CUSTOM
CUSTOM RODS
All rods are built to the needs of an individual. Please call or email with your custom ideas. All rods are made by hand and adapted for whatever your fishing needs may require.
PREBUILT RODS
Prebuilt rods are classic designs that are readily available for fundraisers or gifts. These are proven designs for specific needs. Call and check on availability. Fly and jig rods are the most popular for fundraisers and gifts.
ABOUT AMERICATOWN
Americatown is a small and simple operation. It is designed to put high end rods in the hands of working class people who thought designer rods were just for the rich and famous.
Photo Gallery
“Tom and I took a rod building class together six years ago. Over the past six years, I’ve continued to build a few rods a year. Tom, on the other hand, has turned his knowledge into a passion, and his passion into art. Working out of his garage, Tom builds fly, spin and ice fishing rods with precision and meticulous attention to detail. While building, Tom considers the individual angler, his or her strengths, fishing style and preferences. Tom customizes his rods to cater to the dry fly purist, the bone fisherman, meat chucking streamer fanatics, the south fork dredger who swings three nymphs at a time or the teenager picking up his or her very first fly rod. Tom’s hand built rods are custom, one of a kind rods that are perfect for gifts or an ideal addition to your quiver. In an industry oversaturated with overpriced rods and inventory, Tom is a breath of fresh air. So do yourself a favor, slow down, and fish a hand crafted, affordable work of art built by Tom Ralston.”
“Nailed this beautiful Oahu bonefish with Ralston’s 8 wt. The rod was great for accurate casts in shallow water for these monsters where presentation meant everything.”
“My name is Jim Rooks and I have been fly fishing for the past 40 years. I have been a professional guide in Wyoming and Idaho for the past decade. For the first 39 years of my fishing career, I used either cheap or discounted rods from the major manufacturers. I used to prescribe to the philosophy that the “….rod didn’t matter much.” Well,…that all changed when I purchased my first custom rod made by Tom Ralston from Americatown Custom Rods. I figured I’d try out a custom rod during my first-ever trip to Alaska. Tom built me a beautiful 10-foot 7-weight rod, with an over-sized cork handle and fighting butt. While I brought 3 other store bought rods to Alaska, I ended up fishing my Americatown rod the entire time. I simply cannot overstate how much I love this rod! The only mistake I made was bragging to my friends about my custom “rocket launcher” rod, as they asked to cast it. Not surprisingly, I had to wrestle that rod out of their hands for the rest of the trip as they all instantly fell in love with a rod that perfectly balances power and finesse. The versatility of the Americatown rod was exemplified when catching the 5 species of salmon, as well as huge rainbows, chars, and even pike! Beyond the impressive casting power and precision, the Americatown rod helped me hook, fight and land far more fish than any of the other anglers on the trip. Two of my friends actually broke “stronger” rods on large fish, while I confidently fought and landed dozens of Alaska monsters on my custom rod. You can now call me a custom rod convert, as I will never go back to fishing with generic store bought rods. God Bless Americatown!”
About Us
Tom Ralston
OWNER
Americatown Custom Rods was created to simply put quality custom rods in the hands of those who thought custom rods were just for the rich and famous. I am an elementary school teacher and high school coach. This is not my full time job. Most of my rods are made for fundraisers, friends, family, and as gifts. I do this because I want everyone to be able to affordably fish with the exact custom look and feel that every person deserves.
Send me an email, or give me a call and let me know where you are fishing and for what species. Tell me what you like about your current set up, or what it lacks. Tell me about the person you are giving this to as a gift, or the organization that needs money for a fundraiser. Tell me about your passion, and I will share mine with you.
All rods are built by hand. After you choose your blank and components, we will decide on a custom look for you. I have dozens of hardwood, cork, or EVA handle options. Choose your thread design, and choose a custom decal for your gift rod or for yourself. Often times, I can create a custom rod for you for less than a machine built rod off the shelf! Every rod is different, so prices vary. Call or email me today and let me get you the rod you have always wanted. Fly, Spin, Ice, Jig, Troll, Americatown has it.
Thomas Ralston
Americatown Founder
Contact
tom@americatowncustomrods.com