Build Your Own Spey Fly Rod?

Years ago, I had my own part-time custom fishing rod building business  – and it was both a hobby for me as well as provided some income in addition to my full time job. It had started back in about 1984 – my first rod that I build was a gift for my father. Then, I built one for myself and when others saw it, they asked if I could custom build for them as well. One of my favorite things was learning how to do “decorative thread art” above the cork grip. I also found that by customizing the ring or sometimes called “guide” spacing, I could produce a rod that would cast further and more accurately than any purchased off the shelf at an angling shop.

Over the years, I became acquainted with other custom rod builders and even manufacturers and custom rod component shops. When I began my web development business, I helped many of these shops and and rod builders with their original internet presence. Many of them are still clients to this day.

In about 2001 or 2002, I received a call from Robert Meiser who was looking for a website for his business, Meiser Fly Rods – a two-handed (sometimes called “switch rod) short and spey fly rod maker.  Over the years, Bob and I have maintained both a good friendship and a client relationship.

I of course, also love fly fishing and for a few years, competed in the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships. One of those years, there was a portion of the championships that involved loch style fly fishing from small boats. Prior to that, I had no experience with this style of fly fishing but I was advised that a two-handed fly rod might be very helpful to have. When I mentioned to Mr. Meiser that I was looking at acquiring one, he graciously sent me one of his two-handed spey rods to try out and use during the competition which was located in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

I don’t recall the exact model of rod that Bob sent me but what a rod it was!! My teammates were envious of this fantastic performing rod! And I’ve continued to use many many times when fishing large rivers or on lakes. What beautiful rods with amazing performance Meiser builds!

There is some new exciting news from Bob Meiser now – he has decided to launch a Spey and Two-Handed rod component shop so that others who want to build their own using his high quality blanks and components, will be able to do so. I’ll ultimately be helping the new shop website get off the ground as more details firm up.

If you’ve ever wanted to build your own fly rod, or perhaps you already have some experience and would love to build it on a Meiser blank with his components, your opportunity to do so will be soon! I’m not sure that Meiser has settled on a name for his new venture, however he has settled on a fun domain name for it: https://busterwantstofish.net

The domain name comes from the iconic move, “A River Runs Through It during a scene in which a drunk friend of the main character finally shows up with his girlfriend, late for fishing. If you’ve not seen the movie or read the book, you should!

If you visit the new website, you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for announcements about the launch of the new site and any special offers that Bob may decide to create.  What are you waiting for!?!