F.D. Kretchman Rod Co.
Rod Model Summary
I specialize in fly rods that have actions of the old classics: Paynes and Dickersons, mostly, with a few Grangers & others too. In some cases, I have modified the actions to improve them for today’s fly fishers while still retaining the overall “feel” of the originals. One of my principles established early in my rod making career is that I don’t craft bamboo rods based on tapers obtained from a book or off the internet. Instead, my rods are based on classic fly rods that I own and fish. The action must be above average - indeed, it must be a ‘Super’ rod based on my fishing experiences. Each rod is designed to give you great casting action combined with an elegant appearance. (Sorry, no single-foot guides on my rods...!) I guarantee you will catch more fish with them because you’ll want to fish them more often than other rods. Even when the fish aren’t cooperating, you’ll enjoy your time on the water because of the fluid casting quality of these rods. My fly rods are designed to be fished today… and eventually passed along to the next generation of fly fishers.
In 2010, I started crafting Hollow- Built fly rods. The result is a 20-25% weight reduction compared to solid rods. My process for hollowing the cane includes leaving “dams” inside the bamboo shafts to simulate the natural dams found in live bamboo. This adds strength to the rods and assures that all sections will be truly hexagonal in cross section. Hollow-Built rods are $200 extra and I only hollow build 2-piece rods at this time.
Rod Models:
Rod Models are made in three different grades:
New in 2012: Presentation Grade
For those discriminating anglers who want the ultimate in custom bamboo rods, this grade of rods will have it all ! Each rod is special-ordered and will feature custom hand - engraved reel seat components & include 24k gold accents. There will also be options for specialized engraving on the rod tube cap and leather cases will be available. Because all the engraving is done by hand, each rod is one-of-a-kind, and can be tailored to the individual tastes of the angler. Prices start at $3500.
Classic Grade
These are the Highest Grade fly rods after the Presentation series, and feature:
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-Blued 18% nickel silver ferrules
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-Extra fancy wood reel seats (ex. burled Claro black walnut, snakewood, western Myal, and pink ivory)
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-Stamped butt caps “F.D. Kretchman Rod Co.”
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-Silk main wraps that are tipped with 3 strands of extra fine silk thread
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-Bronze anodized tubes with brass caps and collars
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-Custom embroidered 100% wool rod bags
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-“Low profile” genuine agate stripping guides (custom made)
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-Custom flamed bamboo in light, medium, and dark versions
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-Prices: 2-piece rods are $1800 and 3-piece rods are $1900
Signature Grade
This grade has the same tapers & action of the Classic fly rods, but with changes that allow a lower price:
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-Bright nickel silver ferrules
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-Non-stamped n/s butt caps
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-Reel seats are made from curly black walnut, mahogany, and Spanish cedar.
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-Single color silk wraps without tipping
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-Bright aluminum tubes with aluminum caps and collars
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-Custom sewn khaki rod bags
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-Light to medium flamed cane
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-Rods are signed and marked in black ink
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-Available in 2-piece rods only and not hollow-built
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-Prices are $1400
The following models are available in Classic and Signature
Grades. [Maine residents add 5% sales tax]
Model 601XL [extra light]
length: 6’
2-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #1-2
description : My smallest rod is patterned after the early Payne Model 96, but I make this one just a little stronger to throw a 1 or 2 wt. line. Perfect for that small brook with native trout. Each fish will feel like a trophy on this rod. Has a nice little swelled butt for extra reserve power.
price: Classic Grade: $1800
Signature Grade: $1400
Model 663
length: 6’ 6”
2 & 3 piece, 2-tips
line weight: #3
description : This is one of my favorite and most popular models. Everyone who casts this one wants it! It can be used on small or medium sized streams where small flies and pinpoint accuracy are needed. This gem loads the #3 line so well that you will be amazed at the ease with which it casts…and you can deliver 45’ of line with it when necessary.
price: Classic Grade: $1800 (2-piece) & $1900 (3- piece)
Signature Grade: $1400
Model 704L [light]
length: 7’
2-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #4
description : Light dry fly action, patterned after Granger’s famous 2-piece rods- smooth & delicate, good for accurate presentations of small to medium flies and so light weight it can be fished all day without fatigue. A wonderful 2-piece rod for a #4 line.
price: Classic Grade: $1800
Signature Grade: $1400
Model 765
length: 7 ½’
3-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #5
description : Dry fly action with plenty of reserve power, patterned after a great Lyle Dickerson rod [model 761510], very accurate, and very versatile…can cover many different situations and is capable of handling larger fish.
price: Classic Grade: $1900
Model 764L [light]
length: 7 ½’
2-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #4
description : Crisp, lighter action than the model 765DF, it is based on the Payne Model #100 taper. This rod feels light-in-the hand, and delivers your fly with pinpoint accuracy; a perfect 4 wt.
price: Classic Grade: $1800
Signature Grade: $1400
Model 765DF [dry fly]
length: 7 ½”
2-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #5
description : Fast dry fly action with the taper of Payne’s Model #101. It has more reserve power and can throw tight loops for total control of your dry flies. A great classic 2-piece rod. You won’t be disappointed with this one.
price: Classic Grade: $1800
Signature Grade: $1400
NEW:
Model 795 Parabolic
length: 7’, 9”
2-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #5
description: This rod I love to fish with for landlocked salmon. It is based on the excellent Payne 7’9” parabolic taper. The rod has the ability to fish close in, but with the the parabolic action, it can rocket a line out far enough to reach those selective fish on the other side.
price: Classic Grade: $1800
Signature Grade: $1400
NEW:
Model 804 [hollow-built]
length: 8’
2-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #4
description: This rod has the taper of the rare Dickerson Model 8012 and I hollow-build this rod to reduce the weight. It is an easy-to-cast rod with a medium fast action which flexes into the handle. Just like the original Dickerson, it has a nice swelled butt for extra reserve power if needed. It is one of MY favorite rods.
price: Classic Grade: $2000 (includes $200 hollowing charge)
Model 805M [medium]
length: 8’
2-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #5
description : I call this my Featherweight rod because it is patterned after the well-known Heddon rods carrying the same name. It loads easily and casts smoothly in close and out to 55-60’… It is a medium fast action rather than a dry fly action. With a swelled butt, it’s a dream to cast, and can be fished all day with little effort…one of my all time favorites…! And very popular with my customers too.
price: Classic Grade: $1800
Signature Grade: $1400
Model 805DF [dry fly]
length: 8’
3-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #5
description : Nice dry fly rod, medium fast, patterned after the famous Leonard Model #50 with swelled butt…a great all-round action and favored by many for medium sized streams and small to medium flies.
price: Classic Grade: $1900
Model 805
length: 8’
3-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #5
description : Medium fast, smooth action with the taper of Granger rods. Very pleasant casting and can be used all day without fatigue, and it is a very good all-round rod. If you can only have one 3-piece rod, this would be a good choice.
price: Classic Grade: $1900
Model 866DF [dry fly]
length: 8 ½’
3-piece, 2-tips
line weight: #6
description : Nice quick and powerful dry fly rod with plenty of reserve power for larger rivers and fish. Good for Western waters, the Delaware and Connecticut Rivers , etc.
price: Classic Grade: $1900
