I keep my pricing straightforward and transparent: I charge $100 for labor, $30 for miscellaneous supplies (epoxy, thread, etc.), plus the exact cost of your individual components. Pennsylvania sales tax and a federal excise tax ($10) are added to the final price.
No, I only offer local pickup or delivery. At this time, I am building exclusively for anglers who are local to my home in Lititz, PA, or my cabin in Hawley, PA (Lake Wallenpaupack region). Meeting somewhere within 10 miles of the I-81 corridor is also possible.
It is a mix of both. Key components like the rod blank, reel seat, and guides will always be purchased from top manufacturers. Grips, on the other hand, can be purchased pre-made or turned and shaped by me in the shop.
I am highly transparent about this process—I even post the costs and links to where I purchase components! If you have an interest in building your own rod, I highly encourage it. There are many great starter kits available. My first rod wasn't pretty and had plenty of mistakes, but it fished well, and I made it with my own hands.
The true value I provide isn't just in tying the thread; it's in designing a rod tailored to your exact body, boat, and fishing style. Having built many rods, I know the precise layout tweaks and small details that maximize a blank's performance.
Yes, whenever possible. I build primarily on blanks from North Fork Composites, which are manufactured right here in the US. While most grips and guides globally are imported (with REC being the only major US guide manufacturer), I purchase all of my parts through US-based companies and distributors. I never source cheap, direct-from-China parts from sites like Alibaba.
Yes, I do, though my experience with them is currently limited. There are a few different ways we can honor a loved one on a custom build:
Ashes: Can be carefully incorporated into the epoxy finish or securely placed inside the butt section of the rod.
Inscriptions: Names, meaningful words, or favorite sayings can be custom-decaled onto the rod blank.
Photos: A small photo can theoretically be added under the finish, though UV fading over time can be a challenge.
I build primarily for the fishing I know best: Bass and other freshwater species, in both casting and spinning setups.
Replicating a favorite: If you have an old rod that you love or want to emulate, I can likely source the right blank and build a modern version of it, provided you can supply the specifics.
Beating factory specs: If there is a high-end commercial rod you want, I can usually design a custom build with components that will match or beat its performance for a similar or better price.