09/11/2026
At Observation Post Custom Works, every rod is individually built by hand. Each build is unique to its owner, from the blank and components to the wraps, finish and custom details.
These are one-of-a-kind fishing rods, not mass-produced products. With proper use and care, a quality custom rod should provide years of service. However, even the best-built rod can be damaged through improper handling, storage, transportation or use.
PROPER ROD CARE
A few simple habits can greatly extend the life of your rod:
• Always place rod sections inside the supplied rod sock before putting them into the rod tube. Placing an unprotected blank directly into a tube can cause scratches, impact damage and other damage to the blank, guides or finish.
• Make sure all rod sections are properly seated before fishing and periodically check the ferrules throughout the day.
• Keep the rod clean and rinse it with fresh water after use around saltwater.
• Never store a wet rod inside its sock or tube. Allow it to dry completely first.
• Protect rods from vehicle doors, tailgates, boat hatches, rocks, loose equipment and other common sources of impact damage.
• Avoid excessive high-sticking, pulling directly on snags with the rod, or placing extreme loads on the blank at improper angles.
CASTING DAMAGE
Casting technique can also damage a fly rod.
Poorly timed casts can allow a weighted fly, heavy streamer, sink tip or other tackle to strike the blank. A hard impact can damage the fibres even when there is little or no visible damage at first. The rod may later fail under load at or near the damaged area.
Repeatedly overpowering a cast, using an improperly matched line system, or applying excessive force instead of allowing the rod to load and unload properly can also place unnecessary stress on the blank.
A rod failure does not automatically mean there was a defect in the rod or workmanship. Impact damage, improper casting, misuse, accidents and improper storage or transportation are not manufacturing defects.
REPAIRS
Because every OP Custom Works rod is individually built and one of a kind, repairs are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
If your rod is damaged, bring it to me and I will assess it. If it can reasonably be repaired, I will do everything I can to get it back on the water.
Repairs are completed at the owner’s cost unless the issue is determined to be the result of my workmanship.
Custom rod repair requires time and materials. Guides, thread, finish, cork, reel seats, blank sections and other components all have real replacement costs. Depending on the damage, a repair may also require stripping and rebuilding part of the rod.
That applies to everyone — including me. If I damage one of my own rods, it still costs me materials and shop time to repair it.
Whenever possible, I will provide an assessment and repair cost before beginning the work.
My goal isn’t to sell you another rod because something happened to yours. If it’s repairable, I’ll repair it. But accidental damage, improper care, poor casting technique and normal wear cannot reasonably be covered by the builder at no cost.
A custom rod is built to be fished — take care of it, fish it hard, and if something happens, I’ll do my best to get it back in your hands.
OBSERVATION POST CUSTOM WORKS
Veteran Owned & Operated
