McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (JASTrout) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:22:14 GMT

Mike, I for one am honored to call you a friend, can not wait until the July gathering, however, I simply will now have to sleep with one eye open in Coburn, so my new Spruce Creek 8' 5 wght, does not disappear to some glass thief in the night! For those guys that have only E-mailed or talked over the phone with Mike you quickly get a sense of his pride in his workmanship, but when one has the opportunity to spend time in person then his passion in rods can be the most fun any fly...

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (bob4st) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:21:04 GMT

Hi Mike... .hmmm, sounds like you may be at a threshold... either dive in and go full time into rodmaking, hire some help, etc... or back off the threshold...... tough choices... risks can be quite anxiety provoking... either way, I wish you the very best... and am confident you will do just fine...

...if I may make a suggestion... go fishing!..
Bob

P.S.: I'm gonna make darn sure I get to the July gathering before SAltsh and JASTrout so I can get first pick of...

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (mtm905) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:08:45 GMT

Thanks everyone for the kind words. It is much appreciated. I do really enjoy building, but the design side of things is what I like best and I have not been able to do much of that lately. I also have been having trouble keeping up with emails and phone calls. This was another area of concern. I don't like taking a week to respond to messages. I have always done my best to give accurate and detailed info. This takes a LOT of time (how many of you have received emails from me at...

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (OLD YANKEE) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:23:46 GMT

Hello Mike
I know how tough of a situation you must be in to have to refuse orders.
Your rods and blanks are great and worth the wait.
My wife loves the rod I made with your Vintage blank.
At times I get overwhelmed with work as well and unfortunately I don't trust anyone to work on the rods I put my name on.
18 hour days and no time to go fishing gets old .
Most of us make rods because we love the work when you are overwhelmed it makes it hard to enjoy your...

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (evanslmtd) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:04:26 GMT

Mike
As a rod builder myself, I understand how a vendor can and will screw up production/deliveries of the finished product. IMO, the way you're handling the situation is the most honorable solution to a bad situation.
That said, I knew I should have ordered one of your blanks last year! (LOL)

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (Canewrap) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:18:17 GMT

As I just found out about you six months ago and was hoping to switch over to finishing out fiberglass rods since I don't have time to make cane anymore myself. But, when it comes to the time thing I understand perfectly.

Bill Walters

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (Cameron) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:51:12 GMT

NevadaK wrote:
Mike,

Enjoy the time off.

K

I would guess that he is hardly looking at it as time off since he is back ordered...and I know that he has at least one (mine) 8'3" seven weight to complete!

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (NevadaK) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:46:01 GMT

Mike,

This situation is similar to one found in large format photography (another one of my vices). In that field there are two kinds of camera makers, large production companies and small custom producers. The work of the small producers is very individualistic and highly sought after for the quality of work and the uniqueness of features developed by that producer. It is not unheard of to have a 2-3 year wait for a camera and for some very special models it may take five years. It...

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (Cameron) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:44:13 GMT

You know...this does seem like a sad note but I really do think that this will only yield more wonders to come from the McFarland rod shop. I am really excited about what could be coming down the road...namely the two handers in development! Put me on that list for sure.

(This thread needed a photo)

I know there has been a lot of discussion regarding build times and then...

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (SAltsh) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:49:00 GMT

Mike- I know after a period of time finishing your current orders and playing around with new tapers and bamboo you'll return refreshed - I know this year's been a whirlwind. I have to say that I just returned from a few days on the W. Branch of the Ausable in NY and the 8'3" 5 wt. again brought a smile to my face, landing 6 or 7 big browns 17-20", handling both heavy nymphs, dry/dropper rigs, and dries equally well - truly the all-round rod I wanted - it's been...

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (MuddlerOH) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:15:39 GMT

Mike,

I cannot think of any more beautiful rods than the ones you craft. One of the reasons you are inundated is that you provide an amazing product at an amazing price. Perhaps if you raised prices demand would become more manageable. I pulled out my 8' 3" 6wt 4 piece tonight and cast it in your honor. It is an amazing rod and a thing of beauty. The 5 piece 5wt I built is also wonderful, but not as pretty. I eagerly await the new tapers.

Steve Bacon

Re: McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (Rockthief) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:16:18 GMT

I cherish my 3 wt. Good luck to you and go fishing.

McFarland Rod Co-------No longer taking orders

feeds@yuku.com (mtm905) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:12:06 GMT

While it is great to have so much interest in my rods, I have decided to shut things down for a while. This is a tough decision as I really enjoy talking with new and old customers and building them the "perfect" rod. However, the flood of orders from late last year and this spring has caused some delays, canceled orders, and unfortunately hard feelings with several customers. This is the worst part for me as I really value the interaction with the customer before, during, and...