Better Materials, Better Craftsmanship, Better Service
Let’s assume you’ve already decided to invest in a custom saltwater rod — or a set of them — instead of a production model. That narrows your choices down dramatically, but there are still plenty of options out there, ranging from back room hobbyists to companies that pump out thousands of rods a year and blur the line between custom and production.
So what sets Gulfstream Customs apart?
In the simplest terms, it’s an unwillingness to compromise. When it comes to blanks, components, and materials, we insist on the best of the best and use American-made products wherever possible. But the best materials aren’t enough by themselves, so we spend every weekend — and maybe a weekday here and there — on the water, testing and refining our equipment with the best anglers and captains in the business. Finally, we offer an unmatched level of service, partnering with customers to carefully spec exactly the equipment that will best meet their needs.
Does all of that show up in the price tag of a Gulfstream rod? Of course it does, but the difference is less than you might think, and we firmly believe our equipment is worth it. We encourage you to compare our materials, craftsmanship and service with those of the competition. We think you’ll discover that Gulfstream represents the best value anywhere in premium handmade fishing equipment.
Proudly Made in the USA
Gulfstream Custom Rods and equipment are proudly handcrafted in South Florida, using American-made rod blanks, components, coatings, and other materials wherever possible. Fuji guides are the only components we use that are not made in the USA. Sourcing American-made components and materials — even at increased cost — is integral to our identity at Gulfstream. Now more than ever, buying American matters.
Carefully Selected Rod Blanks
At Gulfstream, we work closely with premium American rod blank manufacturers like Thrasher, Seeker, and Lamiglas to source blanks with exactly the characteristics we’re looking for. Often those blanks are already in production, but sometimes they simply don’t exist. Other rod builders might choose the closest match and call it a day. But not Gulfstream. If we can’t find the right characteristics, we either partner with manufacturers on new designs or modify blanks in-house with own special sauce.
Best-of-The-Best Components
Second-best is not an option when it comes to the components used in Gulfstream equipment. We build our rods with American-made Winthrop roller tips, American-made Winthrop and Stuart butts, state-of-the-art Fuji guides, and ALPS reel seats. The difference may seem small between, for example, a roller tip with a multi-piece aluminum frame and roller tip with a one-piece frame machined from a solid block of titanium. But when everything is on the line, there’s no room for compromise.
Handcrafted Foam or Cork Grips
Our EVA foam grips are handmade in-house — with to without finger notches — and covered with heat-shrink sleeves that improve durability and feel and allow a wide range of color and pattern choices. We also offer distinctive handcrafted cork grips. All grips are carefully covered in cellophane — not tape — immediately after installation to prevent the marring and epoxy fingerprints commonly seen on custom rods.
Custom Blank colors and paint
Gulfstream equipment is customizable far beyond wrapping thread colors. Blanks can be painted the color of your choice with two-part marine paint or automotive paint, both of which are impervious to sun. Pearlescent and metal-flake finishes are also available. We partner with local artists to offer hand-painted logos and designs like our swordfish lateral line (left) and finish every rod with the best epoxy coatings available for a deep, beautiful sheen.
Relentless testing & innovation
At Gulfstream, innovation is a constant. Owner Tim Schmitz, a South Florida native who made his first fishing rod at 6 years old, helped pioneer the specialized rods and other equipment needed for the region’s burgeoning daytime swordfish fishery. When he’s not building rods, he’s on the water — often with top anglers and charter captains — testing blanks, component placement, materials and more for use in specific applications and conditions.
A Commitment to Service
Part of purchasing customized equipment is getting customized service. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond, offering customers in-depth consultations to help select the perfect rod or rods for their application and then remaining in frequent contact during the build process. Our level of service, combined with the quality of our work, brings many customers back again and again to add to their quivers. To us, that’s the ultimate complement.