Ok, now I'm excited for pickerel season to start next month. I just picked up my new rod. Now normally I wouldn't bother mentioning it, but because I went with a Rovic CUSTOM Rod,  it's worth telling everyone about the experience.

I called up Rolly, he asked me a few basic questions on what I was fishing for, how I fished, color choices, and a few other details, and he offered up some suggestions when I was looking for advice. I ended up going with a 2pc, 7ft, medium action rod, with blue trim & guides, and carbon fiber reel seat. The rest, I left up to Rolly's expertise.

The blanks he chose are MHX which have a lifetime warranty.  MHX blanks are not available as factory production rods, they are only  available to custom rod builders. This exclusive access provides the custom rod  builder with a lineup of blanks which are above and beyond what can be offered  by mass production manufacturers. The blanks have their own serial number and Rolly registered it for me as well.

The polished zirconia guides have matching blue centres , and look great on the rod. To show me how tough they really are, he took a spare one he had out of his parts bin and with a small round file, ran up and down it several times and when he held it up for my inspection, it was still as good as new. Not a smudge or mark on it from the file! Rolly designed the cork handle with a beautiful darker tone complete with blue inserts along the handle and a matching butt cap for aesthetic value.

Also, Rolly took the time to show me some other rods there and his shop. I was very impressed.

I matched my new rod up with a Quantum Antix reel, with a 5.2:1 ratio and 9+1 bearings and it came in a matching blue. I'm hoping it's a nice complement to the rod, but I  cant really say until I give it a try on the water. Time will tell if I keep it on, or go back to my trusty Shimano.
If you have any interest in a custom rod, don't hesitate to call Rolly up and discuss your needs before the season gets under way! He'll make sure to ask you the right questions, so you get a high end rod you're totally happy with and it will be a one of a kind masterpiece. For all the details mentioned above, there were many choices and Rolly helped me decide on what would be perfect for me.

Here are some pics of the rod. Thanks Rolly, I'm looking forward to trying it out!! The pictures really don't do it justice. Ever try to take a closeup of a 7ft rod? 
(click each pic for a larger view)
 

 
Nice lookin rod Mike. It'll look good in the Pic's if you scoop up 1st prize at the Kiw Derby .
I like the 2 piece - easy storage.
 
What line type and lb test did you spool the reel?
 
bobby

Take a look at the 2-10 Power Pro
Small diameter no stretch line. It will handle various jig weight's. The smaller diameter line has less resistance and transfers energy better than mono. It will def.make it easier to feel bottom. I use this line strickly for vertical jigging and short casting, and have had good luck with it. Real hard to cut, so have clippers with ya. You can feel the bite before the bite....lol
If you do decide to try it, run a bit of mono on that reel 1st before loading.
 
bobby

Quick update on my Rovic Rod:
I'm not getting out as much as I want to (who does?), so I only got to use my Rovic Rod for the 2nd time this season. I Can tell you I loved it for the bass!! I put a heavier spinnerbait on it and you get the right level of vibration feedback in your hand so you know the blades are spinning perfectly. When I had a fish on, there's the right amount of strength and flex in the backbone of the rod so its just a matter of keeping the tension on the line as you reel the bass in.
 
I'm very happy with the rod, and want to thank Rolly once again for  helping me select the right components and building such a great rod. If you're interested in your own, give him a call and see what he can build for your fishing needs! You'll be happy you did.

Glad to hear it Mike! I think I will be looking at something like that next year.