Factory Rod = Custom Rod?

[Buick Riviera]

I've been building rods since 1992 as a hobby for myself, friends, relatives and charity auctions. As anyone who does it as a hobby knows, you can't build them cheaper than factory rods but you can build them better than most.

Until now. I really believe that Carrot Stix has rung the bell when it comes to bass rods. I've only cast them in the store's parking lot but I really don't see anything I'd do different on this line of rods. Very, very nice design, workmanship and appearance.

If they made a spiral wrapped casting rod they'd have it all IMHO. I don't think the custom guys can build a better mouse trap than these rods.

Buick

[Bassn81]

Buick,
Although the components on the Carrot Sticks are very nice, there are still things Custom Builders have to offer. First, I'll post some grips I am working on this week, you WILL NOT find these off the shelf and they are much lighter than anything on the market. Also, nothing on those Carrt rods are new, other than the blank, they are all innovations designed by custom builders. A custom builder can take those same components (again, not the carrot blank, unavailable to the custom guys) and build you a rod that fit's you. This includes grip length, shape, material. It includes fitting the reelseat for the specific reel you will use. Balancing the rod with that reel if need be (ex. heavy swimbait rods). Installing the type of hook keeper you want and in a location that will not be in the way/catch line on a fipping stick. And, as you mentioned, spiral wraps. A custom builder can build you any number of configurations of spiral wrap with any number of different style guides, including the new micro guides, to save weight and improve casting/sensitivity. This doesnt even touch on the cosmetic's that can be achieved on a custom rod. Sorry Buick, still a very real reason to go custom.

[plbass]

I just started using custom rods and now thats all want to use. Factory rods can't come close to a custom built rod. JMHO

[hooks2bset]

[George Roth]

I'd have to agree with the comments made above. The Carrot Sticks may be a great "manufactured" rod with many "custom" features, but they aren't "custom". It is true that the custom features such as the split grip was used, custom rod builders have been doing that for years. It has caught on in popularity with bass anglers and they have recognized a good feature and utilized it.

When building a custom rod, many items are taken into consideration when designing a rod for a particular angler and their application.

Again, not knocking the Carrot Sticks...but nothing can touch a custom rod if the same components are available to the builder.

Just my thoughts..........George

MIKE...how in the heck are you? Glad I ran into you here!

[hooks2bset]

Hey George good to see you on here also. I have been good somewhat except for the heart attack(blood clot) I had right before Christmas The doc doesn't really know why it happened besides my good cholestorol was too low and the bad was too high. My over all cholestrol is fine from what I understand and when they went in my leg and looked inside my heart he said everything looked good to him.

I haven't been building many rod since I have been trying to get the tackle shop going. I have been meaning to email you and see if you felt like the Rogue BB796 is still the blank of choice for rigging? I am headed to Kentucky lake to fish the BASS Elite next month and I think a rig might be a good choice and possibly a football jig.

Mike

[George Roth]

Shoot, Mike! You aren't that old, are you? I'm 56 and forget that I'm at the age these things could happen to me. It is, "always the other guy"! I'm glad that you are doing ok. Just follow the doctors orders and all should be well.

As for the BB 796...it is as good as any that I have found. If you like a fast action, it is likely to be a bit soft. I believe that it should work well, though. There is a Batson blank I've been told about that perhaps, I should take a look at. Can't recall the number off hand. The St. Croix, Big Gulp would be ok but it is heavier than what I'd like to fish with all day long. I'd suggest a weight system on that blank.

So, how is the tackle shop going? I need to get on your site and take a look at what you are offering.

Take care........George