McFarland Rod Company

 

Website McFarland Rods, phone 814-742-8577, or email mike@mcfarlandrods.com

 

McFarland rods have a reputation for being slow, deep flexing, and sweet to cast.  As you can see from the photo above, Mike's rods are beautifully detailed and finished.  When time permits, some user reviews will be added to this page.   I asked Mike for a summary of his available rods.  He sent me this e-mail, which I think sums up his operation:

 

 

"As of now, pretty much everything is made to order, so I allow the customer to pick the exact length of the rod. It is no problem to do a 7'10", 8'2", etc. So to sum it up I can do:

 

 

1. Any length including odd sizes up to 9'.

2. Line weight of 3 through 7. I do have some 8 weights in the works.

3. Any number of pieces up to 8.

4. A variety of tapers including progressive, parabolic, semi-parabolic, and dry fly (tip flex).

 

I also offer rods with nickel silver ferrules in 2 and 3 piece. These rods definitely have a different feel and I really like them as do the customers who own the few that I have made. I offer the choice of two different ferrule colors in the glass ferruled models. I switched to a white ferrule a while back because I always liked the look of the white ferrules Winston used on their rods. I had a few customers who liked the amber colored ferrules better though so I now offer both. I am happy to try to build whatever a customer wants, no matter how odd it may seem. I like a challenge and really enjoy the design end of rod making.

 

I offer two basic grades of rods; the Stream Grade and the Presentation Grade. Both rods are built with the same blank, but the Stream Grade rods have more basic components. The Stream Grade is still a very nice looking rod and are completely made in the US including every component except for the H&H stripping guides from England. I use Snake Brand guides exclusively on both series. Using the Snake Brand guides is a pretty major expense compared to lesser quality mass produced guides, but the difference in quality is well worth it. Another thing that seperates these rods from other rods, especially in this price range, is that I turn all of my grips (no preformed) and every rod is hand signed and serial numbered. The Stream Grade rods sell for $375 for a 2 or 3 piece. Additional sections are $25 each so for example a 5 piece would be $50 extra or $425. These rods come in a cordura covered hard case with built-in divided liners and have a lifetime warranty.

 

The Presentation Grade rods are meant to be above and beyond anything else available in a glass or graphite rod. For these rods I use engraved nickel silver reel seats with highly figured wood inserts that I turn myself. I spend a lot of time searching for unique and highly figured woods to turn for the seats. I probably have as much time in one of these inserts as I do the rest of the rod. I make the inserts by hand (no CNC lathes) using a drill press, router table, small 1950's vintage Craftsman metal lathe, and sand paper. This method takes a loooooong time, but it allows me to use these highly figured burled woods that the big manufacturers can't use in their lathes and mills. These woods have kind of become a trademark of my rods.  Honestly I think very few people really appreciate them for what they are and what goes into making them.  The Presentation Grade rods also have real agate stripping guides. I have these made for me by Mike McCoy of Snake Brand using brown-toned stones that are hand selected to match the blanks. These rods also have the best cork and have no filler at all in the finished grips. The Presentation Grade rods are priced at $565 for a 2 or 3 piece plus $25 each for additional section. These rods come with a bronze coated tube with a brass cap engraved with the McFarland logo. These rods are available with a variety of reel seats including uplocking, down locking, screw lock, or slide band in bright or blued NS. I also offer a limited number of brass and bronze slide band seats that I machine myself.

 

Just some more general info:

-2007 is my 10th year in business

-I have been building rods since 1991

-I personally build every rod from start to finish including signing and numbering

 

I offer quite a number of different configurations. I originally intended on offering just a few different models, but I really enjoy building and trying new things. I think this system works out great for everyone. I get to keep busy and challenge myself by continually doing something different and the customer gets exactly what they want in every aspect of the rod. Well, I hope this gives you a better idea of my rods and what I offer."

 

References:    Written material and photo, courtesy of Mike McFarland.

 


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    paul k.s.:I take my Spruce Creek Stream Grade 3 wt., 7'3" rod upriver where the cutthroat wait for me to toss them yellow sallies. Because I am a very average caster I notice when I am on target, when the line and fly go where I want them to go. When a fish is sipping, the fly placement has to be just so. Does the McFarland make me a better caster? I think it does. More accurately because it is such an attractive and well made fishing tool I rise to the occasion somehow. It seems I fish better with this rod than with my graphite 3 wt. rod. I suppose it is akin to leaving the station wagon in the car and taking the sports car out for a spin. The Spruce Creek is teaching me to be a better caster. How many rods can do that?
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