While fishing with the Rocky Mountain Frenzy Group headed by The River Damsel Saturday, I got a chance to try out a new rod exclusively from Flyfishing Crazy. Larry Snyder has worked with T.L Johnson Rod Company to custom design these rods for each branch of the military. 20% of the proceeds, but $20 from the builder goes directly to Project Healing Waters. From a 486-4 to an 890-4, these rods come in custom wrapped colors at $335 – $345 (with other options available).

I got to take the 8’6 4# out for a spin Saturday on Boulder Creek and was very impressed with the Army colors and overall design of the rod. While fishing it, it did seem a little heavy for that small of a creek, as it had a pretty firm mid-body with a great flex-tip. I landed half a dozen with its precise accuracy, though I really wanted to launch a cast as far as I could. But those of you who know Boulder Creek, those shots really aren’t an opportunity most of the time. However, I did find a spot as we were just about fishing and decided to pull about 75 feet out and see how far it would go. No problem for this rod – I’d really like to fish it on some larger river here in Colorado.

Overall, definitely a quality custom build that goes to a great cause. I talk over and over again that you really can get a great rod and don’t have to pay a $700 price tag. Well, this is one of them, and the custom scribe on the rod adds to the appeal. Thanks Larry for working on such a great project.

Check out these rods by vising Flyfishing Crazy.

The morning was rich with both Browns and Rainbows taking egg patterns. It was cold and rainy, but when the sun came out and the water started to heat up, every fish in the river moved into the faster currents and started feeding. They all went from egg patterns to olive midges in a blink of an eye. Of course, Tucker was pulling them in on almost every cast, so I had to hike up river to see what he was using. Sure enough, he set me up with a double dropper that produced several fish in a matter of minutes. Plus, I caught the video below of one rainbow that pulled Tucker 50 yards down river (sorry for the shakes, but you try and wade through a river taking a video).