Derek Roedel, founder of Reyr Gear shares the story of creating one of the most unique rods out there – a rod that is a combination of both the tenkara and traditional fly rod, but more portable than a traditional rod and more functional than a tenkara.
We find out how this telescoping fly rod makes most of your outdoor trip a fishing trip with its versatility and how it’s similar to a lightsaber.
Derek is offering a 20% discount on the rods. Head over to ReyrGear.com and use the coupon code “wetfly20” to avail that discount.
Click below and listen to the Podcast about Telescoping Fly Rod with Derek Roedel:
Find the show: Apple | Spotify | Overcast
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Telescoping Fly Rod Show Notes with Derek Roedel
02:30 – Derek tells the story of when his father found a fiberglass fly rod on the side of the road
04:45 – Derek once enrolled in a casting clinic in San Francisco when he was a kid and later became an instructor for the younger kids
07:26 – The rod that Derek’s father found, Derek used it for 20+ more years – it was an 8 foot, 6 wt Boyd fiberglass rod
09:50 – Derek often visits Greece because of his wife but spends more of his days in California
12:55 – There’s trout fishing in Greece but not very popular
16:15 – We talk about the Reyr First Cast Fly Rod that’s like a lightsaber technique for opening
19:00 – Their rod is mainly used for versatility – available to fish anywhere. Fits in any backpack and is quick to rig up.
21:40 – Reyr now has a Tenkara rod – this Tenkara has a line keeper so you can always leave your line
23:50 – Their brand name Reyr means cane or pole in Islandic language
25:10 – Reyr rods don’t have the guides – the line goes inside the rod
27:35 – Derek had landed 30-inch pike with the First Cast 6wt
30:30 – Watch how easy it is to set up the First Cast Fly Rod – scroll down for the video
31:00 – If you break your Reyr rod, send Derek the picture and they’ll get you replacement parts – they have a lifetime warranty support
33:55 – Brandon Moon was recently on the podcast at WFS 308
38:55 – The usual customer will be able to use the built-in line for more or less 2 years, depending on how often they clean it
40:15 – The Collapsible Insa-Net
42:00 – Reyr is working on a new fishing footwear
48:55 – Derek worked in Silicon Valley for 15 years in a fast-paced prototyping and product development company before he started his own company
56:45 – Check out the video where Derek and his friend race to setup a traditional fly rod vs a First Cast fly rod – scroll down to watch the vid
You can Derek on Instagram @reyrgear
Website at ReyrGear.com
Videos Noted in the Show
Related Podcast Episodes
WFS 308 – Fiberglass Rods and Furled Leaders with Brandon Moon – Moonlit Fly Fishing
Read the Full Podcast Transcript Below
Telescoping Fly Rod Conclusion with Derek Roedel
So there you go..
If you’re someone who wants to get fishing right away.. or maybe a backpacker who want to get into fishing.. or even an avid fly fisherman who want to get into backpacking, this rod is perfect for you.
Their goal is for you to be able to concentrate on the fishing and good times.. not spend too much time on setup and storage. You’ll be amazed how quickly you can get on the water, make the first cast, and pack up instantly when you’re done. Literally like a lightsaber!
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