A man can dream ...

This week I was having a Facebook conversation with an American rod-builder friend of mine. Don Morse has been building custom fishing rods to order from his Michigan home for years trading as Rattlesnake Rods, and his creations really are "works of art".

 

 

Don, an avid angler, committed Christian and family man (who also has a sideline in making "novelty" in-line spinners using bottletops) takes a pride in producing unique designs to specifications discussed by him and his clients. I've seen pictures of rods incorporating photo's of wives and children, any number of styles of cork and abbreviated  cork handles, imaginative colour schemes and even his trademark rods incorporating a rattlesnake's head.

 

 

 

We got to talking prices, and a picture entered my mind as a gleam began to come into my eye. I've always fancied a rod built just for me, and the prices sounded very reasonable, although I'll refrain from putting a number on "reasonable" just in case my wife is reading this!

So, here's the plan: this year's fishing expenditure on big items is already mapped out, but I intend to order one of Don's rods in 2015. I'm thinking of a 2 piece 6" all round spinning/lure rod that'll span the range from catching perch to small/medium sized pike. I've already contacted UK Customs and Excise (15 day lead-time for an e-mail response!) to find out how the import tax side of things work.

 

I've got a few ideas in terms of colour schemes, and am already boyishly excited about the prospect. I won't be opting for a rattlesnake head (I'm not sure my local canal is ready for that level of "unique"!), but I know that the rod will be worth both the expenditure and the wait.

 

Don- I'll be in touch!