Custom rods for the bass pros, why no custom rods for bass pros Options

[Gums]

Salute

I have only built two "bass rods" for serious fishermen. Normally do flyrods and light spinning stuff.

So I found out that the bass pro's we see on the circuit don't/can't use "custom" rods.

That being said, it's hard for me to believe that the pro's aren't modifying their rods/handles, or that their sponsors aren't building the minimum number to qualify as "stock" rods.

My theory is that the pro's get with the rod maker and they build one to his/her spec, then crank out a few dozen more to qualify as an off-the-shelf rod with amazing capabilities. So you go to Bass Pro Shop and there are none to be had.

What do the rod builders here think?

Gums sends ...

[Zombie]

There's a local pro guy near me that is sponsored by one of the big names. I've modified two of his sponsored rods basically stripping and rebuilding the entire rod from conventional to spiral including new grips and modified reel seat. I stripped everything but the factory decal and left that in place. I also added my logo to the rod as well. He gets his rods for a great discount so it wouldn't be worth it for him to buy rods from me at top dollar. Z.

[Rovic]

What is in the rod locker may not be any rods from the sponsor. Just as long as he stands on the stage and gives the company line all is fair in bass fishing.

[Cappy Jr]

I have built some rods for some pro's But they cannot mention me because they are sponsered by a big company. Us little guys can't keep up with that. I have also done some modifications to there factory rods also. It's fine with me