What’s In My Rod Quiver - Pt.1

He who dies with the most fly rods…wins.

This is one blog post that I hope my better half doesn’t read. I feel like I do a fair job of obfuscating the amount of rods that I have acquired over the years and that task is made all the much easier by also building fly rods. Think of the rod building components as a sort of graphite and fiberglass camouflage for my own personal rod collection. As I’ve been building rods I’ve slowly been letting go of some of my serialized rods and replacing them with rods that I have built. I’ll be sure to highlight some rods that I’ve seen gone to a new owner which I have previously enjoyed.

I’ve decided to divide this list into two groups to makes some of it more digestible so first we will be taking a look at "The Lightweights”. Next week we’ll take a bit of time to discuss “The Heavies”.

3wt 6’8” C. Barclay “Blue Ridge Special”

One of those rods that has built up a cult following. A tight package, super whippy, classic glass feeling, perfect for situations with tight coverage and small windows of opportunity. I built this rod in the image of a Scott F2 with a reverse Ritz grip, black hardware, and red wraps.

3wt 7’9” CF Burkheimer Trout Vintage

One of my favorite looking rods. The attention to detail and components of Burkheimer rods has definitely impacted me as a rod builder. I love the sweeping rod-to-cork transitions and “tactile” wraps that Burkheimer incorporates.

4wt 8’0” Steffen Brothers Graphite

The first rods that I ever built on a Steffen Bros blank. Phenomenal feel and a very intuitive casting motion. Because of this rod I began to have a steady flow of Steffens coming and going and each of my customers always love the feel of these sticks.

4wt 8’0” R.L. Winston WT “Tom Morgan Favorite”

From the mouth of the creator and former President of R.L. Winston Fly Rods “Once a good rod, Always a good rod”. I had the opportunity to pick up this legendary rod about a year ago as a "thank you” from Winston and I have frankly been too scared to bring it out on the water out of fear of breaking it. I’ve previously used two different TMF rods owned by friends and it’s certainly an experience everyone should try once because the TMF is the quintessential dry fly rod. Perhaps my rod will be the one that gives that opportunity to another angler.

5wt 9’0” Orvis Clearwater Classic

My very first fly rod, give to me by my former boss. It has definitely seen a lot waters, a couple of the wraps need to be replaced, the two-piece construction means it doesn’t make the packing list often but it’s probably a rod that will stay with me for a long time.

5wt 8’3” six-piece James Green “Explorer”

Who wouldn’t want a six-piece fiberglass travel rod? This build is in the works right now, but I can’t wait to strap it to my backpack and just hit the trails.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where we chat about my rods which I have dubbed “The Heavies”.

~Thomas