Featured this month is a very special custom crafted spinning rod made for good friend and fellow Laurel Ridge Rods angler Tim Irvin.  Tim is a very accomplished fisherman, and fishes very hard.  Understanding the needs for the rigors set forth by steelhead fishing “the right way” Tim has allied with Laurel Ridge Rods using a variety of custom built rods to suit his needs.  Since conditions are usually crowded where he fishes, a nimble rod is a must.  This rod, standing for “Egg Sack Specific” is a 9’6” 7 mil. modulous moderate action blank, fitted with a fly-style or “Michigan Style” handle perfect for underhand pitching of egg sacks with little weight or a small float.  Tim had communicated to me that he wanted this rod to fit a retro theme and be a stand out, yet not too overbearing and hard on the eyes.   Off-Angle inlays were utilized on the guide wraps, a technique not seen very often in the custom rod making world.  Fuji YSG guides were selected fitting the perfect balance between cost and performance.  The handle was made almost entirely of burnt and composite corks to give a very durable, yet appealing look. The reel seat and fighting butt were turned from a chunk of stabilized box elder burl.

After the build was completed,  Tim took it on it’s maiden voyage to Erie to catch some dropback steelhead and smallmouth.  Although the conditions were not as crowded, the precision of the rod allowed various baits to be presented in a non-intrusive manner, and the results speak for themselves.   If you are looking for a rod to fish in the razor thin water or around large crowds specifically tailored for PA conditions, look no further.

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