I’m writing this Testimonial ‘in Memorium’ for my 30 year Pennsylvania friend & fly fishing pal Ed Rolka who passed away in 2013. Ed owned 3 BEAVERBUILT Custom Fly Rods including the Backpacker which he used all over the USA when he traveled on business. Ed was a production fly tier for 70yrs and invented the case caddis nymph called the ‘Breadcrust’ tied w’ Ruffed Grouse tail stems. One year before he died Ed spent 26 weeks w’ me teaching me how to tie flies along w’ a few of his 70yr secrets! Ed introduced me to Alaska fly fishing back in 1996 and Bonefishing that same year. I know he’s in Heaven sitting at a tying bench.

Thanks again for building rods for the Trout Extravaganza raffle!! I had the chance to use the 9FT 3WT IM6 graphite rod this past weekend on the Caney Fork River here in Tennessee. The rod worked beautifully to land the rainbow trout in the picture on the link below. It took me for a couple of runs around the drifter, but the rod was very responsive without putting too much pressure on the fish. And I had no problem casting the distances I needed and getting the flies there accurately.

I have three Beaverbuilt rods in my quiver. The 10 foot, 5 weight, Thomas and Thomas is my go to rod for fishing bigger water here in Colorado. The upsized guides that Beaverbuilt incorporates into all their rods really adds to the rod, in that casting is almost effortless. I recently attended a trout fishing event in Colorado during which 30 guys participate in a casting contest. With this rod I was able to take the title of “Overall Champion”. Here is a photo of me with a nice rainbow I landed with this rod.

All of my Beaverbuilt rods have the optional screw-in fighting butt. This is a great feature I highly recommend. I have two size fighting buts that I use regularly, with the large one being ideal for fighting big fish. I used this rod on my trip to Kamchatcha in 2004, and was able to land some monsters with no trouble. With a 10 foot rod one needs to keep in mind that a 5 weight fishes more like a 6 or 7 weight, 9 foot rod.

BEAVERBUILT rods are special! The craftsmanship and quality of materials is unmatched by any manufactured rod. I own two BEAVERBUILT Custom Fly Rods. My SLT 9’ 5 weight 5 piece goes with me everywhere. The high end fit and finish is truly exceptional. I love the feel of this rod and use it for both nymphing and dry fly. I will admit that these Sage blanks seem to suit my casting motion better for drys and dry dropper rigs. My Z-Axis 9’ 8 weight 4 piece is outstanding in the salt. It has proven to be my favorite rod for bone fish in Mexico.

I have used Beaverbuilt fly rods for over twenty years, personally and in my guiding business.  From Alaskan rainbows on a mouse fly to nymph fishing in Colorado, to Zambezi Tigerfish in Africa, they are the best fly rods I have ever used.  Superior to factory rods in finish and construction, Gary’s customer service is also second to none.   If you want a fly rod that will be a companion for life, then contact Gary before buying anything else.

Since 1994 I’ve really enjoyed using the BEAVERBUILT Custom Fly Rods…I own several!! They are of superior craftsmanship and quality and the performance & aesthetic enhancements make them far superior to a mass produced factory fly rod. I can always count on them to perform for me on rivers, streams, and lakes that I fish…and the Pheasant Feather Inlay gives the rod a very unique character. Simply the best!

I’m writing this Testimonial ‘in Memorium’ for my 25 year friend & fly fishing pal Norm Newton who passed away a few years ago. Norm was a great friend and owned 2 BEAVERBUILT Custom Fly Rods. In Alaska fishing together, and after landing a 24″ Rainbow, he commented that he needed me to build him another rod big enough for those ‘slabs’ in Alaska…..I guess that statement speaks for itself. Ole’ Norm went to be with the Lord before I built that 3rd BEAVERBUILT Custom Fly Rod. I know he’s still on the river.