Handcrafted Fishing Rods Uniquely Designed in Texas | Smith Rods

The Unique Artistry of Smith Rods

Nestled in the heart of Texas is a small fishing rod shop with big dreams. Run by local artist and angler Pete Smith, Smith Rods handcrafts fishing rods with an artistic twist unlike anything else on the market. Pete's journey into rod building began decades ago with a passion for fishing the waters of Texas and creating beautiful things with his own two hands.

Inspiration from the Texas Landscape

An avid outdoorsman and native Texan, Pete draws inspiration from the natural beauty of his home state. The lakes, rivers, and coastal waters that he has fished his whole life influence the design of each custom fishing rod. Whether it's emulating the colors of a Texas sunrise or using materials that reflect the state's rugged terrain, Pete artfully incorporates the Lone Star landscape into every handcrafted rod.

"I want each rod to capture the spirit of adventure I feel when exploring Texas and chasing after elusive fish species," says Pete. "My goal is that when an angler uses one of my rods, they are transported to the places I've been that shaped that particular rod's creation."

One-of-a-Kind Designs

Pete personally conceptualizes and brings to life every fishing rod design. He starts by selecting premium blanks, cork handles, and guide sets that provide the right balance, sensitivity, and backbone for target species and fishing styles. Then, Pete meticulously crafts each rod's unique appearance.

From the patterns of colorful thread wrapping along the blank to intricate artwork on the reel seat, every aesthetic detail is hand-rendered by Pete to make that rod a singular work of art. "I want each rod to feel like a personal creation from my imagination to the customer's hands," he explains.

No two Smith Rods are exactly alike. Pete allows his creative intuition to flow freely with each new rod blank in front of him. Different colors, textures, and decorative shapes come together organically as Pete pursues his vision for that particular rod. This artistic approach yields fishing rods that are wholly original pieces.

Built for Texas Anglers

While creativity fuels Pete's rod building, functionality remains paramount. Each Smith Rod is thoughtfully designed and built for the rigors of fishing Texas' storied waters. "I know firsthand the demands placed on rods when battling heavy bass in thick vegetation or reeling in feisty coastal species," says Pete. "Every element of my rods has a purpose to provide performance and reliability."

From muscling blue cats from the Trinity River to casting off the Padre Island National Seashore, Pete creates rods suited for the techniques and environments of Texas angling. He personally field tests prototypes on Texas' lakes, rivers, creeks, and shorelines to refine durability, balance, and fishability before finalizing a new rod design. No detail is overlooked, right down to custom cork grips shaped for comfort and control.

Smith Rods are built in Texas for Texas. As a passionate in-state angler himself, Pete pours his experiences chasing Lone Star fish into every rod. "I want to capture a piece of the places I fish and feelings I've had out on the water," he says. "If I can accomplish that, I've done right by Texas anglers."

A Texas-Sized Reputation

Over the years, Pete Smith's unique artistic rods have earned quite a reputation across Texas' vast angling community. "It's incredibly rewarding when I hear my rods have become a cherished part of someone's fishing life and outdoor stories," says Pete.

Anglers from the Piney Woods to the Davis Mountains seek out Smith Rods for their originality and custom-designed performance. "Fishermen appreciate that I handmake each rod here in Texas and collaborate with them to match their fishing style," explains Pete. "And they really connect with the inspiration I pull from our beautiful state."

Equally meaningful to Pete is seeing his rods passed down to young Texas anglers. "Parents tell me my rods stir up wonder and imagination in their kids out on the water. I hope that fosters a passion for fishing and protecting Texas waters in future generations," he says.

This homegrown reputation means ever-increasing demand for Pete's work. Yet he chooses to keep Smith Rods a purposefully small, hands-on operation. "My priority is taking the time to individually craft each rod," says Pete. "I believe that personal touch and connection to the process is something people value."

Sharing His Love of Fishing and Creating

At his core, Pete Smith is an artist, an angler, and a Texan. With Smith Rods, he has found a way to blend all three of his passions. "I'm just a small town guy who loves fishing and building things," Pete says humbly.

Yet his desire to share his creative passion with fellow anglers has clearly resonated. Thanks to Pete's unique vision, a new generation of Texas anglers can connect more deeply with the state's natural beauty and fishing heritage through the artful craftsmanship of a Smith Rod.

"Anyone can go buy an ordinary fishing rod," says Pete. "But for something special with heart and soul, you have to go right to the source. That's what I want Smith Rods to represent."

FAQs

How are Smith Rods different from other fishing rods?

Smith Rods are handcrafted in Texas by artist Pete Smith. Each rod is a unique work of art with custom designs inspired by the Texas landscape. No two Smith Rods are exactly alike.

What types of fishing rods does Smith Rods make?

Smith Rods creates high-performance fishing rods customized for species and techniques across Texas. Rods are available for bass, catfish, inshore saltwater fishing, and more. Pete works with anglers to match rods to their needs.

Where are Smith Rods made and sold?

Pete Smith handbuilds Smith Rods right in his small shop in Texas. Rods are available for purchase directly through the company's website and at select local retailers across Texas.

How long does it take to make one fishing rod?

Each Smith Rod is meticulously handcrafted over 15-20 hours on average. Pete takes his time on every step, from design concept to selecting components to decorative details.

What is Pete Smith's background?

Pete is a Texas native, avid angler, and artist. He combines his passions for fishing, the outdoors, and creating to design and build unique fishing rods inspired by his home state.