Custom Rod Options

     Here are some things to concider when ordering a custom built rod. The price of a rod will increase as options are added. This doesn't mean that a single tip rod with a satin finish is of a lower quality than a rod with two tips, full intermediate wraps and a hand rubbed varnish finish; it costs less only because it takes less time to complete. Every rod receives the same workmanship and attention to detail.

Tapers
In addition to my own compound tapers, I have collected more than 200 classic rod tapers. These tapers range from parabolic dry fly rods by Paul Young and Pezon et Michele, to powerful salmon rods by Dickerson and Gillum. If you are looking to retire your favorite rod and replace it with one of the same action, I will be happy to duplicate the taper.

Finishes
All rods are available with two types of finishes, a surface impregnated satin finish or a polished spar varnish finish. The satin finish is extremely durable. Since this finish is inside the cane, it is less likely to show signs of wear, but it doesn't match the traditional beauty of hand rubbed spar varnish.

Grips
A grip should fit the rod as well as your hand. A grip that is too small can make a rod feel heavy and awkward. A grip that is too large can make a delicate midge rod feel like a swizzle stick.

Reel Seats
The combinations are almost endless; up locking, down locking, sliding bands, cap and ring, bright, blued, black, zebra wood, maple burl, cocabola, cork, walnut. A seat should hold the reel securely to the rod, after that it's purely aesthetic.

Silk
There are as many choices when it comes to choosing the color of the wraps as there are in choosing a reel seat. I like tans and browns that blend in with the color of the cane, you may prefer Chinese Red or Emerald Green.

Guides
Rods meant to cast modern fly lines need to have slightly larger guides than those meant to cast silk lines. Black guides always look good on a cane rod, but you may choose bright chrome, titanium blue or even gold. If you are after a truly classic look, how about bronzed British twist snake guides and a red agate stripping guide.

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A. Noland Bamboo Rods
P.O. Box 159
McHenry, MD 21541
(301) 387-6666

e-mail
Allen Noland