The popularity of high-end fishing rods has continued to evolve through the years. In the past, you were forced to choose mostly between mass-produced rods and custom-built rods. My Dad had a nice workbench where he built up custom rods on Fenwick blanks with decorative thread wraps. Now, the serious angler on the Gulf Coast has a number of great options. Today, we take a look at Laguna Custom Rods.
We were looking for new rods to be used primarily wade-fishing for trout. I am familiar with a number of professional guides who use Laguna so I decided to visit their shop in Katy to check them out.
Laguna Custom Rods is a cool shop founded by two hard-core professional tournament fishermen who wanted the best. The blanks are manufactured in a separate facility but the final production work is all done at this location. The showroom is through the front door with the shop on the right. You can see for yourself first-hand how the rods are assembled.
Workbenches…..
Putting in work….
My brother Charles decided on the custom Devil Stik spinning rod which comes with titanium rod guides and weighs in at a flyweight 3.2 ounces.
I chose the Laguna Liquid Medium Light 6’9″ spinning rod (3.7 ounces). The rod includes measurement points at 15″, 20″, and 28″.
I was surprised to learn that not only do they build their own blanks but the Liquid series uses the same blank as the more expensive custom rods.
We have had the opportunity to fish the Laguna rods a few times and can vouch for their impressive performance. We primarily fish with top-waters and soft plastics while wade fishing. The Lagunas are responsive on trout, can certainly sling a lure into the wind, and are still plenty stout to handle slot reds.
[Public Service Announcement: The trout pictured below is the first speckled trout I have kept since the freeze, so no hate, please.]
Laguna offers a one year limited warranty on workmanship. For work outside of the warranty period, or from accidental damage, please contact the shop to discuss your options.
Randy and Zach build great, lightweight fishing rods perfect for the Gulf Coast.
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