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Pricing Philosophy

Making bamboo fly rods is an enjoyable passion for me. Each rod requires 50 - 80 hours of my time. I might easily spend that time in more economically profitable pursuits, but none would be so satisfying. Only faith and family are more important to me. Every rod is made to the highest standards I can attain.

From start to finish, no shortcuts are taken.  The demand for precision and quality means only a dozen or so rods leave the shop each year. I strictly limit the demands on my time so that the temptation to cut corners never arises. 

Quality work demands that no compromises are made in materials. Tonkin cane is carefully selected for each individual rod. Only the finest nickel silver hardware and ferrules are used on Custom Rods. Only select hardwoods are used for reel seat fillers, and I turn each one individually in my shop. Cork grips are hand-formed from the finest cork rings and custom shaped for each rod. Only the finest silks are used to wrap the best guides available. 

Giving rods to friends and worthy causes brings me great joy. For example, a few years ago, I gave a single tipped rod  to my 11 year old nephew, and an Otter Creek Special to a fishing partner. In 2000, I gave a 3 weight to charity and a 5 weight to a friend.  In Fall 2004 I gave a 3 weight rod to an Alabama friend.  The rods I give away are crafted with at least as much care as those I offer for sale. Seeing others truly enjoy a fine rod makes me smile deep within.  In 2005 I made two rods for friends who made rods for me.  In 2006 I helped a some Louisiana friends make their own bamboo rod.  I made a rod for a Texas fishing buddy in 2007.

My rod making specialty is three-fold. First, powerful, medium-fast action rods that fit today's casting styles and fishing requirements. Second, very light line bamboo rods in two and three weight formats. The tips are so fine on these rods that many modern makers are reluctant to attempt making them. Third, hollow built rods have become so popular that about 1/3 of my rods are built hollow.

The heart of a good rod is its taper.  The classic tapers of Payne, Leonard, and Dickerson lie beneath my own tapers. I know my rods well; let me help you choose one you will enjoy. 

I'm accepting orders for 2008.  Prices begin at $725 for the Dry Run Creek Special listed below and range upward from there. Bamboo color ranges from dark tan to darkly flamed. Ferrules are Nickel Silver, custom made for me. Grip size and style depends on the client. Wraps are translucent in a variety of colors and tipped with a few turns of a complementary colored silk. Hollow built rods, morticed butt rods,  and ultra-light two weight rods are slightly more costly.

All my custom rods six weight and lighter feature downlocking slide band reel seats of my own design. The all nickel silver seats are quietly understated in their elegance, and polished to a brilliant hue. Only on eight foot six weight and larger rods is a screw-locking reel seat an option. All custom rods include agate stripping guides. I have contracted with one of the finest engravers in the country to decorate a few custom made reel seats with magnificent hand engravings.  Work of this quality is rare, and the upcharge for engraving represents real value.

Several additional options are available on custom rods.  Hollow building offers lighter weight without sacrificing strength for 7' 6" 4 weight and larger rods.  I hollow each section from butt to tip, and use internal tapers to make these rods great casters.  Also available are morticed butt inserts for rods with distinctly swelled butts.  These make for a quicker action rod as well as adding a nice aesthetic touch.  Morticed butts and hollow building add to the price of a custom rod. 

Every custom rod comes with a logo'd "Boyd Rod Company" cap, rod care instructions, and an emergency rod care kit.  The cap is cotton and is best suited for warm weather wear.

The "Dry Run Creek Special" is my introductory rod for those who seek an affordable, entry level bamboo rod. As with all my rods, I use the best available Tonkin bamboo. The bamboo is deeply flamed. The reel seat is an aluminum slide band with cork or straight grained wood filler. Ferrules are top quality nickel silver. The grip is a cigar style. Wraps are deep red with no tipping. This rod is only available in a 7 foot four weight, and a 7.5 foot five weight. It is two pieces, and has a single tip. It comes with a cloth bag and a PVC tube. Cost is $725.

Orders may be placed by email <maker@canerods.com>, or by calling me at (318) 435-2278 or (318) 282-1825.  I ask for a $250 deposit. Rods are are always made in the order the deposit is received.  A completed rod is typically delivered six months from the time it is ordered, though that time varies.  When the order is received try to give a realistic estimate of delivery time.  The balance is due when the rod is completed, before the rod is shipped.  If the balance due on the rod is not paid within 45 days I will sell the rod to someone else.

Every rod I custom build comes with my complete guarantee of satisfaction. Though I can't offer the marketing gimmick of a lifetime warranty, I promise to stand behind my rods. If you break your rod, I'll repair it.  Repair charges are determined case by case, and I will try to keep them as low as possible.  As of early 2008 I have made over 140 rods and had only two repairs.  Both of those were due to rod owner's mishaps.  I have yet to charge anyone for a repair.  Though I hold that option open.