The Reuben Wood, Fiberglass small stream short fly rod

The Story of the Reuben Wood    

Ever used a fiberglass fly rod? I've always loved fiberglass. I especially fell in love with the old Fenwick fiberglass fly rods; particularly the old Fenwick 'Fenglass' rods. Currently, I own two that I've built myself along with two originals I've restored. 

What do you like most about fishing with fiberglass? I like fishing with fiberglass fly rods because I don't catch a lot of big fish! Catching medium-sized fish on fiberglass is a great deal of fun! Casting fiberglass differs from casting graphite. It's slower,it's slightly heavier, and it requires a uniquely different casting stroke. What a great experience! Enter… The Reuben Wood fiberglass fly rod. 

Do you love fishing small streams? Many years ago I developed the concept of the Beaver Meadow small stream fly rod. I always thought the Beaver Meadow should be made with fiberglass. Fiberglass roll casts easily because it bends so easily.  

Fiberglass is known for its' smooth, short casts, and minimal effort to load the rod when casting. Fiberglass is also extremely durable and it bends a great deal with a minimal amount of resistance. It's great fun for small fish.  

Why make a fiberglass rod with old style nickel ferrules? Are you a traditionalist at heart? The Reuben Wood is traditional technology enhanced with the latest components! It's fun to build… and it's fun to FISH! If you possess similar attachments to classic cars and classic songs as I do, it's what I affectionately call a 'throw back' or 'retro' fly rod. Think Ford's Mustang, Chevy's re-release of the Camaro, George Strait and               Jimmy Buffett. You get the idea. Tradition. 

What inspired the Rube's look? I have a friend in Germany who only buys BMWs.   They must be black. "Black is timeless," says Wolfgang. The Adirondack guide boats of the 1930s were always black. A visit to the Adirondack Museum or the boathouse at the Adirondack League Club proves this true. So we decided to make the Reuben Wood in black to echo these same, classic traditions. Johnny Cash black. Great style never dies. 

Did you notice the retro JP Ross crest logo? Introducing the Crest in 2010 centers around the Reuben Wood launch. Its' old school, crusader-style look represents the fit and finish of the Reuben Wood. The accompanying featured JP Ross Reuben Wood classic red hat completes the retro look. 

Want all the goods on The Rube? The Reuben Wood is exclusively a 6' 2 piece only.  It has a slow action. It's available in only one taper. The Reuben Wood fishes well with a 2 weight to 5 weight, preferably triangle taper fly line. The 2 weight line is recommended for distance, while a 5 weight line for short, small stream casting. The slow, progressive action of the Reuben Wood allows you to effectively fish many different line weights. 

The Rube's trimmed out with a rope knurl downlock reel seat made of solid nickel silver. It has a solid wood insert of variable wood species. The Rube possesses the JP Ross crest etching on the butt cap. The brook trout sketched by me, and beautifully engraved on the wood barrel captures the essence of the JP Ross brand.  

You know it's all in the details… 

The Rube has a 6" flor grade cork grip, cigar-shaped. It has a retractable hook keeper. The Rube possesses hand tuned, machined, solid nickel silver ferrules. This special   fly rod has simple black wraps and comes in a mill finish rod tube with retro-style, solid brass cap, collar, and bottom. The rod tube also has the JP Ross crest etched on  the case cap.  

The signature JP Ross multiple feather inlay on the Reuben Wood adds the final distinction. The Reuben Wood is a limited production custom fly rod from JP Ross.

Watch a video on the Reuben wood with more photos and product details.

We have built 10 of these rods with 1 or every wood reel seat we offer.  All 10 are in stock.  Once these are gone, the retail price of this fly rod will exceed $400.00.  Email us if you have any questions.