The ultimate fishing rods

Love it! The way he set the pattern on the snake-skin inlay is cool and the beautiful wood handle is definitely one-of-a-kind, what type of wood is it?

I've thought about turning a chunk of wood for a custom handle as I think they're aesthetically gorgeous - it'd be another plus if the wood had meaning; for instance if it came  from a tree in your yard or a cool piece of driftwood you found yourself. Anyone here fished with a wood handled rod? Are they slick when wet due to the varnish? Uncomfortable to hold? Heavy? (that may be a good thing for balance)

Thanks! The wood is Spalted Maple. It might be a little firm and slick, but it's not uncomfortable or heavy. Of course you can buy all kinds of pre-made cork handles, but if you want a full custom build it kind of limits your options, and you will likely have sacrifice a little on the function side. That being said, I wouldn't trade it for anything!   

I have been in several custom rod shops operated by those making a pretty good living at it.  That rod looks as nice as anything I remember ever seeing in any of them ..... VERY nice

I have been in several custom rod shops operated by those making a pretty good living at it.  That rod looks as nice as anything I remember ever seeing in any of them ..... VERY nice

Thanks, I will pass that on to my brother! He's built probably 5 or 6 rods, but this was the first time he's done a rod that wasn't a simple straightforward functional rod. He's always been an amazing craftsman, and I've told him many times that people would pay good money for custom work like that. The problem is that it is so time intensive. He already has one good paying job that he loves, so it's likely going to stay a hobby that I may occasionally benefit from!