As Ian mention I have also been lucky enough to be able to check out one of the WVA kayak specific rods made by Marty.
I opted for a slightly shorter and lighter model than Ian going for a 6' 4" two piece ( Marty also does one piece rods for those that prefer them), handling 5gm- 28 gm.
Firstly let me explain a little about the process of sorting out your rods. Marty will have a long conversation with you to find out exactly what you intend to use the rod for, what length and weight you want it to handle and he will suggest his recommended blank and others that may suit. He will then ask for your ring preference, in general I think he would suggest Fuji K Concept rings as in his experience they have out performed others but the choice is yours you can pay for more expensive ones but Marty is honest enough to tell you that you can save money.
He will ask what size reel you are using and what your preference is for the reel seat, he offers a range so that you will have just what you want.
Then there is the process of deciding if you want cork or EVA for your hand, do you want it full length or abbreviated. He will ask you to measure your forearm length. Obviously for kayaks you do not want the handle to protrude beyond you elbow and catch your PFD when casting or playing a fish.
He will send you a picture of the mock up of the proposed handle for you to refine to your tastes. He offerers the option of a leash loop on the butt, you will see mine in the photos.
You then have a choice of whipping colours and any styling with flecks in the lacquer to personalise the rod further.
Marty really want you to get a rod that is totally unique to YOU. These are Custom rods at a price that does not reflect the time and effort Marty puts into them, it really is a personal one on one service.
So last Thursday just a couple of hours before leaving for the Pitsford Grand Slam UPS delivered a package.
A quick check and it was in the car ready for the comp. When I got there I spent a bit more time giving it the once over.
First off let me say that Marty does the little things that help like full details of your rod and blank.
I told Marty I wanted an abbreviated handle in black EVA and after being happy with it this is how I received it .
It has an FPS reel seat with twin locking rings so it won't come loose whilst on the water
Marty asked if I was going to be using it with a specific reel and I told him it would be my EXO 1500 and he asked if I wanted the rod to be colour matched. Being a tart I said yes. Hence the whipping in a nice fuschia pink to match the pink highlights on the EXO. You can also see a section of the butt has flakes in it to match as do the ring lacquers.
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Optional leash loop which has now been slightly modified for future rods.
So as you can see this rod is totally unique to me truly a custom build.
Ok so that's the looks and build but is it any good?
I wanted the rod for light lure work and Pitsford for three days was the perfect place to put it through its paces. Sadly the fishing was noy as prolific as on previous visits.
I did however land a couple of hard fighting trout on it the biggest a plump 17.5 inch fish.
With lighter lure rods I look for a sensitive tip that will easily show the action of the lure so you can easily spot any change in action when you pick up a bit of weed but I don't want it so soft that it feels like a drop shot rod. I also want to feel confident that it has the muscle when under pressure from a fighting fish to put pressure on it.
This Xzoga blank is a serious bit of kit and did everything I was looking for. As the trout bored deeply I was able to hold the fish and really felt the rod tighten up as it came under pressure.
I was casting very light lures and some MH Custom lures along with jig heads up to 25gm. It definitely felt comfortable with everything within it's 5-28 range.
The abbreviated handle felt comfortable in my hand and falling 2"short of my elbow was perfect in a kayak, a 6' 4" the rod was more a than adequate length for me but Marty can make virtually any length you want.
Obviously the rod is very light and was perfect for my 1500 sized reel. I was more than happy with the K Concept Fuji rings the Nanofil line slipped through them perfectly and ring spacing looked perfect for the curve of the rod under pressure. I know this is something Marty spends a lot of time getting right.
I like the idea of having a paracord leash loop as an option. It is so soft that if you are not using it you hardly know its there but if you do use it the leash will be well clear so as not to impede the reel. Marty has modified the fixing to the butt since making my rod.
The finish of the varnish and resin is spot on and having the option of a fleck in it just satisfies that personal taste that many of us have.
I think it is obvious I am happy with the rod and it will certainly get a lot of use when I go perch hunting at Loch Ken soon.
Marty does a whole range of rods ranging from matching sets of three carp rods through cat rods to drop shot. Whatever your desire is I reckon he will make you a truly unique rod using only the best components.
If this has piqued your interest then visit his Facebook page or drop him a message as he has joined this forum with the intention of taking up kayak fishing on his local River Wye.
www.facebook.com/wvacustomrods/
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I did however land a couple of hard fighting trout on it the biggest a plump 17.5 inch fish.
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