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About PTM Custom Fly Rods
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I started building my own fly rods in the early 80's, discovering
that I enjoyed building them as much as fishing with them. My friend saw my rod and wanted me
to build him one, then my neighbor and his friend, and one thing led to another. What started
out to be just curiosity to see if I could wrap my own rod went to a hobby then to more than a
hobby and finally a rod design business in 1996. When I was about to finish one of my first
rods I tried to sign my work but it alone was not as complete as I would have liked. Inlaying
feather crafting came next and this achieved the desired look.
I have found that whether it be a uniquely designed full-dress salmon fly, a replica of a well-
recognized fly pattern or woven initials embedded in the thread wraps of a fishing rod, nothing
lends itself more to the quality of a personalized hand-crafted rod. This is my special niche,
since personalized rod wrappers will surely struggle trying to compete with the larger finished
rod distributors. However, a custom wrapped rod will be like nothing that can just be purchased
off the store shelf.
I compare building a rod for a customer (or myself) to the gratifying satisfaction of fooling a
fine fish with a hand-crafted fly or lure. The fish certainly does not know (or care) what kind
of effort was needed to produce a fishing instrument that presents a tempting food source worthy
of a strike. Yet this confidence does not stop with just using your own lure design. It extends
back to the choice of tippet, material, leader length and configuration, line weight and possibly
color; all the way back to the rod and finally begins with the talent and mind set of the angler.
If you have ever watched professional anglers, they demonstrate concentration and confidence, both
in their ability and equipment. Any well-experienced angling aficionado will tell you confidence
significantly contributes to catching fish. Pride in one's custom equipment helps deliver this
sort of confidence. Pete Mocho, Jr. |
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