Bazen Custom Rods
Long ones, short ones, pink ones, blue ones, Chad Bazen builds them all. We’re talking about fishing rods, of course, and Bazen Custom Rods can set anglers up with all those and much more, giving anglers a host of choices about not only how their rod performs, but how it looks and feels as well.
With an extensive background in bass fishing in his youth and as part of the Bass Pack, NC State University’s tournament bass fishing club, Bazen got started with custom rod work for a simple reason, to repair his own equipment without the expense and waiting time involved with getting a shop to do it.
Bazen also had a passion for saltwater fishing, frequently traveling to the coast to flounder fish during his time at State. After graduating and getting a bit burnt out on the bass scene, he moved to Carolina Beach and got into the rod-building game full time.
From fly rods to 130+ lb. unlimited-class tackle, Bazen has and will build it.
A pro staff of anglers who fish everywhere from farm ponds to the Gulf Stream keep Bazen supplied with feedback on what works and what doesn’t in rods for every imaginable application, and that knowledge combined with his own experience allow him to guide anglers to the best decisions possible regarding their custom rod investment.
Instead of an allegiance to a certain blank manufacturer, he builds on just about everything on the market, using his own experience to guide customers through the choice based on their chosen targets and fishing style.
“For the bass guys, I might use a St. Croix blank for a spinnerbait rod and a Lamiglas for a crankbait rod,” Bazen explains, “just because one works a little better for that specific application.”
Like the blanks, Bazen builds with a wide variety of guides, reel seats, and other components, tailoring them to a customer’s desires and price range.
“Every rod starts with a conversation,” Bazen continues. “I ask what species they’re fishing for, what line, what lure, and what reel they’ll be pairing with a rod.”
Customized grips are another specialty, and Bazen offers cork, foam, and hard grips in split or full handle configurations to complement anglers’ needs and aesthetics along with a wide variety of reel seats (including some beautiful wooden ones).
Custom gaffs and his newest venture, custom GoPro camera sticks, also keep Bazen busy when he’s not building rods. There isn’t near room enough on these pages to give anglers a full sampling of his work, so check out www.bazencustomrods.com, visit Bazen Custom Rods on Facebook, or check out his shop at 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd in Carolina Beach. Custom inshore and bass rods start at just $150.
