Post by joeyfri13 on Jan 2, 2012 9:06:37 GMT -5
I have been using my Blackhorse Custom rod all year this fishing season, and am very impressed. It has become my favorite rod by far. I can't really review things such as specs since beig a custom rod you choose the specs but that is the beauty of having a custom rod is making a rod that is perfect for you and the kind of fishing you do. The thing i can review is the craftsmanship and the overall experience of having the rod made till it is in your hand. These rods are made by Lyle Stokes of Missouri. Lyle has been building rods for 27 years and is very very good at what he does. The thing that makes Lyle different from most other rod builders is that he is a fellow catfisherman which means he is very aware of what a cat rod needs to capable of so i think it is easier to explain to him what you are looking for and he is able to translate that into a great catfishing rod. He also runs tournaments and sponsors a few catfishing sites so he has been on the catfishing scene for quite a while. When you talk to Lyle you will find he is very easy to talk to and very receptive to you and what you want. After you decided on all aspects of what you want , blank, handle, reel seat, guides, colors etc.. he somes up with a price estimate, then what he did with me is i mailed him a check for half that amount for him to get started, then sent him the second half when he was ready to ship the rod to me. There are always arguments on many site stating that there is no use for custom rods and for the price a walmart rod will do the same thing, while i do agree that you can catch big fish with cheaper rods i have to disagree with people that say there is no difference. Just hold a good custom rod and emediatley you can tell the difference that like saying why buy a nice car when a prius can get you there just as good?
? really what would you rather drive a prius or a mustang or camaro? //lyle aslo has the ability to do something kind of unique with the guides and that is making a rod with a spiral or acid wrap, it takes the guides and rotates them counter clockwise till they are underneath the rod like a spinning rod guide. The reason for this is to eliminate the torque that comes from having the guides on top and the line wanting to pull one side or the other, having the guides end up underneath eliminates this and is pretty cool. Overall i have to say I am i so impressed with my first custom rod that i ordered another one. If you have questions contact Lyle Stokes www.blackhorsecustomrods.com
? really what would you rather drive a prius or a mustang or camaro? //lyle aslo has the ability to do something kind of unique with the guides and that is making a rod with a spiral or acid wrap, it takes the guides and rotates them counter clockwise till they are underneath the rod like a spinning rod guide. The reason for this is to eliminate the torque that comes from having the guides on top and the line wanting to pull one side or the other, having the guides end up underneath eliminates this and is pretty cool. Overall i have to say I am i so impressed with my first custom rod that i ordered another one. If you have questions contact Lyle Stokes www.blackhorsecustomrods.com
