by thdv444 » 9/11/04 9:37pm
Kistler comes to Steelhead County
I had the pleasure of hearing about Kistler rods a couple of years ago and called to see if they had a rod I could fish for steelhead with in the Northwest for the infamous ocean-run rainbows.
In talking with Traye he had siad they had never built one ....but could .....if I wanted , I could place an order..... pay part and wait for for my custom " Kistler ". I couldnt get my money out quick enough and it was said it would be 60 to 90 days before this protype product would be available.....my how time slows down when we are excited. We took the time for getting my Kistler just right.....the handle, the guides, the colors , everythng had to be perfect.
Finally the day ( - - blocked - - ) and I received the call that my rod was finally done, ( watched pots slow to boil ) and it was being shipped, I couldnt hardly wait. Finally the day ( - - blocked - - ) and I heard the truck coming up the drive it wasw UPS and they had my " Hellium ".
I carefully unpacked it and gave it the once over. I couldnt help but notice the craftsmanship.... the colors, the guides, the extra touches I was seeing....I have been a Loomis guy for years for my fishing rods. This was lighter , better feel, and nicer work.....I couldnt stand the thought not going fishing.
Saturday couldnt get here quick enough, I was like a father with his first son, I had checked the knots, added the oil, placed the bait.....it was fabulous.....I had never felt such sensitivty from any other rod .....NONE. This rod rocked! As I was enjoying the water and the feel of the Kistler....I felt a bump.....then another and I set the hook......the rod arked as it should and held the fish for 5 seconds and then the worst sound of my life....the TWING of a break.....my rod had snapped about 6 inches above where they come together. My breath left my lungs....I turned pale in face and just starred at my new custom made steelhead rod, in two pieces and apart ....but not as designed.
I slowly walked to my car, drove home, it was like divorce. I called and talked to Traye who said, send it in, lets have a look. I shipped it away, much like saying goodbye to my best friend. He looked at it and agreed wtih me at the stress poiint, they needed to add a bit more composite and they went to work. Days went to a couple of weeks and I got a call it was ready....again.
The day arrived like the first, the energy of the day was almost too much for me.....and fishing I did. Today, 2 years later.....I have fished my Kistler....and fished it hard. I have caught 27 steelhead on this rod just last winter and the largest being 21 pounds of male native, who swims in the sea at this writing.
Let me say, some of you will never own one, or now, some may , but let me say.....you will NEVER fish a rod like the Kistler......its my hands down favorite out of 11 others I have.....and I will confirm this story live if youd like.....these rods are fantastic....the best.....it is without exception the BEST steelhead rod on th planet.....bar none.....I promise. [quote][/quote]
) when your rod broke................... I thought, "Oh no, the first negative I've ever read about a Helium!" but I was wrong. Whew! You had me goin' there for a second or two.