Ondawa S2 Fiberglass
The Ondawa Series
There are 3 models in this series:
7'-9" 3pc 5/6wt
7'-9" 3pc 4/5wt
6'-9" 3pc 3/4wt
Rod blanks are rolled in the USA and are constructed of black Uni S2 fiberglass. As with my other builds, all finished rods will be built with USA-made rod components.
The models underwent several months of prototype testing before the final tapers were selected. I was after a 7'-9" 3pc in both a 4wt and 5wt that would be at home on small-to-medium rivers and a 6'-9" 3pc 3wt for "blue lining", the tributaries where close in casting is the norm.
I wanted these rods to be able to do several different things well, from fishing dries, dry/dropper rigs, swinging wets, and fishing streamers, but both needed a smooth casting profile: A pleasure to cast, easily able to place the offering where you are looking, and offer a great experience hooking, playing, and landing fish.
I believe these three models will offer that:
The 7'-9" 3pc 4 wt is a medium-fast taper best suited for dries, dry/dropper rigs, and wet flies. This model will load in close and is capable of reaching out to the 60ft mark in the hands of a competent caster. It is a sweetheart with dries and DT 4 lines are best suited to its taper, although a standard weight WF 5 can be used if casting distances are less.
- The 7'-9" 3pc 5 wt is a medium-fast taper best suited for dries, dry/dropper rigs, wet flies, and streamers. This model will load in close and is also capable of reaching out to 60-70ft in the hands of a competent caster. DT 5 lines are recommened, but this rod will also load up well with a standard weight WF 6.
- The 6'-9" 3pc 3wt is amedium taper best suited when fishing the "blue line" tribs, whether it is with small dries, dry/dropper rigs or small streamers. This model is wonderful at ranges out to 30-40 feet. A DT 3 line is recommended, and standard weight WF 4 will also load it up well.
All Models are available for custom features available on my other builds. Your choice of:
- Reel seat skeleton
- Shop-turned wooden insert
- Grip size and style
- Agate or Standard stripping and running guides
Pricing:
The 6'-9" model will start at $525 for a standard build, $550 with an Agate upgrade.
The 7'-9" models will start at $575 for a standard build, $600 for an Agate upgrade.
The 794-3 with Bright Nickel Lemke Hardware and Redwood Burl Insert
ONDAWA: One of 2 Native American names for the Battenkill, where the series was developed and tested
The 795-3 with Black Nickel Lemke Hardware and Box Elder Burl Insert
794 with a Modified Western Flor Grade Grip, Medium Green Wraps and Snake Brand Universals.
The Label for the Ondawa Series, I was shooting for a somewhat Retro Look. Labels are placed at the 18" mark from the bottom of the butt section
795 with a Modified Western Flor Grade Grip, Dark Green Wraps and Snake Brand Universals
794 with a JE Arguello Agate, available on upgraded builds
XB Standard Stripping Guide in Black Nickel, Bright Nickel Stripping Guides also available.
693 with a Struble Agate, available on upgraded builds.
693 with a Lemke LC-2 in Bright Nickel with a Burl Walnut inser and a Modified Western Grip
The Ondawa 693 with a Perrin custom click pawl reel.
Ondawa Carbon Series
The Ondawa Carbon Series are three models of Low Modulus Carbon Fiber. The blanks are rolled in the USA utilizing 34 million modulus carbon fiber. These rods feature a medium to medium fast taper and they are just a pleasure to cast and fish. These rods excell where Dries and Dry/Dropper rigs are the norm. All three models are 8'-9" long in a 4pc configuration and feature an unsanded natural carbon finish.
While these rods feature a progressive taper, they are deeper flexing than the "tip flex" or "fast action" tapers offered by many of todays rod companies.
Models:
8'-9" 4wt 4pc: Best suited for technical presentations on Spring Creeks or Tailwaters.
Small dries and dropper rigs with long leaders on rivers where being very technical keeps you in the game.
8'-9" 5wt 4pc: The all around model that anglers would expect in a 5wt.
Its no wonder that the 5wt is the most popular all around trout rod, 5wts are versatile, they get the job done in many situations and this 5wt excels when using mid sized dries and dry/dropper rigs.
8'-9" 6wt 4pc: Best suited for larger Dries and Dry Dropper rigs, will also handle streamers.
Bigger Dries and Dry/Dropper rigs, think of a size 8 Stimulator with a Stone Fly Nymph Dropper and big hungry trout. This 6wt has the power to turn these rigs over and tangle with the big ones once the hook set is complete.
Pricing and Build Options:
$700.00
Upgrade options available such as an Agate stripper guide for an addition cost.
As with all W. Jude builds, these rods are outfited with the same components used on my other rods and can be built out to meet clients expectations.
Ondawa 8'-9" 4wt 4pc
This build featured a Lemke/Snake Brand reel seat in Black Nickel with a shop turned Cocobolo insert, Modified Western Grip, with a Pac Bay X Stripping Guide and Snake Brand Universals. Wrapped with Gudebrod Garnet and Olive Green NCP.
Ondawa 8'-9" 5wt 4pc
This build freatured a Lemke LC-7 reel seat with a shop turned Redwood Burl insert, Modified Western Grip, Pac Bay Minima Stripping Guide and Snake Brand Universals. Wrapped with Pro Wrap Evergreen and Lime Green NCP.
Ondawa 8'-9" 6wt 4pc
This build featured a Lemke LC-7 Downlocking seat in Black Nickel with a shop turned Box Alder Burl Insert, Full Wells Grip, Pac Bay Minima Stripping Guide and Snake Brand Unversals. Wrapped with Pro Wrap Copper and Pro Wrap Red Metallic trim.
The Custom Build
My Fly Rods only feature high quality components. Starting with the Blank, I will only build on blanks that feature a warranty and the manufacturer of blanks has a solid reputation in the industry. Reel Seats used are typically Joel Lemke Brand or an equal, USA made. I turn and finish all of my own Wood Inserts and the species of wood is an Option for the customer to choose. I use Flor Grade Cork and I also turn all my own grips, which the style and size is another customer Option. Rod Guides starting with the Stripper Guide, Agates can be another Option, or several styles of Quality Stripper Guides are available. Running Guides and Tip Top are Snake Brand. Winding Checks are Nickel Silver or TiC. Hook Keepers are standard unless not required by Customer. Wrapping Thread can be either Silk, Nylon or Polyester, color and type of thread is also another customer Option.
My builds are backed up by a full workmanship warranty. If any part of the assembly of the build fails, I will fix that at my cost. Example, reel seat falls apart, I'll rebuild or replace it. Knock a guide off, I'll replace it. Blanks that I build on do carry a manufacturer defect warranty, what is not covered is a "stupidity break", close it in a car door. It happens to everyone at some point and the broken section can be remade at a nominal cost.
My object is to create a fly rod that you have dreamed of owning and I will not build and put my name on any rod that I myself would not be proud to fish and say "I built this"
Fiberglass Rods:
From small stream light line rods to warm/saltwater rods heavyweight line rods, anything is possible with Fiberglass. Pricing ranges from $450 to $800 US Dollars depending on: Blank, Length, Line Weight and Components. My most popular builds fall into 3 categories:
Small Stream Trout Rods: 6ft to 7ft, 2wt to 4wts.
Large water Trout 8ft to 8'-9" length 4wt to 6wts (my favorites)
Heavier Weight Trout/Bass/Pike 8'-6" to 8'-9" 7wt to 10wts
All builds are Custom, built to customer specifications. All builds include a Cloth Rod Sock and Aluminum Tube.
Carbon Fiber Fly Rods
The majority of my Carbon Fiber builds are done on CTS blanks, typically from 8'-6" to 11'
Standard Trout, Euro Nymphing, and Heavy Weight Saltwater Builds. Pricing ranges from $600 to $900 US Dollars depending on Blank, Length, Line Weight and Components.
All builds are Custom, built to customer specifications. All builds include a Cloth Rod Sock and Aluminum Tube.
Gallery
Click on the Picture Below to view some of my work
Available Fiberglass builds:
Greywolf Trout Smiths E Glass 7' 5wt 3pc
$375.00 plus shipping
Lovely 7ft 5wt 3pc built on a Greywolf Trout Smiths blank, spigot ferrules, Lemke LC-1 with a Cocobolo Spacer, Mod Western Grip, Pac Bay XB Stripper, Snake Brand Universal running guides, Wrapped in Pac Bay Dark Orange, trimmed with Gudebrod NCP Red.
Greywolf Yellow E Glass 7' 3wt 3pc
$450.00 plus shipping
Built on a Greywolf Yellow E Glass Blank, this build features a Struble U20 reel seat with a Camphor Burl insert, Snub Nose Grip 6" long, Pac Bay XB Stripper Guide followed by Pac Bay Lite Wire running guides and matching Pac Bay Tip Top. All hardware is Matte Black. Wrapped with Pro Wrap Nylon 207 Sunrise and Trimmed with Black.
Included with all rods, Aluminum Rod Tube and Cloth Sock.
Available Inventory Carbon builds
Greywolf Steffen Brothers 804-4 Blue Carbon
$450.00 plus shippingLemke LC-14 Slide Band Seat with a Buckeye Burl Insert. Modified Western Grip, Pac Bay XB Stripping Guide, Snake Brand Original running guides, Wrapped with Pro Wrap Evergreen Nylon, trimmed with Pro Wrap NCP Summer Sky.CTS Affinity MX 864-4 Golden Brown$500.00 plus shippingLemke LC-7 Retro seat with a Cocobolo Burl insert, Modified Western Grip, Pac Bay Minima 4 Stripper, followed by Snake Brand Original running guides. Wrapped with Gudebrod Medium Brown Nylon, trimmed with Pro Wrap NCP Sunset.Included with all rods, Aluminum Tube and Cloth Sock.
Guide Service
The W. Jude Fly Rod Company also offers Guided Fly Fishing Trips
Trout and Bass on the Fly
I do limited bookings through out the season for beginners and traveling Anglers
Wade Trips, Half Day and Full day
Local waters include but not limited to: Battenkill, Schroon and Walloomsac Rivers for Trout Fly Fishing. We also have a large amount of water on the Hudson River for Smallmouth Bass that can be waded.
Pricing: 1/2 Day Wade Trip 1 Person $275, one additional Angler add $175.
Full Day Wade Trip 1 Person $450, one additional Angler add $250.
Note: For parties of 2 or more Anglers, a second Guide will be utilized, its not fair to the clients nor the guide to be spread out between 2 Anglers. Your paying us to take you fishing, and you should receive the best service possible.
Float Trips, Half Day and Full Day
A small tagline
I own a Scadden Fishing Raft that holds 2 People, so my float trips are reserved for one Angler. Depending on time of year and water flows, I can provide this service for 1/2 Day or Full Day trips. Trout and Bass Fly Fishing. Some of the river systems can be a float and wade trip while other places we won't get out of the boat. Safety is First! Life Jacket is required if in the boat!
Pricing: 1/2 Day One Angler Only $325
Full Day One Angler Only $500
