? You & I will discuss all this & more when you contact me. Together we literally go over & discuss every aspect of the rod you want made. If you're unsure about something, I can offer suggestions & ideas for you to consider, but I'll never pressure you into deciding one way or the other. Designing your custom rod is a very fun process & easier than you might think.
Do I have to commit to buying a rod from you or pay any money before we discuss designing my custom fly rod?
No way. You & I will discuss the design of your rod completely before you ever commit to anything. Absolutely no money changes hands until we've agreed on a rod design, price, & you tell me to go ahead & make the rod we've been discussing. When we design your rod, you'll get a price quote from me detailing all the specifics of the rod, etc. Here we take our time to get everything right. If you want to change things, that's fine. I'll adjust the quote as often as you want. The entire process if fun & relaxed. All my clients - even the potential ones - are treated like friends.
I see that you offer different grades of rods in different price levels. Can I purchase a less expensive grade of rod, but add an upgrade to it?
Yes. Any rod can be upgraded just about any way you want. Let's say you order a Classical Series rod from me, but want an agate stripping guide on it. No problem. Just let me know about any upgrades when we're discussing & planing your rod.
After we've decided on a rod, then what? How & when do I pay for it?
When you & I have settled on your custom rod, I won't start making it until you tell me to. When you give me the go-ahead to start making your rod, that's when you can send me a down payment of about half the total, or whatever sum we've agreed upon. Then, after the rod is completed, you simply pay the rest or remaining amount of the total. All payments are in U.S. Dollars & by check or money order. As soon as your check clears the bank, I ship the rod. I keep you updated throughout the entire process, emailing you periodically as I'm making the rod. I also email you when I receive your check. When the rod ships, I'll email you to let you know & provide a tracking number for you.
I saw a rod pictured in a magazine that had a really nice reel seat. Can I get a reel seat like that on my rod?
Yes. If you see a certain rod component or feature & want it on your rod, tell me about it or show it to me. Just because you don't see something on my website doesn't mean you can't have it. I'll make your custom rod to your specifications with any components, etc you want.
How long will it take you to make my fly rod?
Please allow 9 to 12 months. HOWEVER - it usually doesn't take that long. As a full time rod maker I can normally complete a rod in less time. That being said, I never know what problems I'll run into as I'm making your rod (bad spot in the bamboo, etc, etc). Each rod is made on a first come, first served basis. If my work load is heavy at the time you order your rod, it may take a little longer. My philosophy toward wait-times goes like this: if I tell you it will take me 6 months to make your rod & it ends up taking 7, I've disappointed you. That's not something I want to do. So when it comes to wait times, let's aim long & then (hopefully) be pleasantly surprised. Please know that I will do everything I can to complete your rod as quickly as possible without compromising quality.
Do you make your own bamboo rod blanks?
Yes. I make the bamboo blanks for each of my rods from start to finish, taking the time to hand split & hand plane the bamboo. My split-bamboo rods are never built from mass-produced, factory made blanks.
Can I buy a set of bamboo rod blanks from you & finish the rod myself?
Sorry, but no. With all the fine, detailed, time-consuming work it takes to make these rods by hand I rarely have any unaccounted for rod blanks laying around my shop. This is also the reason that each & every blank I make goes into a finished rod. So that I don't keep the folks who have ordered a rod from me waiting, I don't take orders for only rod blanks. If you need a good recommendation on where to get a good set of blanks, I'll be more than happy to help you.
I want a synthetic rod built on a specific manufacturer's rod blank. Can you do that?
Yes. If you have a loyalty to a particular company (ex: Sage, Winston, St. Croix, etc) I can make a rod for you with that manufacturer's rod blank. As a custom rod maker, it's my job to make you the rod you want, exactly the way you want.
Do you do rod repairs?
Some. I do simple repairs such as replacing line guides, re-finishing, & re-wrapping rods. I can give an old production fiberglass fly rod an overhaul & upgrade, etc. Because of my work load & the time-consuming effort it is to conduct major repairs on fly rods, I do not do large, major repair jobs. However, if you are in need of this service I can provide the names & contact info for other rod makers who focus on repair work & can help you out.
I have an old fly rod, but I'm not sure what it is or how much it's worth. Can you help me?
Sure, if I can. I can do my best to tell you what I think your rod might be & what it might cost. The world of rod collecting has it's experts in specific areas & I'll be happy to point you in the direction of those experts if I can. I won't offer to buy your rod & I don't sell rods on consignment, so you know I have no motive to mislead you. Please keep in mind that I don't give professional appraisals, but can get you in contact with experts who do.
I'm building my own rod at home but I've run into a problem & I'm stuck. Can you help me?
Yes. I'm always happy to help other anglers & rod makers. If I can offer any advice or help, I gladly will. You should feel free to contact me anytime. I answer all my email & will try to help you out, no matter what your problem might be. I don't sell any tools or rod making supplies, but will be more than happy to give you the names of some very honest & reputable folks who do.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. I want to hear from you. Thank you.
©2010 - 2024 Chris Lantzy, Custom Rod Maker