Who makes the best custom rods

[UglyStick]

Originally Posted by Fisherman120

Where did I put down his work? Don't care how nice or how junky it may be, fact is if you're gonna get a custom rod then it should be from someone who knows the fishery firsthand. Illinois is really far from Jersey.

A great rod builder doesn't need to be local to the fishery the customer is in... they understand and can build rods for all situations and species... besides, this topic was about custom rods and if someone is shopping for a custom rod, they most likely already understand what they want very specifically and want it made on the best blank and with the best craftsmanship to their specifications... otherwise they would be asking for "rod" recommendations...

My seabass, blackfish and musky rods are perfect examples of this... there are no off the shelf offerings of what I wanted and Jim Grandt was the only one that could give me super high modulus graphite rods that met all of my specifications. Mike Garone is an excellent rod builder who produces an excellent product that a number of my friends are happy with. That said... I have fished many different rods (including NJ builders) and I can choose any rod I want and I choose Grandt for a reason... Give them a look and talk to Jim Grandt before you buy... that's all I'm saying...

[kirchoff]

I'll have to check out garones work.

[Fisherman120]

Originally Posted by UglyStick

A great rod builder doesn't need to be local to the fishery the customer is in... they understand and can build rods for all situations and species... besides, this topic was about custom rods and if someone is shopping for a custom rod, they most likely already understand what they want very specifically and want it made on the best blank and with the best craftsmanship to their specifications... otherwise they would be asking for "rod" recommendations...

My seabass, blackfish and musky rods are perfect examples of this... there are no off the shelf offerings of what I wanted and Jim Grandt was the only one that could give me super high modulus graphite rods that met all of my specifications. Mike Garone is an excellent rod builder who produces an excellent product that a number of my friends are happy with. That said... I have fished many different rods (including NJ builders) and I can choose any rod I want and I choose Grandt for a reason... Give them a look and talk to Jim Grandt before you buy... that's all I'm saying...

I couldn't care less what you choose. Get a rod from Russia, don't matter to me. If somebody doesn't know builders well then he likely too needs help with picking a blank which most custom rod customers probably need help with anyways with all the options there are. Asking a guy from Illinois to choose a blank for a fishery 1000 miles away is outright silly. I gave my recommendation, didn't bad talk or trash anything, just stated the truth.

[UglyStick]

Originally Posted by Fisherman120

I couldn't care less what you choose. Get a rod from Russia, don't matter to me. If somebody doesn't know builders well then he likely too needs help with picking a blank which most custom rod customers probably need help with anyways with all the options there are. Asking a guy from Illinois to choose a blank for a fishery 1000 miles away is outright silly. I gave my recommendation, didn't bad talk or trash anything, just stated the truth.

Although I can see your point in certain contexts, I don't think it applies to Grandt. Allow me to elaborate...

Most rod builders are really just rod assemblers using all outsourced components (including imported blanks) and giving them fancy wraps like one would find in Dale Clemens Rod Art book. Grandt Industries on the other hand is truly a manufacturer. Jim Grandt was a lead designer for the Heddon Rod Company in the late 70s and then went on to start his own company in addition to winning numerous rod building competitions. Grandt designs and manufactures (all in their own factory in the US) their own rod blanks and finished rods in addition to working with numerous suppliers in the design of the other components. In fact, they make private label rods for 71 different companies and are the largest manufacturer of rods made in the US. Their expertise includes composites, carbon (graphite, etc) and even Split Bamboo. In addition to using the finest materials, all of their rods series, including customs, are also covered by a lifetime warranty.

With credentials like that, it's hard not to agree that they are more than qualified to help with blank selection and option choices for any fishery worldwide.

[june181901]

I have three Bogan rods and have nothing but good things to say about them.
I also have a rod from a guy on Long Island who unfortunately is a non sponsor so I won't mention his name out of a sense of fairness to Mr Z.
A little effort and you can find his name.

For a few bucks more than that store bought, you get your colors, your name and the work of local craftsmen not an Asian factory.

[Pennsy Guy]

Jersey Coast builds a great rod(JerseyJigger)...I have 2-acid wrapped....Doubt if there is a "best"...If they're mentioned, most likely they are much better than just good!!!

[Blackfish Doug]

I own many custom rods Mike Garone makes a great rod so does Bogan. I also owned a Grandt rod he makes a great rod with beautiful wraps as well. But whatever Grandt does so can Garone & Bogan as well. It all goes on what you want to spend & personal preference. Mike is a member of the NERBS they are the finest rod builders in the world. I had a few rods built buy a few of them as well. The more detail to your rods the higher the cost for the artwork. I love Mike's feather in lay work & I know Grandt does great feather work as well but my opinion is Mike's just a tad above his & it's how he mix's his color patterns that make's the difference to me Plus our guys fish our waters know our needs & know the correct parabolic bend for each species the rods are being designed for. Plus I also don't think I want somebody from Illinois building me a Blackfish rod.