TigeRodz Started
Small but Getting Bigger
In the beginning, Tim Knox, the owner of TigeRodz, just wanted to build himself a custom rod that he could fish with. Knox knew he could build a great fishing rod if he had high quality components and a premium rod blank. With no prior experience, Knox ordered some components and a premium rod blank and went to work building his own custom fishing rod. In the beginning, Knox ran into a few obstacles with no mentor to tutor him. It was all learning through trial and error. “I feel like I had a knack for building custom rods,” said Knox. Over time and practice, Knox self-taught himself how to wrap guides, apply the epoxy, and finish a rod. “It did take forever to learn how to wrap the guide,” said Knox. Knox started building custom rods in his large basement, but has plans to move out to a shop beside the house since he needs additional space to build more rods. The number of tools and rod wrapping equipment just keeps growing as demand for custom built TigeRodz grows.
Starting out building fishing rods, Knox only built the rods for himself. As time went on anglers started finding out about TigeRodz by word of mouth and Knox began building custom rods for individuals. Now, TigeRodz is in two large southern outdoor retail stores. “It really makes me feel good that my fishing rods are in a couple stores; it means that anglers are appreciating all the work that I do to make a custom rod,” said Knox. There is a noticeable difference between custom built fishing rods and off the rack fishing rods. “Balance and feel are two things that come to mind when I think about the difference; in my opinion, a custom rod will have better spine placement, high quality rod components, and built with a premium rod blank. I work one on one with the angler or store to build the exact rod with components they specify. Plus, I only use high quality guides from REC Components or ALPS Guides and American made premium rod blanks.
TigeRodz (www.tigerodz.com) come in three different models to choose from: the TGR Series, TX Series, and the TZX Extreme Series. The TGR Series comes in four models: two spinning and two casting. “The TGR Series rod is something in the mid price range for anglers new to bass fishing or wanting to step up into a quality custom built rod,” Knox explained.
The TX Series comes in twenty models: fifteen casting and five spinning, along with a line of specialty rods and flipping sticks. “As far as custom built rods go, the TX Series model is the best value rod out there when you compare it to other rods,” said Knox. The TZX Extreme Series comes in seven models: five casting and two spinning. “The TZX Extreme Series custom rod is built for the angler who hits the lake every weekend or every chance they get, it may also be a tournament angler who wants a rod that can handle the abuse of everyday use, but demand a rod that is extremely sensitive, responsive, strong, and lightweight,” Knox said. TigeRodz also builds a one-of-a-kind Xtreme Snake rod. The Xtreme Snake rod has a premium rod Blank like the other rods in the Extreme Series along with REC Recoil guides and Fuji ACS Trigger reel seat; however, the split grip handle has a rattle snake skin under the flex-coat on this rod blank. “At first, I made it for a rod give away; however, anglers started wanting me to make them so they could buy them,” Knox continued, “the Xtreme Snake rod definitely has a distinct custom built look.” Along with TigeRodz select models, Knox said, “I can build a custom rod to your specific design or even have your name put on the rod blank.” The majority of TigeRodz will weigh from 2.4-ounces to 4-ounces depending on the model and handle style.
Anglers interested in ordering a custom rod should contact Knox at info@tigerodz.com or phone (205) 577-0149) and explain what they are looking for in a rod. What components and rod blank action they want along with the action. After that Knox will talk to them about what would make the perfect rod and any custom work to be done.
Custom built fishing rods continue to be extremely popular
with anglers. After years of experience,
Knox has refined the art of building a premium custom built fishing rod. TigeRodz started small in Knox’s basement,
but is growing bigger and bigger.
Written
by Brad Wiegmann. Brad is a professional fishing
guide on