The Origins of Spinoza Rod Company
The story of Spinoza Rod Company began in 1973 when Marc Aroner, on the advice of friends, walked into the Thomas & Thomas Rod Company in Greenfield, Massachusetts, hoping to get his broken fiberglass fly rod repaired. There, he encountered master bamboo rodmakers Tom Maxwell and Tom Dorsey and was immediately captivated by their craftsmanship. Drawn into their world, Marc returned frequently, eventually signing on as an apprentice that fall. Since then, he has been crafting bamboo fly rods professionally for over four decades.
After 20 successful years building rods under his own name, during a time when bamboo rod making was experiencing a renaissance, Marc found himself drawn to an idea that would pay tribute to the rich lineage of traditional rod building. His vision led to the creation of the first Spinoza prototype, designed in the spirit of early bamboo rod makers. The response was overwhelmingly positive—so much so that not only did Marc continue making Spinoza rods, but he also established them as his flagship model.
Thus, the Spinoza Rod Company was born—a culmination of over 40 years of craftsmanship, blending classic tradition with masterful rod-making expertise to honor the golden era of bamboo fly rods.
Mike McFarland grew up fly fishing the legendary limestone streams of central Pennsylvania, where pursuing selective trout sharpened his casting skills and fueled his passion for perfecting rod design. A four-time Hardy Cup winner and accomplished tournament caster, Mike has spent over 30 years crafting and designing high-performance graphite and glass rods. Recognized worldwide for his expertise, he serves as a design consultant for leading rod companies. Many consider his rods to be among the finest ever made.
Jim Downes: Master Bamboo Rod Maker
With over 15 years of professional experience, Jim Downes has dedicated himself to the art of bamboo fly rod building. His passion and precision are evident in every rod he crafts, each reflecting exacting detail and superior workmanship. The culms of bamboo used in the L.J. Downes rod shop were hand-selected in China over two decades ago, ensuring top-tier materials for his rods. Jim’s proprietary tapers are inspired by—but not copied from—Heddon’s high-end fly rods, delivering a balance of tradition and innovation. More than just stunning pieces, L.J. Downes bamboo fly rods are designed to be fished and cherished.
Jim’s journey to becoming a master rod maker began in an unexpected way. Growing up on a farm in central New Jersey, his earliest fly rod repairs involved rewrapping guides on a $2 hardware store cane rod using his grandmother’s sewing thread and his mother’s nail polish for finish. Broken sections were splinted with whatever was available and secured with tape or baling wire-wrapped ferrules—a true hands-on, resourceful start.
After briefly experimenting with fiberglass and graphite rods, Jim felt drawn back to bamboo and decided to build his own. Using a homemade planning form, bamboo sourced from a neighbor’s backyard pond, and Elmer’s glue to bind the strips, his first few attempts were far from perfect. Realizing he needed expert guidance, Jim was fortunate to meet renowned rod maker George Maurer, who became both a mentor and friend. Under George’s instruction, Jim crafted his first 2-piece, 2-tip, 7’6” 4 wt. bamboo rod—a flawless build without glue lines, twists, or misaligned sections. This marked a turning point in his craft, and he continued to refine his skills alongside Maurer until George’s untimely passing in 2008.
Today, Jim Downes’ rods stand as a testament to his dedication, skill, and love for the craft, embodying both beauty and function—a true reflection of traditional bamboo rod making at its finest.
Tom Whittle, owner of Stony Creek Rods;
After several years of restoring bamboo rods, I had the opportunity to spend one afternoon a week learning the craft of rod building under the guidance of George Maurer. That experience laid the foundation for what would become Stony Creek Rods, which I have been proudly crafting and selling since 1998.
Stony Creek Rods are available in a variety of standard models, each built with two tips, a cloth rod bag, and a curly maple hex rod tube.
For those looking for something unique, I also work closely with clients to develop custom rod configurations beyond the standard offerings. The “convex” taper design of Stony Creek rods is influenced by the principles of Robert Crompton, Vince Marinaro, and others, ensuring optimal performance and casting dynamics.
Each rod blank is meticulously finished with Laurel Mountain Forge Permalyn, a deep-penetrating sealing oil originally developed for gunstocks, providing durability and a fine finish. Additionally, nickel silver ferrules are handcrafted in-house, ensuring precision and quality in every build.
At Stony Creek Rods, my goal is to create rods that not only honor the tradition of bamboo craftsmanship but also deliver exceptional performance on the water.
Rob Smith, Owner
The Pentalux® is truly one of a kind—unlike any other fishing rod in the world. Featuring an irregular polygon design, this original construction enhances the strength-to-weight ratio beyond that of any traditional bamboo rod. What sets it apart even further is its unmatched tracking and stability. Its perpendicular deflection relative to the casting plane ensures exceptional control, while maintaining identical forward and back deflection for a smooth, precise cast.
If you have any questions or would like an opportunity to experience the Pentalux® firsthand, feel free to reach out. In addition to crafting these innovative rods, I also specialize in vintage bamboo fly and baitcasting rods.
The Original Asymmetrical Five-Strip Bamboo Fly Rod.
Rise Fishing Company: Built for Every Angler
Founded by Steve Bechard and Koby Fulks, Rise Fishing Company was born from the passion and expertise of dedicated fishing guides and experienced fly casting instructors. Their vision was simple: to create user-friendly fly rods that allow both novice and skilled anglers to pick up any Rise rod and feel immediately comfortable casting it.
With years of experience working with a wide range of fly fishermen, Rise Fishing Co. understands what most anglers need in a fly rod. While no single rod can be perfect for every fishing condition, our first series of rods was designed to be versatile enough to perform exceptionally well in nearly any fishing environment.
Jerry Kustich & Sweetgrass Rods: A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Sweetgrass Rods is a premier bamboo rod shop founded by Master Craftsman Glenn Brackett, whose expertise stems from learning the craft under legendary rod makers like Lew Stoner, Doug Merrick, and Tom Morgan. With a dedication to both tradition and innovation, each Sweetgrass rod requires over 40 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, producing a volume few, if any, can match.
Blending classic techniques with modern design, Sweetgrass Rods creates bamboo fly rods that are both functional fishing tools and elegant works of art. More than just a company, Sweetgrass is driven by a deep passion for angling and an unwavering commitment to quality. With heart and soul poured into every rod, they honor the legacy entrusted to them by fly fishers who appreciate the beauty and performance of finely crafted bamboo.
Custom rods available at exclusive show prices!
Looking for a specific length and weight in a custom rod? Take advantage of special show pricing and order directly from one of the expert rod builders at the event. Don’t miss this opportunity to get a handcrafted rod tailored just for you!