| DB Series |
Rods range from 7' to 8'6" in 3-8
weights. Most can be made in either 2 or 3 piece
configurations and as a hex or a quad.
The 7'6" 4wt, 8' 5wt and 8' 6wt are my most
requested DB rods.
The DB Series of rods is a faster action rod with similar characteristics to some of the
more powerful Dickerson tapers and can be characterized as medium-fast to fast overall. It is tip action
in essence, but will still flex well into the butt section on longer casts and when
working bigger fish. An excellent western rod that will cast easily of the tip with
a quick wrist snap, but can throw an entire line without a problem. I used my hollowed personal
copy of this taper in New Zealand and it was a perfect fit.
This series of rods takes especially well to hollowing.
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| SH Series |
Rods range from 7' to 8'6" in 3-8
weights. Most can be made in either 2 or 3 piece
configurations and as a hex or a quad.
The 7'9" 5wt, 8' 5wt and 8'2" 6wt are the most popular rods in the
SH series.
The SH series of rods has turned out to be extremely versatile and is my personal go-to rod in most circumstances.
It is a medium-fast action rod with some select softening along the length to change the flex and assist in roll casting and shorter
casts. It works just as well on a 10' or 50' cast, is very easy to cast and quite accurate. A little more powerful
and slightly faster than the FTS taper, it also has a bit more character. Plenty of power for bigger fish and it works well both hollowed and solid, with
the hollowed versions being my personal preference, which are crisper in action and a little softer overall.
Work great when hollow built.
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| LL Series |
Rods range from 7' to 8'6" in 4-8
weights. Most can be made in either 2 or 3 piece
configurations and as a hex or a quad.
My personal favorite LL rods are the 7'9" 4wt, the
8" 5wt and the 8'2" 6 or 7wt.
Like the FTS series of rods, this particular rod series came out of my fondness
for classic progressive Garrison tapers.
Garrison rods are exceptional do-it-all rods with
even, predictable action throughout the rod's range.
They can easily handle one line weight in either
direction making them a great go-to rod. The
LL series takes the best parts of the Garrison tapers
and gave them a slightly faster action while
preserving the progressive feel overall. I also
lightened the upper 1/4 to 1/3 of the rod to help it
load better in close and make for snappier turnover.
This taper series takes very well to hollowing.
The LLs put a smile on my face each time I cast one.
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| FTS Series |
Rods range from 6'6" to 8' in 3-7
weights. Most can be made in either 2 or 3 piece
configurations and as a hex or a quad
The 7' 3wt, 7'6" 4wt, 7'9" 5wt and 8' 6wt are the
most commonly requested FTS rods.
The FTS Series of rods came out of an affection for smooth, progressive action rods.
The action is a progressive medium to medium-fast, similar to a Garrison or some Howell tapers. An extremely easy rod to cast.
It excels at roll casting and short to medium-long casts. A favorite of many.
If you like some of the more modern Thomas tapers, Garrison or Howell tapers, this is
is a wonderful rod in the same family.
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| The Steelhead |
Available only in an 8'6" 2 or 3 piece
configuration and must be hollow built. I make both hex and
quad versions of this rod in a 7/8 weight and a 8/9 weight.
Every year some friends and I take a week or two and spend
it snowshoeing and steelheading. I make a few new rods
for the trip each year, continually trying to nail the
perfect steelhead rod. Each year I get closer, and
after 7 years I finally have one that I really, really like.
It is a monster of a rod with a very stout butt section,
progressive mid with just a hint of softening towards the
tip without making it bounce or feel too soft when throwing
big flies or lots of line. The rod is big, but
balanced very well and is easy to fish all day long.
Yes, I just said that and I stand behind it.
It is also exceptional as a saltwater rod or any time there
is the possibility of long casts, big water and/or big fish.
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