The Perfect Fly Rod

The perfectly tapered rod, with perfect guide spacing, guide sizes, ferrule size, ferrule type, bluing or not, reel seat hardware, reel seat insert, cork quality, grip style, winding check or not, tip top, thread size, varnish, thread material and thread color would be a very cool rod. But finding three talented fly fishermen (not collectors) that agree that it's THE perfect rod might be impossible.

Our preoccupation with making the perfect rod is a maker thing. It has little to do with the task it was designed to perform. But it's still worth pursuing so long as it adds value to the rod making experience. Just don't get caught up in the hype that tes the fly fishing industry. The big dogs of fly fishing sell tackle that they say will magically improve the casting skill of the poor guy that fell for the slick advertising. I know that to be true because I've been that poor guy a few times. I know better now, but I'm still tempted.