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

Happy New Year To Everyone!!!!

12/30/2011

 
Here is my annual "State of The Rod Shop Address" :
I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy New Year. I thank you all for your support & interest in my custom made fly rods. Through out last year I had the sadness of saying goodbye to a great angler & wonderful friend, but I also had the privilege of meeting many new friends & fellow anglers as well.

 As we move into the next year, I will continue to grow this 'labor of love' of making fly rods for all levels of anglers & you'll see some new offerings coming from my rod shop. This will include new rod tapers for you to choose from. I will be adding some smaller, lighter rods for the ultra-light bamboo anglers & rods of different line weights in a wide range of lengths. I hope to also be offering a lower priced, custom made graphite fly rod for the angler on a budget, or those just starting out. In addition, I'll work to reduce the time it takes in delivering your rod from the time you order it, allowing you to get your rod sooner.

I'll also try to keep my prices as low as possible. This is never easy, but I feel it's important so that I can continue to offer custom made fly rods to as many anglers as possible. With the costs of materials & shipping continuing to rise, I'll keep my prices locked in where they are now for as long as possible. I'll also be introducing a payment plan that's more flexible & will allow you to pay for rods in ways that are more convenient for you.

You'll also see some changes to this website in the coming year. I will be adding more information & content for you. Some things will get a different, more user-friendly look. I want this website to be a place where you can find everything you need to know when choosing a fly rod - from general information to very specific things to consider before you buy a rod anywhere.

I'll continue to try to spread goodwill next year by working with different charities & organizations that do good work through the sport of fly fishing & continue to spread the word about folks who deserve our help & attention. Once again I'll be working with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc & I'll let you all know more about that later on.

I thank you all again for your support this past year. I know that the economy has had different effects on all of us & that makes your support even more special to me. Rest assured, no matter what the economic conditions are I will continue to grow this business. I'll continue to work full time making rods & helping anglers get more enjoyment from fly fishing. I'm looking forward to next year - to both the rods & the friends I'll make. Please remember, my door is always open to all anglers. Contact me anytime.

May you all have a safe, healthy, & happy New Year!!!!

New Rod Bags Now Available - At Discount!!

12/28/2011

 
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Over on the "Available" page, I've just listed a couple of soft rod bags. These are nicely made in my shop of good quality khaki - colored material featuring red embellishments. They also feature a loop for hanging your rod & removing it from a tube. These are brand new & never used. They were part of a run of bags we made & never used. Being slightly odd sized, I thought I'd offer them here to you. To see if these bags will fit your fly rod, measure the longest section of your rod & compare it the measurements of these bags. Made for 2 piece / 2 tip rods, if your rod only has one tip section, simply slide a wooded dowel rod into the spare pocket. It will help protect the tip section.

There are two bags. The first will fit rod sections that are 53 3/4 inches long. 

The second bag will accommodate rod sections 46 3/4 inches in length. 

Sold at a discount price of $15.00 each.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

12/24/2011

 
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Fly Fishing Gift Ideas: Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

12/23/2011

 
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This Holiday season, (now through Christmas) I will be featuring different gift ideas for fly fishing or the special fly angler in your life. These are just suggestions & ideas that run the gamut of big & small gifts for your Holidays. Hopefully this will help to make your shopping a little easier.  (Unless otherwise stated, I'm not affiliated with any products or dealers discussed here. I only mention them as recommendations.)

Okay, it's getting close to Christmas so I thought I'd list some last minute gift ideas for any fly angler. These are ideas that aren't fishing specific, but could come in handy while along the stream & you can buy them anywhere, too.

1.) Bandanna: these are great to carry in your vest or fishing bag. Wipe the sweat from your brow on a hot day, dry your hands after releasing a fish, wrap your lunch in it, etc. The uses for a bandana while fishing are endless.

2.) Socks: every angler that wears waders or wading boots should always wear a good quality pair of socks. Good ones wick away the moisture from sweat, while keeping your feet warm. Keeping your feet comfortable is one of the most important things anybody involved in outdoor activities can do. A nice pair of socks goes a long way to enjoying a full day's fishing.

3.) Flashlight: a small, pocket sized flashlight can be a real life saver along the stream. Not only does it help you see better after dark, but it can be used as a signaling device in a bad situation.

4.) Strike-Anywhere-Matches: you might never use these, but if you ever need a match, you're going to be grateful you have them. Just make sure you keep them in a water proof container or bag.

5.) Duct Tape: The uses of duct tape are limited only by your imagination. Why would you need duct tape while fishing? Ask a friend of mine who accidentaly ripped a hole in his brand new waders while crossing a barbed-wire fence early in the morning on an all day fishing trip. Good duct tape is water proof & can realy save the day if you're as infortunate as my friend was. You don't need to carry the entire roll. Just peel off several feet while wrapping it around an empty toilet paper roll. The carboard roll collapses & fits nicely in your vest or bag.

6.) Small package of Band-Aids: Along with these, it might be a good idea to carry a small first aid kit with latex gloves, etc. I hope you never need them, but if you do you'll be glad you had them.

7.) Bug Spray: I don't think most of us are going to need any this time of year, but it won't be long before you do. Depending on where you go, bugs can really ruin a good day fishing & make it impossible to fish. The anglers in Maine know what I'm talking about!!!

Fly Fishing Gift Idea: Landing Nets

12/16/2011

 
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This Holiday season, (now through Christmas) I will be featuring different gift ideas for fly fishing or the special fly angler in your life. These are just suggestions & ideas that run the gamut of big & small gifts for your Holidays. Hopefully this will help to make your shopping a little easier.  (Unless otherwise stated, I'm not affiliated with any products or dealers discussed here. I only mention them as recommendations.)

While not absolutely necessary, using a net to land a fish is easier than not using one. So, most anglers carry a landing net on them. Now, there are many different sizes & styles of nets on the market & you should really consider how much you're going to use it & where before you buy. Most net makers offer a size for general trout fishing, so if you're not sure which net you need that's a good bet. 

As with anything in fishing, nets are available in all price ranges. If you're on a tight budget, you could check out the selection at Jann's Netcraft. They offer several nets at a discount price. Of course, you could try your hand at net making & you'd never be without a net again. If you have more to spend on a net & one a nice quality one, you could try a Fisknat landing net. These are made in the USA, with laminated wood & a light weight rubber bag. 

However, for not that much more money you can have a true work of art for a landing net by purchasing a LDH net. Take a look at these beautiful creations & you'll know what I mean. True craftsmanship. These nets will be something you pass down to your children.
 

Fly Fishing Gift Ideas: Fly Tying Tools & Materials

12/13/2011

 
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This Holiday season, (now through Christmas) I will be featuring different gift ideas for fly fishing or the special fly angler in your life. These are just suggestions & ideas that run the gamut of big & small gifts for your Holidays. Hopefully this will help to make your shopping a little easier.  (Unless otherwise stated, I'm not affiliated with any products or dealers discussed here. I only mention them as recommendations.)

Tying up your own fishing flies is a great way to spend the winter & expand the amount of time involved in fly fishing. If you can't be on the river, than sitting at the tying bench while the snow piles up outside is a really good alternative. Here are some ideas about what to get that special fly tying person:

Many fly shops & manufacturers of tying material offer complete kits. These usually include everything you need to get started in fly tying including all the tools, materials, & instructions to tie up a few types of flies. Like just about everything else in life, you get what you pay for & a cheap kit will have lower quality tools & materials. Good kits are a great way to start any angler of any age or level into the activity. The folks at J.S. Stockard offer several different kits in all price ranges. They have something for everyone.

I'd also like to mention the "old reliable" of fly tying vises: the Thompson Model A. This vise has been made for over 100 years. While it doesn't have many features, it's well made & will work quite well. There are many choices of vises out there, but you can't go wrong with a Thompson model A.

No matter what your level of experience in fly tying, if you're looking for guidance or have any questions the man to talk to is, without a doubt, Joe Gablick at The Contented Angler. Joe is a master fly tyer & experienced teacher. He can help you with any problem you have & supply you with any material or tools you need. In fact, talk to Joe before you buy anything & you'll end up saving money in the long run. He carries a big selection of rotary vises, tools, materials & everything else you could possibly need.

Bamboo Fly Rod: 5ft, 2/2, 3wt

12/8/2011

 
I've just added a new rod taper to the rods I offer. This is a 5' - 0", 2pc / 2 tip, 3 wt split-bamboo rod. With a moderately fast action, this is a neat little rod. This rod is inspired by the old Orvis "Mighty Mite".

More & more fly anglers are getting into using ultra-light fly tackle. When going after the appropriate fish & using the proper techniques, ultra-light fly fishing can be a real hoot. There's no reason why bamboo rods can't be used in this kind of fishing.

The new rod can be made up on any level you want, Prudential, Classical, or Custom Series. If you're into smaller fly rods I think you'll really like this one. If you have any questions or would like to have me make you one, please contact me. 

Remembering December 7, 1941

12/7/2011

 
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Seventy years ago today on a quiet Sunday morning, the Empire of Japan launched an attack on the U.S Naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans lost their lives & over 1,100 were wounded. Suddenly the United States & our way of life was in serious danger.

Today we pause to remember that day, those that lost their lives, & the events that led us into World War II. As the years have passed the impact of those events becomes less important in our daily lives. Still, we must remember what happened on that Sunday morning........
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Franklin D. Roosevelt's Infamy Speech

December 8, 1941

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

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Fly Fishing Gift Ideas: "A River Runs Through It"

12/5/2011

 
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This Holiday season, (now through Christmas) I will be featuring different gift ideas for fly fishing or the special fly angler in your life. These are just suggestions & ideas that run the gamut of big & small gifts for your Holidays. Hopefully this will help to make your shopping a little easier.  (Unless otherwise stated, I'm not affiliated with any products or dealers discussed here. I only mention them as recommendations.)

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Back in the early 1990's the movie "A River Runs Through It" came out in theaters. Shortly after that, more & more folks started taking up the sport of fly fishing. In fact, I could hardly remember seeing another fly angler (outside of my family) on many of the smaller & lesser-known streams we'd fish. After the movie, that all changed. I've talked with many experienced fly anglers that speak about the sport in terms of before & after the movie. As more folks took up the sport, more tackle & technology followed. Good or bad this movie had a big effect on the sport.

It all started with the book written by Norm Maclean. The story's set in Montana around the 1920's. While fly fishing is the central theme of the book, it's about a lot more than just that. It's about family, coming of age, dealing with loved ones on a path of self-destruction, fathers & sons, etc. All in all it's truly a good story worth reading even if you're not interested in fly fishing.

The movie, done in 1992, is absolutely beautiful to watch. The scenery & the fish & the rods.....it's like stepping back in time. It's no wonder this movie made so many want a fly rod. The movie also features stunts of fly casting. Awesome trick fly casts are on display in the movie that will make your jaw drop. Over all, this is an enchanting film that the whole family can watch.

If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, put it on your Christmas list. you won't be disappointed. 
   

Fly Fishing Gift Ideas: Fly Lines

12/2/2011

 
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This Holiday season, (now through Christmas) I will be featuring different gift ideas for fly fishing or the special fly angler in your life. These are just suggestions & ideas that run the gamut of big & small gifts for your Holidays. Hopefully this will help to make your shopping a little easier.  (Unless otherwise stated, I'm not affiliated with any products or dealers discussed here. I only mention them as recommendations.)

A practical gift for fly fishing is a new fly line. Later on, we'll discuss fly lines in much more detail. For now, I'll just make a few suggestions that cover all price ranges for you to think about.

Back 2004, Cortland came out with a neat line called 444 Classic Sylk. These are modern synthetic fly lines that are made to imitate the old silk fly lines, without all the care & maintenance. They're smaller in diameter & more supple, just like a real silk line. Many anglers rave about these lines. The 444 Sylk line would be ideal for fiberglass &/or bamboo fly rods.

However, if you want the real thing, a true silk fly line is really neat to use. Of course they require more care than a synthetic line, but casting a silk fly line is like using a time machine. The best silk lines are made by hand from true craftsmen. They are considerably more money but, when you figure that a well cared for silk line can last decades, think of all the money you'll save in the long run. A great place to shop for silk fly lines is HERE.

For those of you on a budget, or are just getting yourself or a youth started in the sport, I don't think you can go wrong with the Air Cel Series fly lines by Scientific Anglers. They have been making these lines for many years. They are functional, dependable, & you can't beat the price. With the proper care, these lines will last you a few years. Plus they cast & behave exactly as they should. They are a true staple among fly lines & should serve any angler well.
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