To quote another Canadian, W.P. Kinsella "if you build it, they will come". I offer a few thoughts on building rods for sale. I was struck at Canadian Cane by the uniformity of the Payne built rods from the Jim Payne era. All the models were consistent, the colour of the cane was consistent, the hardware, wraps, ferrules were all consistent. The rods for Abercrombie were consistent with their in-line product.

The reels of Stan Bogdan come to mind as well. They were consistent, but for a few minor variations. If you plan to sell rods don't be afraid to tell your customer that this is the way they are. Avoid chasing their vision. If your rods don't appeal to them, so be it. Develop a style, a look, an overall elan. Be consistent with your tapers, never sell a rod with a taper you have not built before and approved as worthy. These are your rods, your expression as a builder, proven and tested with time. (It is not laziness that I have said consistent six, oops, seven times)

It was Henry Ford who said "Any customer can have their car painted any color he wants as long as it's black". Hey, things worked out pretty well for Henry.