Tommy's Pro Custom Rods
184 Southfield Road
Shreverport, LA 71105
SHOP # 318 865-7951
CELL # 318 272-0556

TOMMY'S CUSTOM PRO RODS & ROD REPAIR

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to build a custom rod?

It depends on the time of the year and, the kind of rod you order. The baitcasting or spinning rod traditionally used for bass fishing takes 2 ½ weeks to 5 weeks. Fly Rods take 3 to 6 weeks. Red Fish, Trout, & Flounder Rods take about the same amount of time as the bass fishing rods. I only build IGFA Big Game Rods from 1 August to 1 February.

How long have you been building rods?

I have always built rods part-time, I call it on the side, and I have been a full-time rod builder for about 10 years, so part-time, and full-time, approximately: 46 Years.

Do you have a Shop?

Yes, I have a small tackle shop inside my home, and a shop where I build and repair rods.

Do you ship Custom Fishing Rods?

Yes, I will ship the custom built fishing rods anywhere in the United States or over-seas.

Do you repair rods?

Yes, I do rod repairs on about any kind of rods.

What year did Graphite start showing up?

In the late 60's, and they were not very good.

What makes a Custom Rod Better than a Factory Rod?

If you have a knowledgeable and honest rod builder, he will know a few tricks and know what blanks and components are best for the type of fishing that you do. The problem with most factory rods is they do not have the sensitivity or the customized feeling of a Pro Custom Built Rod.

How do I find a good Custom Rod Builder?

Ask him 7 (seven) questions: (1) What blanks he uses? (2) What components he uses? (3) How long has he been building rods? (4) Does he have good references? (5) What kind of Warranty does he have on his rods? (6) Do you have a price lists? (7) The most important: Do you build more then 50 rods a year and can you show me?

Who makes the Best Rod Components?

Rod Guides: FUJI, REC & AFTCO.

In your years of being around Rod Building, who has the best rod on the market?

Today Hands Down, it is very close, some people will say different G. Loomis, and Some say St. Croix. My pick is St. Croix over-all, but G. Loomis is a very very Close second.

What is the best rod for SENSITIVITY?

G. Loomis, then St. Croix.

Which rod is the lightest to have in your hand?

Again, this is very close, it depends a lot on the handle you use, but I would say over-all the lightest is G. Loomis.

What is the most asked for power and action Blank that I build?

Today I build mainly Bait casting Bass and Redfish and Speckled Trout Rods. Twenty years ago, when I lived on the South Texas coast all I built was Saltwater Fly Rods, and all kinds of Saltwater Rods, & a few pistol grip bass rods, Medium Heavy Fast.

Why do I need a Custom Rod to catch fish, when I have a $29.95 Wal-Mart Special that Catches fish?

This is very simple, there is not a person out there that will not catch a fish, but If you are one of many anglers out there, that is trying to improve his or her fishing A CUSTOM BUILT ROD will do that for you. What is that "Ole Saying"?

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAID FOR; OR YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU GET!!!

Should you have any additional questions at all concerning "Pro Custom Built Rods" Please Call Me @ (318)272-0556 or (318)865-7951. You can also send us an email at sanjean1@aol.com.