My name is Dave Gonder and my rod building business, Mykiss Custom Rods, is the result of a long interest in fishing and all that goes with it. I am a one man show and as a result, all the rods that are produced in my shop are assembled by me, by hand, from tip to butt.

Growing up in a household that embraced hunting and fishing, as well as learning to fly fish at the age of 12, started me on a life long path in the outdoors. I learned to tie flies shortly after learning to fly cast, so learning how to build fly rods seemed a logical extension of my growth as a fly angler. My introduction to rod building started when I was shown the basics by a friend (look what you started Larry!). As is the case with all my outdoor interests, I strive for perfection and rod building is no exception. Each and every rod I build is an attempt at perfection. Given this attention to detail my yearly output is small, on the order of 20-25 rods per year. I work closely with each and every customer to ensure that the rod I build them suits their needs perfectly. This ability to work closely with all my customers is very satisfying.

I am located in rural southern Ontario, Canada and being located in this part of the world influences my fishing and rod building to a large degree. Steelhead are near and dear to my heart as we are located in the heart of Great Lakes steelhead country, but there is also wonderful trout and warm water fishing locally. My fishing season has a pleasant ebb and flow that starts with steelhead fishing in the spring through to mid-May, trout fishing until mid-July, warmwater fishing until mid-September, with the fall season focussed on steelhead once again. This variety in fishing opportunites allows me to use and understand a wide variety of fly rod types. I also make regular saltwater excursions which have expanded my knowledge of the unique needs of the saltwater fly angler.

Although I build all types of fly rods, if I had to pick a type of fly rod as my specialty, steelhead fly rods would be it, and more specifically, switch and spey rods. Shortly after my introduction to steelhead fly fishing 20 years ago, I quickly recognized the utility of long rods for casting with one or two hands overhead, even though the concept of 'switch' rods had not yet gained popularity. Through the pioneering work of Bob Meiser, the switch rod concept was developed and continues to flourish. More recently, I have become immersed in fishing the swung fly with spey rods, consequently a large portion of my current production is devoted to spey rods. My own growth in this regard largely parallels the surge in interest in this fishing style in recent years.

What sets my business apart from most is that I pay very close attention to detail, I use top quality components that ensure cutting edge performance, I work hard to source unique and rare woods and I frequently add customized options such as feather inlays. I currently have an inventory of over 150 varieties of wood from around the world, most of which are highly figured burls. Sourcing wood for rod building purposes continues to motivate my creativity and every new burl I buy always spawns new rod building ideas. Along with the ever present search for new wood, I am also currently pursuing custom anodized and coated fly rod componentry as well as hand engraved reel seat parts. This melding of art and the need for performance drew me to rod building and continues to motivate me each and every day.

Testimonials

"Dave builds rods at a level that I haven't seen anywhere else. His attention to detail and level of perfection in rodbuilding are something that I aspire to but don't imagine I'll ever attain. Check out the epoxy on guides or feather inlays on any of his rods and you'll be seeing the most level and consistent epoxy work you'll ever set your eyes on-now check out the inlay or thread work underneath. Dave also sources a great selection of choice and hard to find stabilized woods that he uses tastefully and artistically, plus he's a great guy to deal with. There is no way you will ever be disappointed with a rod from Dave."

Fritz Fischer

"David's work is second to none in the industry. His craftsmanship and attention to detail will leave you wondering if you
should fish with the rod, or treat it as a work of art and display it on the wall. As a store owner, I have been working with Dave for the past 10 years, and EVERY customer he has "crafted" a rod for has been nothing short of satisfied with the finished product."

Ray Collesso, Owner,
Hook, Line and Sinker Fishing Tackle
Home of the First Cast Fly Fishing Shop

"I have been a returning customer of Mykiss Custom Rods since its beginning. I have watched and witnessed David become a master at his craft. His passion for fishing, workmanship and creativity has allowed David to grow as a rod builder. Mykiss Custom Rods are every bit as beautiful to fish with as they are to look at. Mykiss Custom Rods uses only the best blanks, guides and material available David Is also just as dedicated to sourcing out the most exotic woods available for that one of a kind look and finish. David's knowledge of rods, lines and fish you plan on chasing is a combination that creates some of the best custom rods available. I can personally say you will not be disappointed with a Mykiss Custom Rods whether it is for a favorite trout rod or a new venture into the world of 2 handers and switch rods. These are beautiful works of art that are a pleasure to fish with."

Lee Haslam -- dedicated to fish through pleasure and work

Warrantee

...