For the past 12 years, Steve Fogle of Backyard Custom Rods and Repairs has been building custom fishing rods for anglers who chase tuna in the Atlantic and rockfish in the Chesapeake, or bass and panfish in its freshwater tributaries.
Steve Fogle
A resident of Walkersville, MD, with his wife Debbie, Steve has been a dedicated fisherman for 35 years. Although he will build just about any kind of rod his customer wants (except for fly rods), most of the rods he builds are for fishing with light tackle reels and lines. In the past couple of years, an increasing number of freshwater anglers have asked Steve to build them sticks to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass. Prices vary on what kind of rod you would like, starting from $150 to $350 for the offshore rods. Recently I caught up with him to ask him some questions as this month’s Top Hook.
C$: Describe the moment when you realized, “This is what I want to do.”
Steve Fogle: I was visiting a very close friend who was in the process of building a rod for himself. I asked if I could build one, and after he ordered the rod blank and components, I built my very first custom rod. I knew right then that this was something that I really wanted to pursue.
What’s the most rewarding part of making a custom rod?
When my customers come and pick up their rods, just seeing the expressions on their faces when they see their rod for the first time, or when they catch their personal best with the rod that I built them. Priceless!
What’s the most challenging or frustrating aspect of creating a custom rod?
Wow, there are many. But one of the most frustrating things is building a rod for catching a particular type of fish, and then it is used to catch something other than what the rod was designed for, causing damage to the rod or even worse, breaking it.
What are the major differences between a custom rod and a production rod?
Being able to spec (out) exactly what components you want for your rod, such as the length, reel seat, guides, or color of threads. You can even personalize the rod with your name. A custom rod provides greater sensitivity to fish, plus you (usually) get better quality components.
Is there someone who has influenced you in your rod building career?
Yes, Frank Dayhoff. He was my mentor and taught me how to build rods, God rest his soul. Frank had a passion for fishing and took me with him when I was a kid.
Do you have a favorite place to fish, and if so where and why?
I love fishing the Chesapeake Bay for stripers. I fish from the Northern Bay all the way down to the mouth of the Potomac.
If you weren’t a rod builder, what would you like to do?
My dream job, other than building custom rods, would be as a light tackle guide on the Chesapeake Bay.
by Captain Chris D. Dollar