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SH Tapers |
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The SH
series of tapers has turned out to be
extremely versatile and is my personal go-to
rod in most circumstances. It is a
medium-fast action rod with some select
softening along the length to change the
flex and assist in roll casting and shorter
casts. It works just as well on a 10' or 50'
cast, is very easy to cast and quite
accurate. A little more powerful and
slightly faster than the FTS taper, it also
has a bit more character. Plenty of power
for bigger fish and it works well both
hollowed and solid, with the hollowed
versions being my personal preference, which
are crisper in action and a little softer
overall. Wonderful all around rod for
everything from dries to dropper rigs. |
- 3 weight - 7'0" 2 pc
- 4 weight - 7'6" 2 or 3pc
- 5 weight - 8' or 8'3" 2 or 3pc
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- 6 weight - 8'3" or 8'6" 2 or 3pc
- 7 weight - 8'6" 2 or 3pc
- 8 weight - 8'6" 2 or 3pc
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LM Tapers |
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The LM
tapers are an
adaptation of the LL tapers described below. I found
that in larger weight rods, and sometimes
simply in longer length rods, I often like
to have a little extra power. Sometimes for
casts and other times for extra fish fighting
ability. The LM tapers maintain the smooth,
progressive feel and softer tip of the LL
but is a bit faster and more powerful in the
lower 1/2. I strongly recommend hollowing
this rod which help keeps the weight to a
minimum and gives it a little extra
crispness. No tip bounce and smooth,
powerful turnover characterize this rod
series. One of the best do it all fishing
rod I have cast. You won't be caught
under-gunned but it is still sensitive and
delicate when needed. |
- 3 weight - 7'2" 2 pc
- 4 weight - 7'9" 2 or 3pc
- 5 weight - 8' or 8'3" 2 or 3pc
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- 6 weight - 8'3" or 8'6" 2 or 3pc
- 7 weight - 8'6" 2 or 3pc
- 8 weight - 8'6" 2 or 3pc
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FTS Tapers |
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The
FTS tapers came out of an affection
for smooth, progressive action rods. The
action is a progressive medium, similar to a Garrison or some
Howell tapers. An extremely easy rod to
cast. It excels at roll casting and short to
medium-long casts. A favorite of many. If
you like some of the more modern Thomas
tapers, Garrison or Howell tapers, this is
is a wonderful rod in the same family.
Gives back what you put into it. |
- 3 weight - 6'9" 2 pc
- 4 weight - 7'6" 2 or 3pc
- 5 weight - 7'9"' or 8' 2 or 3pc
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- 6 weight - 8' 2 or 3pc
- 7 weight - 8'3" 2 or 3pc
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LL Tapers |
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Like
the FTS rod tapers, this particular rod
series came out of my fondness for classic
progressive Garrison tapers. Garrison rods
are exceptional do-it-all rods with even,
predictable action throughout the rod's
range. They can easily handle one line
weight in either direction making them a
great go-to rod. The LL tapers take the
best parts of the Garrison tapers and gave
them a slightly faster action while
preserving the progressive feel overall.
There is a sharp softening in the upper 1/4 of the
rod to help it throw off the tip in close and make
for snappier turnover with dries. This taper series
takes very well to hollowing. The LLs put a
smile on my face each time I cast one. |
- 3 weight - 7'0" 2 pc
- 4 weight - 7'6" 2 or 3pc
- 5 weight - 8' or 8'3" 2 or 3pc
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- 6 weight - 8' or 8'3" 2 or 3pc
- 7 weight - 8'6" 2 or 3pc
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DB Tapers |
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The DB tapers make for a faster action rod
with similar characteristics to some of the
more powerful Dickerson tapers and can be
characterized as medium-fast to fast
overall. It is tip action in essence,
flexing mostly in the upper 1/2 and will
only bend into the stouter butt section
on longer casts or when working bigger
fish. An excellent western rod that will
cast easily of the tip with a quick wrist
snap, but can throw an entire line without a
problem. I used my hollowed personal copy of
this taper in New Zealand and it was a great fit. This series of rods takes
especially well to hollowing.
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- 3 weight - 6'9" 2 pc
- 4 weight - 7' or 7'6" 2 or 3pc
- 5 weight - 7'9" or 8' 2 or 3pc
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- 6 weight - 8' 2 or 3pc
- 7 weight - 8'3" 2 or 3pc
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ST (Steelhead) Tapers |
Every
year some friends and I take a week or two
and spend it snowshoeing and steelheading. I
make a few new rods for the trip each year,
continually trying to nail the perfect
steelhead rod. Each year I get closer, and
after 7 years I finally have one that I
really, really like. It is a monster of a
rod with a very stout butt section,
progressive mid with just a hint of
softening towards the tip without making it
bounce or feel too soft when throwing big
flies or lots of line. The rod is big, but
balanced very well and is easy to fish all
day long. Yes, I just said that and I stand
behind it.
It is also exceptional as a saltwater rod or
simply any time there is the possibility of
long casts, big water and/or big fish.
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- 7 weight - 8'6" 2 or 3 pc
- 8 weight - 8'6" 2 or 3 pc
- 9 weight - 8'6" 2 or 3 pc
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- 8 weight - 8'9" 4 piece
- 9 weight - 9'0" 4 piece
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