Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to build my custom REEL ROD?
Is a custom fishing rod more expensive than an off-the-shelf rod?
Do I really need a custom fishing rod?
Why don't you advertise pricing on your webpage?
What is your warranty policy?
How should I care for my custom rod?

Do you have other questions?

Call me at 707-578-8343 (evenings preferred) or email me at elkunz@sbcglobal.net

How long will it take to build my custom REEL ROD?

Turn-around time may vary, but the typical turn-around time is about 6 weeks from the date the components are ordered. I'll provide a more accurate estimated completion date at the time of purchase, primarily based on existing workload and availability of components.

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Is a custom fishing rod more expensive than an off-the-shelf rod?

In most cases, a custom fishing rod will be slightly more expensive than an off-the-shelf rod. However, a custom rod will likely exhibit superior construction, higher quality components, and can be customized to suit the most discriminating angler. For the serious angler, the cost difference is likely to be a moot point. See the "Custom Touch" page for more features of custom fishing rods.

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Do I really need a custom fishing rod?

The casual angler will probably get along just fine with production fishing rods. The more serious the angler becomes about the art of fishing, the more demanding and targeted his or her needs become in terms of equipment and performance.

The serious angler will appreciate the benefits of a custom crafted fishing rod for its optimum performance, targeted action for specific needs, superior construction, durability, and aesthetic appeal. These are the reasons I started building my own rods and the reasons why custom fishing rods are becoming more and more popular.

There is no better gift for the avid angler than a custom crafted REEL ROD.

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Why don't you advertise your pricing on your web page?

Because each REEL ROD is custom built, and because of the nearly endless variety of options available, pricing varies for each project. I do, however, use a standardized pricing system to estimate the cost of labor and incidental supplies required to craft your custom rod, so you can be assured of no surprises when ordering a custom crafted REEL ROD.

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What is your warranty policy?

Custom Rod Warranty: Kunz's Reel Rods have an original-purchaser 1-year warranty against any defects in workmanship. Eventhough we select and use only the finest components available, Kunz's Reel Rods is not responsible for defects in materials. We pass on the manufacturer's material warranty if one exists. If, by chance, any defect in workmanship appears, we will at our option, repair or replace the rod. If, by chance, any defect in materials appears, we will contact the manufacturer concerning replacement cost, if any, and provide the customer with a repair estimate. NOTE: blank manufacturers may not warrant a blank that has been altered in any way including cutting to length, or cutting to make a two-piece rod, or using a blank for some use other than it's intended purpose. The Kunz's Reel Rods warranty does not cover failure due to damage caused by workmanship of others, misuse, abuse, negligence, or improper care. The customer will bear all shipping costs.

Rod Repair Warranty: Kunz's Reel Rods warrants that any item it repairs will be free from mechanical failure for 3-months from the date of invoice. This warranty applies only to specific labor and parts listed in the service record, and does not apply to the design or operational intent of the blank or rod manufacturer. Misuse, abuse, or neglect voids this warranty. Parts lost or damaged due to disassembly of the item by anyone not authorized by Kunz's Reel Rods are not covered by this warranty. Kunz's Reel Rods' liability is limited to the value of the repair that is performed. The customer will bear all shipping costs.

How should I care for my custom rod?

Like anything else you own, your custom crafted Reel Rod will provide you with the longest possible enjoyment if it is properly cared for from the very beginning. Here are a few suggestions for keeping your new purchase looking and performing at it's best.

Wash it off after every use. This is particularly important if you fish in saltwater. Use a little soap and water and a soft brush or cloth to remove any "fish stuff" or salt and dry completely before storing. The frame of any guide (aside from top of the line Titanium guides) may begin to rust over time if exposed to salt water and not properly cleaned after each use.

Avoid High-Sticking. All rods, particularly graphite rods, are at risk of breakage if the rod is "high sticked". When the tip of the rod is raised too high, the weaker tip section bears too much of the load and can easily break. This is one of the most common causes of breakage and is 100% angler-caused.

Periodically, wax your rod with a good quality car wax. This will make it easier to clean and help preserve the rod's finish. Also, many people find that wiping the rod down with furniture polish (such as Pledge) after each use is a good way to keep it looking its best.

Use care when placing or removing rods from storage compartments so as not to catch the guides on the way in or out. Many a guide has been damaged or destroyed by carelessly placing and removing rods from storage compartments.

Only use the rod with line (and lures) that fall within the limits specified by the blank manufactuer. Using heavier line and cranking down the drag may easily result in unexpected rod breakage, particularly with graphite rods which are less tolerant of abuse than fiberglass.

About Guide Finish Cracking. Occasionally, small stress cracks may eventually develop in the finish near the ends of the guide feet. This is due to the blank being much more flexible than the guide foot. On every Reel Rod, guide feet are ground to a shallow taper, thinned as much as possible, and polished in an effort to minimize this effect. Multiple overwraps may be used in certain cases to minimize this effect as well. However, in some cases, this phenomenon is virtually unavoidable. Do not be concerned if this should happen as it is mainly cosmetic and will not affect the rod's performance. Also, keeping a good coat of wax on the rod at all times will help to prevent water intrusion over time.

Revised: February 23, 2008 .