Quick
question; what is one thing anglers need to catch fish with, can
bring it with them anywhere they go, are extremely selective about
it, and different models are made for certain techniques? If
you answered their fishing rods, you are right. Anglers over
the years have gone from having a limited selection of fishing rods
to fishing rods made for certain techniques, or even quality custom
built rods. These high quality rods are built from "state
of the art" materials such as High Modulus/High Strain rate fiber
(54 million) blanks and provide incredible sensitivity and strength.
Not only are custom built rods sensitive, but they are well balanced,
light, and built with high quality components.
One
company that makes custom built fishing rods is TigeRodz. The owner
and custom rod builder, Tim Knox has been in the business of building
custom rods for years. Knox has built numerous custom rods over the
years for professional anglers, weekend tournament anglers, and other
serious anglers. "Right
now, the biggest demand and most popular custom rod I build are shaky
head rods and flipping sticks," Knox continued, "Custom rods have
a balance and "look" that will catch your eye, you can see that someone
took their time to build it; in addition to being built with quality
components and rod blank."
TigeRodz
come in three different models to choose from: the TGR Series, TX
Series, and the TZX Extreme Series. The TGR Series comes in four
models: two spinning and two casting. Every TGR Series rod has a
RX6 blank. RX6 blanks are a 33 million "Standard
Modulus/High Strain Rate" fiber
blank with a Clear Gloss finish. The tough urethane Clear Gloss finish
allows the natural graphite color to show through and is used by a
number of rod companies on various rod series. "The TGR Series rod
is something in the mid price range for anglers new to bass fishing
or wanting to step up into a quality custom built rod," Knox explained.
The
TX Series comes in twenty models: fifteen casting and five spinning,
along with a line of specialty rods and flipping sticks. Every TX Series
rod has a RX7 blank. RX7 blanks are a 43 million "Intermediate
Modulus/High Strain Rate" fiber blank with a Matte Gray finish blank. "As
far as custom built rods go, the TX Series model is the best value
rod out there when you compare it to other rods," said Knox.
The
TZX Extreme Series comes in seven models: five casting and two spinning.
Every TZX Extreme Series rod has a RX8 blank. RX8 blanks are a 54 million "High
Modulus/High Strain Rate" fiber blank with a Titanium Chrome finish. "The
TZX Extreme Series custom rod is built for the angler who hits the
lake every weekend or every chance they get, it may also be a tournament
angler who wants a rod that can handle the abuse of everyday use, but
demand a rod that is extremely sensitive, responsive, strong, and lightweight," Knox
said.
TigeRodz
also builds a one-of-a-kind Xtreme Snake rod. The Xtreme Snake rod
has a RX8 Blank like the other rods in the Extreme Series along with
REC Recoil guides and Fuji ACS Trigger reel seat; however, the split
grip handle has a rattle snake skin under the flex-coat on this rod
blank. "At
first, I made it for a rod give away; however, anglers started wanting
me to make them so they could buy them," Knox continued, "the Xtreme
Snake rod definitely has a distinct custom built look." Along
with TigeRodz select models, Knox said, "I can build a custom rod to
your specific design or even have your name put on the rod blank." The
major of TigeRodz will weigh from 2.4-ounces to 4-ounces depending
on the model and handle style. To find out more about custom built
TigeRodz or purchase one go to www.tigerodz.com or
call (205) 577-0149.
No
longer are anglers limited to all purpose, off-the-rack rods that
have imperfections or limited action. Custom built rods are built
for that angler who demands more from their equipment especially
their fishing rods. They are well balanced, lightweight, built with
high quality components, have that "look" about them, and well worth
the price.
Brad
Wiegmann is a full time fishing guide on Beaver lake and
Lake SWEPCO in Northwest Arkansas. Brad guides for Largemouth,
Spotted, Smallmouth, Stripers and White Bass. He is also a free-lance
writer who's weekly column "Speaking of Fishing" appears
weekly in several local newspapers. You may also see him doing
seminars, working outdoor shows or featured in outdoor magazines such
as BASSMASTER Magazine, Outdoor life and Arkansas Sportsman. He
also fishes the FLW Tour, Stren and local open tournaments. He
is currently on the Pro staff, promotional staff and guide programs
of numerous tackle manufactures, lure companies, and fishing related
companies. You can contact him at (479) 756-5279, at bwiegmann@cox.net or
visit his website at www.bradwiegmann.com for
more information.
