Custom Fly Fishing Rods by Chris Lantzy, Custom Rod Maker
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Custom Fly Fishing Rods by Chris Lantzy, Custom Rod Maker

the pliant rod:

blog & news

Dry Fly Floatant Alternatives 

1/28/2013

 
For those of us who enjoy drifting a high floating dry fly down the stream, it becomes necessary to treat out flies with something that will keep them afloat on the water's surface. There are many of these products on the market today. From waxes to powders to oils, they're available at different prices too. For large flies that absorb a lot of water & those with a lot of fur on them floatant is especially necessary because these flies are very hard to dry with false casting. 


In place of buying regular floatant, there are a couple of alternatives you could try.


1.) Ray Bergman, in his legendary & important book "Trout", suggests a floatant made from 2 ounces of paraffin dissolved in one pint of un-leaded gasoline. This sounds really good, but things have changed since Ray wrote that in the 1930's. My concern here is that a.) most candles are made from inferior wax these days & won't burn like the old ones did. You should make sure that you get a high quality of paraffin; & b.) gas is now 5, 7, 10, or 15% ethanol depending on where you buy it. Besides destroying combustible engines, will it work as well in this concoction as the older, straight gas did? Of course when using this floatant be careful lighting your pipe or any smokes, etc. Leaving it in the hot sun too long may also cause a problem, too. All this could lead to a problem much bigger than worrying about your dry fly floating high on the water!!!!


2.) Rainex, the windshield & auto glass treatment is supposed to work very well. You have to soak all your flies in it the night or day before to allow them to absorb the rainex. I've never done this but those that have report their flies floated well all day long without needing any more floatant or re-treating. Also, using a bottle of Rainex only as fly floatant rather than its intended use, the bottle should last most of your lifetime. Of course, there's the environmental concern, too. Evidently, there's a small chemical - like cloud of moisture that escapes from you fly the first time you put it in the water, but after that it doesn't seem to be an issue. Of course in Bergman's formula, you're putting a gas soaked fly in the water. It couldn't be much chemicals or gas leaving your flies & entering the water, but still, for those of you who are concerned it's something to think about.


Myself, I use a product called Mucilin. It's been around for ages & works well. A tin of it lasts a long time & it's also safe on fly lines, as you can treat a line with it too.


For those of you who are the make-it-yourself types, (or just really frugal) you might enjoy using your own floatant like the ones listed above.

Book Review: "Fishless Days, Angling Nights" by Sparse Grey Hackle

1/24/2013

 
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Sparse Grey Hackle is the pen name of outdoor writer Alfred W. Miller (1892-1983). Miller,  or Sparse as he was often referred to, wrote for Sports Illustrated, Outdoor Life Magazine, & other national publications. He was deeply involved with the Angler's Club of New York, writing their newsletters, etc. Well liked & well known by the angling community, he even attempted to organize many rod makers across the country into a group where they could share information.


A compilation of his various writings & stories, "Fishless Days, Angling Nights" is the book Sparse is probably best known for. Published in 1971 (towards the end of his career) the subjects covered in the book are timeless. Any angler will enjoy reading through its pages. Spares' genial & self-deprecating sense of humor comes across very well in this book. So much so that after reading it, you'll feel like you know him.


The book contains chapters on many aspects of the sport & the activities surrounding angling. There's a hysterical chapter about waders & Sparse's mishaps in trying to repair them. There are also funny stories about camping, fishing in the rain, & a wedding party. Maybe my personal favorite story is about the troubles & difficulties of an unfortunate anglers Sparse overhears while night fishing. I really like this book because he covers everyday fishing happenings in proper language  but in a down-home, personable way of writing.


Along the way through the book, Sparse gives us history & background on many of the topics he discusses. We learn some of the history of the Neversink River in the Catskills, the introduction of modern waders into America, etc. He also introduces us to some important figures in the history of fly fishing: Edward R Hewitt & Theodore Gordon. Sadly, I think, both of these men are not remembered as often today as they deserve. I won't go into their contributions to the sport here ( those are topic in themselves for another day) but suffice it to say that fly fishing wouldn't be what it is today without their contributions. 


This book is truly an angling classic. After reading it, it's easy to see why. It belongs on the shelf of every angler. Sparse was a writer who was a master at bringing his readers along with him to the stream or the camp or the pub. This not a "how-to" book (although you might pick up a few tips or ideas), but rather it's like sitting down, listening to a congenial friend share some funny & wonderful stories. Read this book. You'll enjoy it because Sparse was a master story teller.

Currently Available Fly Wallets

1/22/2013

 
The fly wallets I offer over on the Accessories page are made from a variety of different leathers. This is because the availability of leather to make the wallets from is always changing. Of course there's always different shades of brown available & sometimes black now, but every so often we make one from a completely different type of leather just to see how it comes out. When this happens I can end up having one or two very unique looking wallets, much like this grey leather wallet shown here:
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In my ongoing quest to make this website better, I've added a new page where you can see all the wallets that I currently have in stock. My plan is to keep this page up to date, so you can always easily see what you have to choose from in wallets. You can access this page by the link in the fly wallet section of the Accessories page.

I should also mention that, just like fly rods, you can have a wallet custom made for you. If you have a particularly special leather or material that you want the wallet made from, a special size of wallet, or other requirements I can accommodate you. Just like when you order a rod, we work together to get the wallet the way you want it.

So if you've been thinking about getting a wallet, but weren't sure about how they looked or the different leather you could have, please take a look at all the currently available fly wallets I've listed for you to choose from. As always, if you have any questions or want to talk to me about a particular wallet, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Casting Accuracy....Try This

1/17/2013

 
I don't pretend to be a world-class casting champion. However, if you've been having problems with hitting your mark with your fly line, here's an idea that might help you. The key is foot position.


Most of us cast a rod with either our feet side by side or staggered slightly, with the foot opposite our casting hand forward a little. For example, a person casting a fly rod with their right hand might do so with their left foot slightly in front of their right foot, & both feet about shoulder width apart. This seems to be pretty standard feet position for casting. This is the same position you should take when shooting a rifle or a shotgun. As you cast, you put you shift your weight from the ball of one foot to the heel of the other, etc. I won't go into detail, as I'm sure you get the point & their are tons of books & videos covering the subject.


Some folks though, will benefit from switching their feet positions around, so that the foot on the same side as their casting hand is in front. Again for example, this would mean that a person casting a fly rod with their right hand would have their right foot slightly in front of their left foot & both feet about shoulder width apart. This, more than any other way, will bring your hips into the casting action. Your knees should be relaxed & slightly bent - not stiff. This will also line-up your entire body & casting hand & arm with the fly line as you cast it out away from you. This helps you to aim at your target much easier. 


This method may feel odd at first. It may also sound counter-intuitive. However it does have its benefits. When you practice casting, try to do so on a lawn. Put some pie plates or other markers out on the grass at measured distances & try to hit them with your line. This will help you gauge both distance & accuracy. 


If you find you're having trouble hitting your lawn targets, switch you feet around to the positions I just mentioned & see what happens. This could be a real trick to improve your casting. Hey, if doesn't work or just never gets to feeling right for you, you can always go back to your old foot positions. Then you can start examining how you hold the rod, how your arm moves, your back cast,.......


There are many aspects to casting a fly rod. Many times we make it harder than it really is. We over think the process. Sometimes all you have to do to improve is simply pay attention to your feet. Just an idea & some food for thought.

Rod Tube Colors

1/14/2013

 
It recently came to my attention that in the section of this site describing the rod tubes (on the "Accessories" page) I never mention or showed what the standard colors for the tubes are!! Wow, how did I miss that?

Well, I've rectified that situation by both listing the colors & showing a photo of them in the description of the rod tubes. Here they are:
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The standard colors are, from top to bottom:
1.) Tan
2.) Green
3.) Black
4.) Brown

I've done my best to show the actual colors here, but my camera isn't as good as the human eye. They are more vivid when seen in person. I'm sure a professional photographer could have shown them better.

Of course you can have any color you want. Just let me know if you want a custom color when you email me & what color you want. You can have any other color for only a few dollars more.

These rod tubes are a great way to store or transport your rod. They come standard on all my Prudential & Classical Series rods. This allows me to keep the price of these rods lower, while still giving you a strong, quality rod tube. In fact many of my rod clients order two tubes: a nice metal one with brass caps & one of these for when they want to hike the rod into their fishing spots, or when traveling through airports, etc with their rod. I don't think you'll find a stronger canvas covered rod tube anywhere else for anywhere near this price. You can learn more about these tubes by visiting the Accessories page.

Brilliant Fishing Flasks....

1/11/2013

 
A friend of mine sent me this photo & I thought I'd share it here. This has to be one of the best ideas I've seen in a while. It's a metal fly box with a flask for a lid!! Talk about a practical piece of fishing tackle!!
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Here's his version of the fly / flask wallet. While not as fancy, it will get the job done....& it's a heck of a lot easier than sewing secret pockets into your waders!!! Thanks Jim!!
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Better Prices For Available Rods

1/9/2013

 
After doing some research & trying to see if there was a way I could lower some of my prices, I discovered that for rods valued under $100 it's more economical to ship them via UPS. That means that all the fiberglass rods I have listed on the "Available Rods" page are now a few dollars less than they were. While this doesn't represent a huge savings, every dollar counts.


If you're looking for a good, fish-able, vintage fiberglass fly rod than please check them out. I've gone over each one of them & made any small needed repairs. There's no worrying at all & you'll know that you're getting a rod in good condition ready to take fishing. These rods are fantastic for anyone wanting an extra rod to keep in your vehicle, or something that you can fish with when it's too cold outside for your bamboo rod. Maybe you're going to be in a harsh environment or are going fishing some place where you're worried about taking your "expensive" rod? Well, these fiberglass rods will allow you to use them in those nasty places & rough conditions while still getting the rod action you love so much from your other rods.


Also these older production fiberglass rods are just nostalgic for some of us. I grew up fishing with rods like these & I know that when I cast a line on one of them it takes me back to some good times & wonderful memories. 


To sweeten the pot, I'll also throw in any of the reels I have listed in the "Available Accessories" page for an extra $10 when get one of these fiberglass rods. I've also made up rod tubes & bags to fit each rod exactly. The tubes & bags are color coordinated with the rod, making each one a little nicer offering overall. You won't have the rod sliding around inside the tube, like some of the pre-made commercial tubes.


Over all the well made production fiberglass fly rods from the 50's & later represent a great value for the angler. Their rod actions were based on more expensive bamboo rods, but they are not expensive at all. In fact, they have a better action than many of the newer production graphite rods on the market today, in my opinion. The real kicker is that these rods are about 10 times cheaper. Wow!!


Check them out on the "Available Rods" page & please contact me if you have any questions about anything you see there.

What To Do With Old Fly Lines?

1/7/2013

 
Many of you, like me, were maybe luck enough to get a brand new fly line for the Holidays. Awesome. The anticipation for next season builds as you unwind the old line from your favorite reel & string it up with your new one. You can't wait to cast this line & get into some fish with it.


When that job is finished & you've exhausted a pot of coffee while daydreaming about the adventures you'll have with the new line, you look at your old line with nostalgia. Thanks for the good times, old friend.


Wait a minute. Maybe this isn't the end of the line (pun intended). Don't just throw away that old fly line because there's about a million uses for it. In fact, how you use this old fly line is limited only by your imagination.


First, you could easily make a lanyard for hanging all your fishing accessories (like clippers, tippet spools, etc) from. Hey, why buy one when you can make a perfectly good one yourself? What else do you have to do in the dead of winter? How about using a length of it to hang your sunglasses from? 


Are you or someone you know into making crafts? Well fly line can be used for weaving baskets, bowels, etc. How about making a key chain from it. Craft making folks have vivid imaginations. You might be surprised with the ideas they invent for that old fly line of yours.


Of course I haven't even talked about the million uses it could have around the home. In the garage or the workshop I'll bet you could find a lot of uses for an old fly line. How about in the garden? I would think that some of the old line strung between two stakes in the ground would make a good trellis for your cucumbers or other vine-growing vegetables to climb up next summer. 


So maybe it's not so long for that old fly line after all? Before you just throw it in the trash, stop & think about all the things it could be used for. You'll have the pride of being inventive & know that you're doing a good thing by recycling something that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill. How can you beat that? 

New Year, New Rod Available, New Web Page

1/2/2013

 
Happy New Year!!! I sincerely hope that is your best one yet. I'm hitting the ground running this year. I've already been at work improving this site & other things. 

All the items on the Available page have been reorganized to make it easier for you to find what you're after & to see what all's available, without having to scroll through tons of stuff other than what you're interested in. There are now two pages of stuff. First, all rods are listed on the "Available Rods" page. Move your mouse over it in the side menu & you will also see a page titled "Available Reels, Accessories, etc". On that page is listed all non-fly rod available items like reels, books, etc. Please check them both out.

While you're on the "Available Rods" page, you might enjoy seeing the rod I've just listed there. It's a 7'-6" 4/5 wt mortised rod. It's extremely rare for me to have a mortised rod available & unspoken for, as I tend to make them only on a special order basis. This one is a truly unique rod with many nice features including "ebonized" wood in the grip & an extremely rare reel seat.
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This rod has a fantastic dry fly action that will also cast medium size wets & nymphs equally well. It has a very soft & comfortable black sheep skin leather grip - the ultimate in luxury. You can read all about it & see a lot more photos on the "Available Rods" page.


I'm excited to get this year going both in the rod shop & on the stream. I hope you are too.

    The Pliant Rod

    News from the shop of Chris Lantzy, Custom Rod Maker along with industry news, profiles of interesting characters, reviews, history, & whatever else strikes our fancy. Your comments & feedback are welcome. Please email me your thoughts.


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