What do I look for in a rod?

    Blank Selection
      · An extra-fast action has flex in the upper 1/4 
      of the    rod
     · A fast action rod flexes in the upper 1/3 of the rod
     · A medium action rod flexes in the upper 1/2 of the rod
     · A slow action rod flexes down the entire length 
         of the rod to the grip

  Spine alignment

When a rod blank is manufactured it has a spine. The manufacturing process creates a natural one direction of bending that exhibits no torque or rod twist at the tip. The alignment of the spine to the guides and reel seat are critical to good performance.  When the custom rod builder “spines” the rod and places the guides down this natural one direction bend, the casting accuracy is improved and the rod twist under load is eliminated.  Casting distance is improved because the energy of the cast will be down the spine.  If a bait-casting rod is being built, the guides and real seat will be place 180 degrees differently than that of a spinning rod.  This eliminates rod twist when fighting a large fish.

Very few, if any, commercial manufactures take the time to find the spine of production rods.  The result is that production rods suffer from poor casting accuracy and twist under load.  If you find a commercial rod with proper spine alignment, consider yourself lucky, because it is strictly a matter of luck.

  Guides

Guide quality and preparation are critical to a fishing rod’s performance and service life.  If the guides are not prepared and deburred correctly they can over time weaken the rod.  With each eye placement comes a flat spot in the natural rod action.  This flat spot cannot be eliminated but single footed eyes can lessen then impact on rod performance. Titanium eyes are preferable.

  Sensitivity

Sensitivity is determined by the total construction of the rod including rod action, rod composition, guide spacing, and all the other the materials used.  The more sensitive the rod is the easier it is to feel light bite thereby catching more fish.

  Rod Balance

Personal preference is the determining factor in rod balance.  The custom rod builder works with you to determine what you need.

  Grips

Grips vary in length and can be matched to your physical needs or fishing style.  Cork is the main grip material used because it does not become slippery when wet, it warms to the touch, it lasts and it is easily cleaned.  Foam or synthetic materials are available and fit specific needs.

  Reel Seats

Aluminum, plated brass, nickel silver and graphite composite are the four materials used in reel seats.  Graphite composite is the strongest and lightest.  Compared to a chromed brass seat it is 60% lighter, does not corrode or suffer from weak or binding threads.  

How do I choose a custom rod builder?

Rod building is combination of knowledge, gained through experimentation, years of experience, quality components, personal pride, and the love of fishing.  A custom rod builder is only as good as the reputation he has gained building quality fishing rods.  Talk to him and see if he can answer your question and fit your needs.  If you have access to the builder visit him or if you have seen one of his rods really look at it.  Sight down the rod for guide alignment, check the wraps for lumps and transition to the rod, and hold it in your hand for feel and action.

Why buy a GATOR ROD?

The goal of Gator Rods has always been to provide an affordable custom rod.  There are fishing rods available everywhere from giant discounters to fishing mega stores.  Custom rods fit the nitch where the fisherman want something extra.  They want to know that someone took time assembling a rod with the idea of giving the fisherman an equipment edge.  A Gator Rod helps the fisherman in distance, accuracy and sensitivity.  My fishing rods set everything into play for successful “catching” and offer both quality and value.  

WIERCIOCH CUSTOM RODS & REPAIR
2790 Neil Road
Apopka, Florida 32703
407-295-6868
dwiercioch@cfl.rr.com

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