Custom Fly Rod Case?

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

Hello everyone! :iconbiggrin: Sorry its been so long, life after my Dad died has been an adjustment to say the least.

I have a question I hope some of you guys may be able to help me with. My Dad had a custom made 3 weight fly rod that I now have (after a heartbreaking family struggle, ugh, his brothers are worthless). It has his name and fishing name "Ranbow Wrangler" inscribed in gold on the marble handle, its beautiful and totally useless as a fishing pole. The marble handle makes the balance off, its never had a real on it. My uncle was asked by my Dad to make a shadow box for it and he chose not to so now I am looking for some type of display or shadow box frame for it myself. I have searched orvis some other places online and I cant find a frame like that to hold a rod. I could take it to a framer but Im scared they will not be careful with the rod, its truly unreplaceable.

Do you know of anyone or anywhere I can get a case to put the rod in once and for all? The goal is to hang it on the wall, safe and sound, where it can live forever.

Thanks!

[sunnydude2]

Have you contacted Orvis or just looked on their site? They might have a source for you.

[Nehalennia]

What do you want it made of?

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

What do you want it made of?

I dont know, I was thinking wood more by default thinking of other shadow box frames. My uncle makes crazy stuff with wood and pottery, he was asked to make something beautiful from wood for it. Long story and some rank pulling and I took it back from him. So now its in my office in a pvc tube....so anything would be an upgrade. I want something that will keep it safe and sound forever, it will never leave the box once its there, so something sturdy.

[Nehalennia]

I made this Boat desk for my Dad. It's made of mahogany that my Papa had since the 40's.
Does Erik do any woodworking? I'm not sure I can dedicate the time now to build the entire thing, but I can contribute some cool mahogany or get it started for you guys to finish.
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/Home%20Projects/Desk6-19-05.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/Home%20Projects/DSCF0114.jpg

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

I made this Boat desk for my Dad. It's made of mahogany that my Papa had since the 40's.
Does Erik do any woodworking? I'm not sure I can dedicate the time now to build the entire thing, but I can contribute some cool mahogany or get it started for you guys to finish.
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/Home%20Projects/Desk6-19-05.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/Home%20Projects/DSCF0114.jpg

Those are awesome! No, we dont build stuff unless it is something no one will ever see. I dont at all want to ask you to make this, you do tons, just need someone who does this for a living or somewhere I can just order it. I cant be the only person who wants a frame for a fly rod? I really thought orvis would have something along these lines....maybe I need to visit my local frame shop and just show them the rod. Maybe they can make something without actually touching it at all.

[Nehalennia]

Well let me see what I have at home and we can talk later. And you saw my cockpit table right?

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

Well let me see what I have at home and we can talk later. And you saw my cockpit table right?

yes, it was also beautiful. but again you have enough on your plate without taking on my projects!! if you have a direction to point me, thats all Im asking for. your awesome Todd and your help is always very appreciated!

[SomeSailor]

I just talked to Greg a call at Greg's Custom Rods in Lake Stevens. Give them a call. They can take care of you. (335-1391)

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

I just talked to Greg a call at Greg's Custom Rods in Lake Stevens. Give them a call. They can take care of you. (335-1391)

Mike - you rock! I just talked to her, she had already talked to her son who does the woodworking and he is game for making me a frame. He is going to call me tomororw so we can set a date for me to go there and show him the rod, then he will get me some options. I really like the idea of a fisherman making the frame, not just some general frame guy, this guy should know and respect the rod for what it is. This rod is one of those things in life and is truly unreplaceable. Once I get it done Ill post some pictures, Im sure any flyfisherman would love the look of this rod just like my Dad did....that or they will see the sillyness of a 2 thousand dollar pole that you cant fish with....but that was just my like my Dad, always the best of everything, usefull or not.

Thanks so much Mike and Todd - you guys are the best.

[Nehalennia]

I'd like to see a pic when he's done. Best of luck!

[Randygh]

Kristen--Think of the fly rod as a work of art with special meaning. When you talk to the fellow who is making the display case ask him if a red, blue or black velvet background cloth would look nice. I've seen some old shotgun displays that have a red velvet background and they looked great. Please post picts when the job is completed.

[SomeSailor]

The good news is Greg's son is a pretty well-known rod builder all on his own. I'm also sure his Dad will be sure it comes out nicely. Think of something you'd like for a plate inside Kristin. I will laser engrave something to affix to the back liner that will identify your Dad's rod. I think you're doing the right thing and it'll be something people will be seeing for lots of years to come.

[II Lucky]

That will be cool to see the end resutl. I have a couple of three piece spllit bamboo fly rods my uncle built in the 30's. I have them mounted in my office but often thought about making an enclosed case for them. I had a local friend make me case for a Marlboro Penske Indy 500 Driving suit worn by Emerson Fittipaldi and have though about having him enclose the fly rods. They are works of art and as you mentioned, todays technology makes them somewhat obsolete but the craftsmanship is impeccable. Good luck with the project.

[Go Aweigh2452]

That will be cool to see the end resutl. I have a couple of three piece spllit bamboo fly rods my uncle built in the 30's. I have them mounted in my office but often thought about making an enclosed case for them. I had a local friend make me case for a Marlboro Penske Indy 500 Driving suit worn by Emerson Fittipaldi and have though about having him enclose the fly rods. They are works of art and as you mentioned, todays technology makes them somewhat obsolete but the craftsmanship is impeccable. Good luck with the project.

I too have several fly rods from the same era but also have the reels filled with line. We keep them on display all the time. I'll have to take a photo or two and post when we get home...

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

That will be cool to see the end resutl. I have a couple of three piece spllit bamboo fly rods my uncle built in the 30's. I have them mounted in my office but often thought about making an enclosed case for them. I had a local friend make me case for a Marlboro Penske Indy 500 Driving suit worn by Emerson Fittipaldi and have though about having him enclose the fly rods. They are works of art and as you mentioned, todays technology makes them somewhat obsolete but the craftsmanship is impeccable. Good luck with the project.

My Dad had a big collection of antique fly rods, most of which are on the walls at my Moms house now...the real old rods are a beautiful thing for sure. This is not old, just very unique, it was hand made by a close friend of his just for him. If this guy makes a nice case Ill take the whole collection to him to frame, that wasy they will be safe for life.

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

The good news is Greg's son is a pretty well-known rod builder all on his own. I'm also sure his Dad will be sure it comes out nicely. Think of something you'd like for a plate inside Kristin. I will laser engrave something to affix to the back liner that will identify your Dad's rod. I think you're doing the right thing and it'll be something people will be seeing for lots of years to come.

Thats good to know...I got that impression but was not sure, I assumed being in the custom fly rod business they would at least respect it for what it is and have an idea of what type of hardwear it needs to keep it in place for life. Thanks again for the referral, its a major check off my list of things to do now that I have reclaimed the rod.

Thank you so much for the offer of a plate, that would be so special! How about: "Peter F. Augusztiny - The Rainbow Wrangler" Thats what the rod has inscribed on the handle but its small on the rod. All his buddies had fishing names, his was Rainbow Wrangler and they all called eachother by those names during fishing season. It was pretty silly, but they had a blast with it.

I hope for this to be something that is in my family forever, like any other peice of artwork, as you said something people see for years to come.

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

Kristen--Think of the fly rod as a work of art with special meaning. When you talk to the fellow who is making the display case ask him if a red, blue or black velvet background cloth would look nice. I've seen some old shotgun displays that have a red velvet background and they looked great. Please post picts when the job is completed.

Thats right along the lines I was thinking. The rod is a dark blue with marble handle and gold accents so something bright like maybe a green or something....the person I talked to said the guy would come up with some suggestions after he sees the rod and I can pick from that, so I hope to have some guidence from them as well. The intention is to make this a true peice of art like it was built to be.

Ill post pictures for sure! Thanks all you guys for your suggestions and help, I knew you were the right bunch to understand!! :iconbiggrin:

[Go Aweigh2452]

I'd think a scarlet or blood red or forest green, you know like a Range Rover...LOL

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

I'd think a scarlet or blood red or forest green, you know like a Range Rover...LOL

Well, since my Ranger will be gray on black Im not sure this is a good fit to match...maybe well do spoted in honor of your new addition! ;)

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

So I talked with the guy yesterday and emailed him the measurements today. I want one more peice of advice! What do you guys think would look cooler; mounting the pole attached to itself so its the full 9' long or mounting the tip on top of the bottom peice making it 4'7" long? Have you seen framed poles before? Where they put together or in peices??

Thanks as always!!

[Go Aweigh2452]

I think it would be classier to have it in two pieces both corner to corner parallel to each other (4 O'clock to 10 O'clock) vice crossed

[SomeSailor]

I agree. I'd do the pieces parallel and add some nice rich blue felt and a nice brass plate.

Here's one that not very fancy and is for two rods (no reels)

http://sportsmanscabinets.com/CDA%20Open%20View%20for%20Web%20jpeg%20smaller%20s ize.jpg

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

Thats what I was thinking also. The pole has never had a reel on it so it would look like that picture, only in two peices not three. It would be easier in the future for hanging as well, not being 9' long.

Doug - (4 O'clock to 10 O'clock) vice crossed?? What does that mean?

[Go Aweigh2452]

Doug - (4 O'clock to 10 O'clock) vice crossed?? What does that mean?

I mean place them in the box at an angle vice parallel as it is shown in the photo Mike published... AS you look at an analog clock the tips would point to the 10 or 11 O'clock position and the butt would point to the 4 or 5 O'clock position...

not crossed means not having both pieces across one another making it look like an "X""

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

I mean place them in the box at an angle vice parallel as it is shown in the photo Mike published... AS you look at an analog clock the tips would point to the 10 or 11 O'clock position and the butt would point to the 4 or 5 O'clock position...

not crossed means not having both pieces across one another making it look like an "X""

Im sorry....maybe Im dumb....are you saying the pole should make an X or look like Mikes picture?

[SomeSailor]

Lost me on the "not crossed" looking like an "X" :)

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

Lost me on the "not crossed" looking like an "X" :)

good....then its not just me!

[Tedster]

He means a narrow X like how it would look in a 2' tall rectangular box the length of the rod.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Im sorry....maybe Im dumb....are you saying the pole should make an X or look like Mikes picture?

I do not think you are dumb... actually, I know you are not... I just did not explain myself correctly... I meant to have the two pieces of the rod butts start at the bottom right corner of the box and point up to the top left corner of the box.

By "X", I meant, the two rod pieces would not criss cross on top of one another... I hope that helps...

[Nehalennia]

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/Drawing1.jpg

Like this I think he means.

[Go Aweigh2452]

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/toddolason/drawing1.jpg

like this i think he means.

that's it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SomeSailor]

I see now. Only thing is I don't think she has a reel for it?

The bigger shadow box would lend itself to a nice picture if you have something in mind?

[Nehalennia]

Should I take my super detailed reel out of there?

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/Drawing1.jpg

Like this I think he means.

Pictures help! Now I get it!!

Mikes right, I dont have a reel for it but I can picture the look without the wonderful detailed reel in Todds picture. ;) The only downside to that is it would be such a big box....but then again, it may display it better. I have not heard back yet from the guy but well see what he proposes as far as shape and size...Im really excited to see this done! The poor pole has been sitting in the pvc tube it was shipped to me in by my desk at work since I got it back...it wants to come out and be where people can see how cool it is!!

[SomeSailor]

Should I take my super detailed reel out of there?

No. I was just saying I didn't think she had a reel, so that might make an awfully large open space for two sticks... and a pretty large frame.

If you do the quick math on a 9' fly rod on the diagonal, you're looking at a frame that's 4 - 5 feet square. :)

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

I see now. Only thing is I don't think she has a reel for it?

The bigger shadow box would lend itself to a nice picture if you have something in mind?

I attached a photo I have wanted to show you guys for a while...might be perfect for this box...but this is my Dad on his sail boat, "The Swift" on July 3rd of 1996, this is the boat on the main dock of the port of friday harbor and this was how my Dad spent his favorate of days in July on the island...on his boat, with his buddies, smoking, drinking and looking at girls. 8) He died on July 3rd of last year and when I found this picture and noticed the date I just thought about Todd pouring that beer over the side of the dock for him and how much he would have loved to have been there on that day.

Man, I still miss that man like crazy, every second of every day. :?

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

No. I was just saying I didn't think she had a reel, so that might make an awfully large open space for two sticks... and a pretty large frame.

If you do the quick math on a 9' fly rod on the diagonal, you're looking at a frame that's 4 - 5 feet square. :)

right, the longest of the two is 4'9" and the tip end is just a little less than that....Im eaither gonna end up with a big box or a really long box.

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

No. I was just saying I didn't think she had a reel, so that might make an awfully large open space for two sticks... and a pretty large frame.

If you do the quick math on a 9' fly rod on the diagonal, you're looking at a frame that's 4 - 5 feet square. :)

No reel...marble handle...gold inlays...not something you would want to toss overboard!

[Nehalennia]

I'd go with a really long but short height box. I think that would display nice and be similar to an ol' shotgun on the wall. Nice touch. You could stagger the rods and still have room for that picture. Fish on TD, Fish on.

[SomeSailor]

Either way, let me know when you get close Kristen and I'll make that placard for you. I could also make some nice acrylic arms to hold the rods themselves in the case. I have some 'green edge' acrylic that looks just like tempered glass when cut.

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

I have been working with Brian from the custom fly rod shop Mike found for me for months waiting for this case. He did a great mock build out for me and I was all excited....until last night when I got an email from him that I needed to find someone new, he was just to busy to build it afterall. :( So I though I would start here again - anyone have any new ideas? My only other thought is to head into a frame shop and ask them to build a basic shadow box frame then finish it off myself with the hooks to hang the rod from, background, ect. I can hardly beleive it is so hard to find a case for a fly rod! I know I have seen them before.....ugh.

[Papa Charlie]

Kristen,
Is this a display case for an antique or a case for when it is not in use?
If it is a display case seem like a picture frame shop or cabinet shop could do something for you.