In my forty one years of teaching and operating the largest fly shop on the Ausable River, I've fished with just about every type and model of fly rods. Some were very good, others very bad and alot of mediocre ones in between. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that the weight or lack of weight of a rod has little to do with its casting profiency. Only about 10% of all the fly rods on the market cast with the degree of accuracy and power that a good fly fisherman recognizes.

How can you determine if a fly rod is really good? The best way is to have an experienced fly fisherman cast it, then cast it yourself and compare it with a couple of rods. A good fly rod will hold line in the air and not wobble or vibrate when you cast forty or fifty feet of line. A large majority of commercial rods (yes, even the expensive ones) have tip sections that are too soft. Manufacturers have a stubborn tendency to go for lightness beyond reason and unfortunately, those who buy rods wrongfully perceive this lack of weight to mean a better quality rod. This is not necessarily the case. A rod has to have a good amount of power in the tip to cast well, and making the rods light to the extreme sacrifices both power and casting ability.

Another gimmick today is giving a lifetime warranty. Remember, any reputable rod maker will stand behind their product. Don't fall for the gimmicks and remember ...a rod that weighs practically nothing will not necessarily cast better and the chances are, it won't cast as well. There is a limit to how light a rod should be. The more experienced flyfisherman will tell you they like to feel some weight in their hand and feel the power of the rod as it begins to load up. What is important in a good fly rod? Simply put, it is power, accuracy and sensitivity and a good balance of these three ingredients will produce a well performing cast that will play well on any stream.

Francis Betters offers a few words about his custom fly rods.
Over the past fifty years, I have built fly rods from just about every type of material available and from all the various types and combinations of graphite and I believe at last I have designed the best possible combination of high modulus performance blanks with the proper tapers and balance to outcast any other rod available. I personally do not believe it should ever be necessary to make a lot of false casts in order to pick thirty or forty feet of line from the water and put the fly back accurately to a select location. Perfect balance, the correct number of guides spaced to distribute the power and balance of the rod without line resistance or line slap and the necessary power and sensitivity to load up forty, fifty or more feet of line without any breakdown (loss of power) in the cast. Try one and compare it to anyother rod and I am confident you'll be ordering a second and perhaps even a third or forth. All rods come in a beautiful hand sewn twill rod bag and a heavy walled embossed aluminum rod case with our own logo. We can also personalize your rod especially for you atno extra charge. Each rod is fully guaranteed!

Two grades of rods are available.
Our top high modulus model has the exotic wood handle with matchin reel seat and is either dark emerald green or a charcoal gray (the best available anywhere at any price.) All rods are $595.00. Available in sizes ranging from 6'6" to 9' and all line weights available from a true 1 wt. to 9 wt. NOTE: All my rods will carry one line weight up or down with equal casting ability and will not lose power because you jump up a line weight.listed price. All orders will take at least two to threweeks to process so allow this time for Christmas orders. I regret that there were delays in getting some fly orders out during the season but I can only tie about 150 flies a day and I tie all of my custom orders. To insure getting flies promptly, order during the winter months for your springflies. Note that my original patterns are not available anywhere else.These include the Ausable Wulff, the Haystacks, the Usual, Ausable Bombers, Mini-Muddlers, and Ausable Caddis.

Pack Rods
Recently, there has been a big increase in the orders for pack rods. The mobility of fishermen today has made it necessary to include three new models of pack rods to choose from. The three piece rods listed below are our most popular pack models.
3 Piece Pack Rod	7'6"	3-4 wt	Price: $445.00	Qty:
3 Piece Pack Rod	8'	4-5 wt	Price: $445.00	Qty:
3 Piece Pack Rod	9'	7-8 wt	Price: $445.00	Qty:
Other sizes and designs can be made to order but will take three to four weeks. E-mail Francis Betters or call him at (518) 946-2605 with your custom order or with any questions you may have.

Deluxe Edition Fly Rod	Price: $495.00	Qty:
Special deluxe edition with exotic wood handle and reel seat. Each is a one of a kind design. This can be ordered in your size preference and with your name put on the rod beneath Fran's custom signature. Allow two to three weeks for delivery on these special order rods.

IM6 Model Fly Rod	Price: $295.00	Qty:
For the beginning angler or one who desires a great fly fishing rod at a more economical price, we make a standard IM6 model. It too is custom built to high performance specifications and will out cast rods costing twice as much. They also come in a custom bag and case. Available sizes are 7', 7'6" 8' and 9'.

	Fran Betters Custom Leaders
	These leaders are tied to Fran's personal specifications which are heavier in the butt section. This makes them lay out much nicer. Try one and you'll be like so many others who go home and order more by mail. The difference is quite noticeable. Available in 9ft. - 2X through 7X. Price: $3.50 Qty:

How do you know if a rod is good?

For any questions that you may have on our Custom Fly Rods and Reels, E-mail Francis Betters or call him at (518) 946-2605

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