Last summer Jacob began the endeavor of designing fiberglass tapers. Applying the same thought and considerations as he would to a bamboo rod, and focusing on the fishing and places that have left their mark on him. Growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina and then migrating to the high desert of Southwest Colorado, brook trout and cutthroat are the commanding inspiration for these rods.
The S Glass series is inspired by a bamboo Payne rod. It’s smooth and responsive, with a nice “after burn” felt at the end of a back cast. The tip is designed to command an earlier engagement from the butt, although not something normally found in an S Glass blank, it derives power earlier in shorter range casting. The recovery is quick, allowing for a rapid casting stroke. Almost perfect for those back country, western creeks.
The E Glass is a full working, deep loading, smooth, close range rod. The progressive nature of these butt sections, unlike most E glass, stops the flex ahead of the grip and pushes the majority of the power into the mid section. These rods are neither fully parabolic or progressive, the middle ground between the two drastically different actions. These rods are designed for a day of chasing brook trout, from dry flies to soft hackles, in the tightest of quarters.
All of Jacob’s rods come with his version of a modified forward wells grip. The design is one that he employs because quite frankly, it’s comfortable. The ergonomic design allows the caster to apply the right amount of forward pressure from the thumb, while also reducing wrist fatigue.
These rods are also equipped with hand-twisted guides, made in house on 3/4 hard nickel silver wire. Not only does this add an extra personal touch, it allows the guide feet to be made proportionate to the blank diameters, rather than a ‘one-size-fits-most.’
The aesthetics of these rods, as with most others, feel traditional. Perhaps reminiscent of a bamboo rod or a vintage fiberglass found in your grandfather’s basement. Best not to drift too far away from what you know.
This is a very limited run. Please be on the lookout for more lengths, line weights, and colors in the coming months.