By Bob and Ginny Riege

With the advent of the holiday season, many of us are looking for gifts for mom or dad and even the graduate. I know even in retirement, the gifts people give you are from the heart. Therefore, if you have a sportsperson in your household or have to get a gift for that someone special take a look at a custom fishing rod.

About 25 years ago, my wife Ginny, purchased my first custom fishing rod. While drift fishing the Mississippi, Ginny became snagged and asked if I would take over her rod so I could get the snag out. I of course, handed my custom made fishing pole to her to use as I wrestled with her snagged rod. Upon retrieving the snag, I proceeded to give it back to her and she said; “wow this rod is super!” “ I can feel every rock, weed and the makeup of the bottom of the river. This is just like having eyes on the bottom.”

The next year for Christmas she said; “ I bought you another custom rod.” She knew right then and there I probably would not be using two rods, so she knew the new rod would be for her rather than me.

Almost every sport has special gear to be used in that sport. Golfers spend thousands on clubs that fit. Serious hikers buy special shoes. Bowlers don’t rent shoes or bowling balls they have them made specifically for their measurements. Olympic swimmers have drag reducing swimsuits. The best fisherman can do is sort through racks and racks of rods looking for just that one to be the correct length and action. Does that make sense? Of course it doesn’t but for years fisherman have been making poor decisions when it comes to rod selection.

Custom-built fishing rods have a lot more to offer an angler than they did 30 years ago. Once a custom-built rod was little more than a sign of affluence; now it has more to do with function. Component technology has outpaced commercial rod design and continues to do so on a regular basis.

Things are happening so fast with innovations in rod building components that rod design is now an open playground. Anglers who fish a lot know best what they want in their rods, more so than manufacturers. Innovations in rod design will necessarily come from the guys who fish the most, rather than corporate professionals trying to keep profits in line.

There are many places where one can purchase the necessary equipment to enjoy the sport of fishing. When it comes to picking out a fishing rod at the sporting goods store, the mass of manufactured rods sometimes is confusing and confounding. The range of prices, the actions and powers, spinning and casting even fly rods are all there to choose from.

Until now when it comes to fishing rods, we had to take what was available. If you like a foam grip, but a composite rod with medium action only comes with a cork grip, you either choose something that is not exactly what you want or grips that are uncomfortable. Custom fishing rods offer many choices and are different.

Kris Kristufek builds award winning functional custom fishing rods “As Individual As You Are.” At LakeLady Custom Rods, he offers handcrafted fishing tools that are custom-fitted to your individual measurements. Using premium blanks and components, each rod is crafted with care, distinction and attention to detail, creating a unique fishing rod for the discriminating fisherperson. Check out LakeLady Rods at www.lakeladyrods.com you can always get a gift certificate for a rod and your special someone can develop their own rod.

Kris is our rod builder and mentor. Yes, Kris makes all our custom rods and he also teaches the art of rod building to students that want to make their own fishing rods.

According to Kris, “For any angler, a LakeLady Custom Rod is a perfect solution. Each LakeLady Rod is a never-to-be-duplicated work of art, hand-crafted to exacting specifications and custom fitted to the owner’s size and style of fishing.

You will receive a beautiful gift envelope containing your gift certificate and hand written invitation for a personal fitting consultation with Kris Kristufek for presentation to the recipient.”

Or you might want to learn how to build your very own custom rod. Class size is limited, which allows more personal contact with the teacher and student. You will have your choice of building a spinning or casting rod. All component parts and disposables will be furnished. This is a great opportunity to learn a new hobby, plus build the best rod you will own.

Recreational fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the United States. Sport fishing is nearly twice as popular as watching TV! According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, over 13% of the population goes fishing every year. We fish because of the enjoyment it brings, plus our up-close and personal contact with nature along with an appreciation for our natural resources. Each of us seeks fun, relaxation and quality time with family and friends. People fish for the same reasons.

When you are considering gifts for anyone don’t hesitate to get the gift that keeps on giving especially a custom fishing rod. The gift is in the giving and these rods will continue to give day in and day out. For further information contact: Kris Kristufek at LakeLady Custom-Crafted Fishing Rods 29297 Piney Way Breezy Point, MN 56472 Phone: 218.562.4512 Email: rodbuilder@lakeladyrods.com. Next month, look for our article on research and development of a custom fishing rod.