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Archive for May, 2010
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
 Cajun Custom Rods Premium Split Grip Handle  Cajun Custom Rods Premium Full Grip Handle You asked for it and you got it! Premium cork handles are coming soon to Cajun Custom Rods. We’ve received confirmation that our demo-tested premium cork handles are to arrive any day … and once they do … they’ll be available for your custom fishing rod designs. Our premium cork is guaranteed to increase your fishing pleasure – these ergonomically designed cork handles are so comfortable you’ll want to keep casting your Cajun Custom Rod long after your limit is filled. Say goodbye to slippery handles and hello to fishing in comfort. As soon as we receive these premium cork handles, we’ll update you and let you know when you can include a premium split grip or full grip custom cork handle on your next Cajun Custom Rod! Stay tuned … and be ready!
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
A few breaks and a couple of bruises later and we’re up, off and running again! Our awesome web developers from Anologix confirmed that our API shift to the FEDEX module is “in process” … the final will be forthcoming and we’ll keep you, our loyal fans and customers posted on the status.
We’ve been searching for a cost-effective alternative to our shipping containers and wouldn’t you know it, it landed directly at our feet just a few days ago. As luck would have it, one of the custom fishing rod rebuilds (yep – like our warranty says: “If it ain’t right, we fix it!”) we ordered required a drop shipment directly from St. Croix and the replacement rod blank arrived in a beautiful “bomb-proof” cardboard tube! Not just an ordinary tube, but a 3/8 inch thick, 3″ diameter reinforced tube … and we knew that we “had to have them.” So we made a few phone calls and “Bingo!” Yep, we called St. Croix and asked who produced that shipping tube and after speaking with their representatives were afforded their point of contact, a gentleman from PTI Industries. That stated, per a phone conversation this afternoon, we are in the process of updating our shipping containers to carry the same tubes so that we can deliver your Cajun Custom Rods to your doorstep in flawless, pristine condition … the same way your finished rod design leaves our rod bench. We’ve been seeking a solution for quite some time and literally, “The skies opened up and divine intervention had to be in play as custom fishing rod mailing tubes began to fall like manna from the heavens!” In all honestly, thanks to the great folks at St. Croix and PTI Industries for their support of Cajun Custom Rods … we are so very pleased to be working with quality folks who care about their customers as much as we care about our customers. Anyone with half a mind in the business world understands how vital customer service has always been and remains a top priority … it’s just good to know there are a few of us out there who live by the motto: “Actions are greater than words.”
Another fantastic Cajun custom Rod design brought to life! This 6 foot 6 inch custom fishing rod is designed using a traditional casting grip layout on a St. Croix SC V rod blank (flip green finish) with American Tackle NIRLC guides (solid TITAN titanium). Gudebrod dark forest green and metallic black threads wrap the rod guides and make the open diamond rod wrap. Trust us when we say, “There are none better!” Check out the pictures in our CCR Photo Gallery. Here’s a “teaser” below 
 Cajun Custom Rod: St. Croix (SC V) Rod Blank with American Tackle Guides (TITAN solid titanium)
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
Now I’m all about customer service and anyone who has been on the “other end of bad customer service” can attest personally to the frustration when a reputable company gives you, their faithful customer, the corporate “run-around” or the standard line, “It’s Not Our Fault.” Well, it just so happens, we at Cajun Custom Rods have recently experienced a similar situation. Within the last ten days, Cajun Custom Rods shipped six custom-made fishing rods using the UPS shipping service … all rods were shipped via ground transportation. Of those six rods, only four made it to their ultimate destination unscathed. In fact, we had two rods damaged with one being broken in two (and one of the damaged rods was lost twice and delivered almost a full 10 days after the original delivery date). Talk about getting the run-around? So, let me provide you, our devoted Cajun Custom Rod customers some more detail on the situation.
Jayhawk Boxes, Inc. manufactures Cajun Custom Rod shipping containers; these containers are fabricated and designed especially for shipping our custom rods … so that they arrive unscathed and in one piece to our customers. Until recently, we’ve never had an incident. The boxes themselves are telescoping to ensure a “perfect fit” regardless of the custom rod length that is being shipped (and generally speaking, approximately 2/3 of the rod length is double-layered in the corrugated box due to the unique box design). Additionally, our rods are double wrapped in micro-bubble wrap and placed into a Weezer Rod Sock (500-count polar fleece). Ends of the rod are cushioned with additional micro-bubble wrap and cork handles are shrink-wrapped to further protect the fishing rods while in shipment status. The bottom-line, we have gone to great lengths to ensure that your Cajun Custom Rod arrives to you, our faithful customers, in the same pristine condition that it leaves our facility. In fact, the resources expended on each custom fishing rod’s packaging are greater than the expense to ship that same rod via ground delivery. In our minds, you took your time to build the perfect custom fishing rod and we owe it you to ensure the rod arrives the same way … flawless.
After the breakages were reported, we immediately began “rebuilds” of the two rods … one rod was broken and one rod was “scored” between rod guides. No matter who’s fault (or possibly no fault at all), like our warranty states ever so clearly, “if it ain’t right, we fix it and make it right so that you are 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed with your Cajun Custom Rod!”
That stated, at Cajun Custom Rods we realize that not unlike you, “we understand that we have options.” Effective immediately, Cajun Custom Rods has “officially” changed shipping companies from UPS to FEDEX. Our web development team (Anologix, Inc. with Dimension Concepts, Inc.) is in the final stages of updating our website “API” to make the requisite Internet application change. However, while the developers work their programming magic over the next few days, we’ve already coordinated with FEDEX to ensure we’re able to ship with them ASAP … read as: we’re shipping via FEDEX right now. As the President and owner of Cajun Custom Rods, I cannot in good faith and trust continue with a company that has such disregard for its customers and product handling – therefore, the change to FEDEX immediately. We’ve never had this issue with UPS in the past and have been shipping with them for some time now. That stated, we have also taken a few steps to further “harden” our shipping containers … better safe than sorry.
Our feelings here at Cajun Custom Rods is that if a challenge presents itself and goes without check, then you (or in this case, we … CCR) are a contributor to the UNSAT condition. Yes, I am that critical of our company … its this feeling and passion that will only make us better and more valuable to our customers as we continue to further establish long-term relationships and good standing with you. Ultimately, the opportunity cost to our customers (whether in time, heartache, or perception) is not worth the risk.
While the FEDEX application is being added to our website, select the appropriate shipping method using the current distributor. Cajun Custom Rods will ship your rod via FEDEX via the same mode of delivery that you select, and we’ll cover any price difference during the changeover period. Once the change is finalized, then its business as usual … just better service all-around. Like my grandfather said, “We all make mistakes at some point, but how you handle that mistake is what counts.” Well, at CCR, we like to think that any mistake is one too much … so we’ve taken measures we feel necessary to correct the deficiency and put those measures into effect.
If you haven’t read or heard it from me yet, then you need to know this simple truth: Cajun Custom Rods would not exist, we would not be the success that we’ve been to date, and we would not continue to be successful in our endeavors if it were not for the continued, faithful support of YOU, our devoted customers. Loyalty is easily lost and hard earned, so thank you for your continued trust … we’ll never let you down.
- Jaesen V. Yerger, President, Cajun Custom Rods, Inc.
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Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
We received a request by “www.thepaddlejunkie.com” to submit a rod for their equipment review just recently – they were seeking a solid, all-around spinning rod that would not only fish like a champ, but could take the abuse of a weekend (or longer) kayak, canoe, backpacking/hiking trip. So, we built a rod to their design specifications. Check it out in our “Picture Gallery” (first 6 pics) and see for yourself. CCR designed the rod using a 7 foot MHX (CB 843 series) fishing rod blank designed for “www.thepaddlejunkie.com” Gear Review, May 2010. This Cajun Custom Rod incorporates: a traditional spinning guide layout, double-foot Fuji BMNAG Alconite™ Ring/S-4™ stainless steel guides and matching Fuji Alconite™ Ring/S-4™ stainless steel rod tip , a cushioned Fuji CRSD spinning reel seat with Titanium Chrome hoods, premium Grade 3A Portuguese cork rear and fore grips, an EVA “tapered foam” butt cap, Gudebrod’s Metallic Pewter and Metallic Black thread for the rod’s butt wrap and guide wraps, and a holographic smallmouth bass decal. Talk about a fantastic “all-around” rod for that weekend canoe, kayak, backpack, hiking trip. Heck, this is the type of rod that is a perfect fit for the “special fishing hole.” No matter where it’s used, we’re certain that this Cajun Custom Rod will get the job done when it comes to catching fish! Here’s a good picture for ya’ to check out while you’re catching up on your CCR blog reading:
 CCR 7 foot "All-Around" Spinning Rod
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Monday, May 10th, 2010
You asked for them and we’re delivering on that promise: “Micro Guides are now available at Cajun Custom Rods!” We’ve run through extensive field trials with several different American Tackle micro guides and multiple micro guide system layouts. Cajun Custom Rods has completed our independent testing and have concluded, with help from you – the faithful anglers who’ve demo’d our micro guide rods … the decision was unanimous … “We’ve got to have ‘em!” So after you read the below information, hop on over and click on this Build A Rod link to start designing your next Cajun Custom Rod with our newest micro guide sets … we know you’ll “Experience the difference!”
So why micro guides? Well here’s a few immediate benefits we’ve discovered here at Cajun Custom Rods through the process:
- Super tough, super durable frames and guide rings. These little guides can handle the meanest of fishing lines … to include casting any braid, mono, or fluorocarbon line that we put through them. Hell – we’re not exactly sure what American Tackle’s Nanolite material is made of, but it’s tough as a diamond, smooth as glass, and looks great too!
- Increased sensitivity. As your fishing line feeds through the micro guides, we discovered that they reduced obscure rod vibrations (such as after a long, powerful cast or from water current) and helped us hone in on the “good vibrations” we were seeking … the nibble, the bite, the catch … every crook, nook, and cranny we couldn’t see under the water. In fact, our situational awareness with structure and conditions under the water were so improved that we found we could fish really tricky spots like “in and on” oyster beds, “through the middle” of underwater brush piles, and “straight into the heart” of shoreline vegetation over/under-hang.
- Reduced rod weight. Because micro guides are so small and light, using them reduced the overall rod weights as much as 1/2 ounce in most cases (when compared to traditional guide set ups). Over the course of a days fishing/casting (and we cast a whole lot) the pounds add up – so much that we discovered we were less fatigued at the days end and our arms remained fresh to fish again the next day … “Yep, go ahead twist our arms to fish some more!”
- Better guide loading. We found that because the micro guides lie down the backbone of your custom fishing rod (or spline) and are significantly smaller than traditional casting guides, you can use more of them to keep your fishing line aligned with the rod and therefore, more guides equals a better distribution of the static and kinetic forces loaded up on your fishing rod … and trust us, micro guides are not afraid of “loading up” as we learned after catching several 30-plus inch redfish from the Jacksonville Intercoastal waterways (BTW: all fish were released alive).
- Enhanced rod balance. Due a lower rod center of gravity afforded by the low profile of the micro guide … the physics of these guides is optimum … like in football, stay low and use leverage to move your opponent … micro guides do just that as they help you catch fish more efficiently.
- Better casting performance. When it comes to casting … well, we have four simple words: “There are none better!” Smoother, longer, and more accurate casts are a direct result of the reduced friction, line slap, and line wave when your casting your favorite lure of plug. Same goes for the retrieve when you have a fish on … just in reverse
- Reduced rod and line tangles. We weren’t expecting this, but sure enough … we rarely found ourselves stopping while fishing to untangle the end of our braided line – even when casting into 20 knot headwinds on a few “blustery” days in April 2010.
Straight from American Tackle to Cajun Custom Rods and finally in your hands for design of your next custom fishing rod, we’re carrying three full sets of both full casting and split grip casting micro guide rod sets. Our micro guide sets are ready for immediate design for all rods 5 feet through 7 feet 6 inches. Cajun Custom Rods newest micro guide sets are:
 NBRLMG / NBMT Micro Guide Set NBRLMG / NBMT
The American Tackle NBRLMG black Micro Guides and matching NBMT Micro Guide tip offer considerably smaller rod guides than the conventional ones found on today’s casting and spinning rods. With outer ring diameters at only 4 mm, our Micro Guides and frames are cast in solid Atlas 316™ stainless steel. The Ring Lock™ frame increases the contact area around the diameter of the insert and the Nanolite™ ring is 45% stronger (ground round to reduce line wear and increase casting distance). A Pacific Bay “wide-mouth,” double-foot, stainless steel Hook Keeper is color-matched and included with your CCR guide set selection.
 NCRLMG / NCMT Micro Guide Set NCRLMG / NCMT
The American Tackle NCRLMG chrome Micro Guides and matching NCMT Micro Guide tip offer considerably smaller rod guides than the conventional ones found on today’s casting and spinning rods. With outer ring diameters at only 4 mm, our Micro Guides and frames are cast in solid Atlas 316™ stainless steel. The Ring Lock™ frame increases the contact area around the diameter of the insert and the Nanolite™ ring is 45% stronger (ground round to reduce line wear and increase casting distance). A Pacific Bay “wide-mouth,” double-foot, stainless steel Hook Keeper is color-matched and included with your CCR guide set selection.
 NIMG / NCMT Micro Guide Set NIMG / NCMT
The American Tackle NIMG chrome Micro Guides and matching NCMT Micro Guide tip offer considerably smaller rod guides than the conventional ones found on today’s casting and spinning rods. With outer ring diameters at only 4 mm, our Micro Guides and frames are cast in solid TITAN™ titanium and 100% corrosion proof. The solid titanium frame increases the overall stability and strength of the guides and the Nanolite™ ring is 45% stronger reducing line wear and increasing casting distance). A Pacific Bay “wide-mouth,” double-foot, stainless steel Hook Keeper is color-matched and included with your CCR guide set selection. Select the NIMG/NCMT guide set and get these immediate benefits from your next Cajun Custom Rod: cast any braid, mono, or fluorocarbon line, increased sensitivity, reduced rod weight, better guide loading, better balance, a lower rod center of gravity, smoother, longer, and more accurate casts, and reduced rod and line tangles.
Tags: American Tackle, braid, Braided line, center of gravity, Florida, friction, Intercoastal waterway, Jacksonville, line slap, Micro Guides, Nanolite, NBMT, NBRLMG, NCMT, NCRLMG, NIMG
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Sunday, May 9th, 2010
Well, you’ve been patient and we’ve been busy! After a few traded emails with representatives from North Fork Composites, headed by the legendary rod-maker himself – Gary Loomis, Cajun Custom Rods ordered a few of the NFC rod blanks to see for ourselves. Cajun Custom Rods received a few North Fork Composites rod blanks from our distributors and all we have to say is, “Wow!” We’re impressed … so much that we immediately updated our Build A Rod page to include these fantastic state-of-the-art and innovative rod blanks. Our expert certified rod-builder, Jaesen Yerger, says that the North Fork Composites rod blanks are some of the finest rod blanks he’s tested in the in the custom rod and sport fishing industry. Yep, you heard it here first … these blanks are brimming with cutting edge design … just the type of high-end technology we seek out to ensure that you, our faithful customers, always have “Freedom of the choice” when it comes to having the the best fishing components and gear available … especially when it comes to designing your own custom fishing rod!
Cajun Custom Rods is offering a full-line selection of north Fork Composites Rod blanks to include: NEXT SM, NEXT IM, and NEXT HM series rod blanks. All North Fork Composites rod blanks are all available in “Raw Carbon.” In other words, no added “color” at all, just the pure, unadulterated beauty of graphite, sanded, but uncoated. NFC feels that this “non-finish” allows North Fork blanks to perform unencumbered, and express themselves as best as possible.
 North Fork Composites - "Raw Carbon" ... natural ... powerful ... unencumbered. Here’s an overview of each of the North Fork Composites rod blank series:
Standard Modulus Graphite
NFC’s “Next SM” (as in Next-Generation SM) blanks represent a standard base of 33-modulus material with a perfect balance of resin and scrim meticulously crafted into NFC core blank models. When you layout that first cast, you’ll have a smile on your face.
Intermediate Modulus Graphite
You just can’t say “intermediate” without people thinking “average.” That’s okay, as long as average means, “a ten pound fish is about average for me.” The thing is, when you fish with a Next IM rod, a ten pound fish may become just an average fish for you. After all, NFC’s mid-modulus rod makes a darn fine tool for targeting your average trophy. Not that long ago, mid modulus was the “hot stuff.” All this made it difficult for NFC to figure out what to call Next IM, so just consider Next IM blanks high performance, without the high price.
High Modulus Graphite
Next HM — The top of the line. With its Paper Carbon Scrim (PCS) and high-modulus fiber (just how high is NFC’s little secret), the Next HM graphite produces what is currently NFC’s lightest available blank. Sweet stuff!
Tags: blank, blanks, Gary Loomis, high modulus, modulus, NEXT HM, NEXT IM, NEXT SM, North Fork Composites, Raw Carbon, rod blank, rod blanks
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