In this journal post we look at Dan Wilcox of Wilcox custom rods, multi-species fly guy, upcoming videographer and superb rod builder!

Dan and I have been working together for a few years now and he joined us on the stand at this years BFFI, his rod builds are original and his wraps and finish are sublime. A regular builder on FRC Ogawa blanks I asked Dan two questions on fishing and rod building with glass, his answers are below along with some of his fishing pictures and rod builds.

High expectations of the day ahead as Dan heads out early to catch the tide

Q: Dan, why do you fish with glass rods when there are carbon options that some, in fact most, would think are superior?

A: Fishing glass rods for me really enhances the fun aspect of fishing. Like most fishermen and women, I take my fishing pretty seriously, but it is all in the pursuit of enjoyment and a beautifully crafted glass rod can be a joy to hold and observe before you even cast it. Then when you do come to throw that first loop, there is much more of an element of feel involved in the cast. Whereas, with a high performance fast actioned carbon fibre rod, for which there will always be a place and time, a lot of the work is done for you. Then when you do come to hook a fish, the experience of playing it to the net is very different, it’s difficult to get across in words but every fish seems to fight harder than on an equivalent weight carbon fibre blank, without you feeling under gunned.

Bass on the fly from one of Dan's favourite marks

Q: Dan, your rod builds are certainly creative and the Wilcox ‘look’ can be seen across all your builds and now especially your glass rods. What’s the thought process behind your builds and where do your colour and wrap profile ideas come from beyond the blank?

A: My build aesthetics are very much inspired by a lot of well known American builders of modern glass rods. I really appreciate the classic transparent silk wraps and agate stripping guides but never wanted to base my style on something that was being done well by several other builders. Fade wraps and colourful ferrules have become a staple of my style and my builds are often heavier rods for saltwater or pike and carp, so I have tended to opt for more durable hardware, Alps reel seats and REC guides being particular favourites. And yes, glass rods are great for chucking big flies, fishing in windy conditions and fighting larger fish, something I have found a bit of a preconception when asked why I fish glass, they are not just the reserve of the small stream trout angler. But on the whole, particularly with glass blanks being available in interesting colours compared to carbon fibre, it offers a canvas to build on with a lot of creative flexibility to make something more unique and like I said before, fun.