Currents & Contact

Updates

The Jenkins Signature Rod
Repair & Restoration
The ILS Reel Seat
Contact & Ordering Information

 

This page is intended to keep you up to date on what is happening here at Jenkins Fly Rods and offer contact and ordering information. Things have changed quite a bit over the last four years, and more so over the last year and one half.  With Dad at 87, and devoting much of his available time to tool design and being the consummate advisor, I have found myself - a rod builder with twenty plus years of experience - comfortably in charge of the whole operation at this time.  Dad and I have spent a terrific twenty plus years building rods together.  I consider this the most valuable, enlightening and enjoyable, father-son, bonding opportunity that anyone could ever experience.  Dad could be a no finer and dedicated coach.  I'm confident that the rods that leave the shop now are the best we have ever crafted. Dad would agree, as he remains our ever diligent, observant and unbiased critic.  


Viewing Our  Site

Being a better rod builder than website designer, I have found that this site, viewed at 1024 x 768 resolution, looks good on my  browser.  However, after viewing it on a variety of different computers, I have discovered that many of the photos don't do justice to the original images.  This is especially true of those that depict the rod. If you would like to see enlarged, more detailed, photos of the rods that I have posted on the Cane Models page, please contact me at rodmaker@sopris.net and I will insert them into an email and forward them to you.  I would also suggest refreshing the site in your browser if you have us book marked.

.

home

 © 2007  All rights reserved.

 

 

Updates

I continue to make progress here, getting a handle on past orders, adapting to the new shop and adjusting to the increased amount of time that must be dedicated to family matters.  It is all still a bit overwhelming and keeps me quite busy. Customers who have an order in the queue for an Oven Tempered Signature or Jenkins Signature rod will still experience a delay in delivery as I wade through all of these changes, but progress is being made.  As always, I sincerely appreciate the patience that customers have exhibited over the last year and more.  Your patience and understanding during this ongoing and difficult period of transition is truly valued.

return to currents


The Jenkins Signature Rod

After a good bit of discussion, debate, analysis and consideration of past and present rods, Dad and I have decided on what we feel is the finest representation of the Jenkins cane fly rod.  Since the rods that Dad built his reputation on, beginning in 1960, were oven tempered, it was an easy and unanimous choice that it should remain this way.  Also, since Dad's tapers were designed to function optimally in a two piece format, we have decided that this will be what we currently offer. Jenkins Signature rods will be equipped with our 6", bullet shaped, Flor grade grip, bright nickel silver cap and ring reel seat with our traditional, mortised, Cherry wood arbor and Snake Brand Guides.  Keeping with our belief that, "simplicity is its own form of beauty", wraps will now be a translucent beige with dark chestnut brown winds at the ferrule stations. 

"The rod arrived on Monday.  What a work of art!!  It was worth the wait to own a Jenkins rod for sure!  You must be proud to be carrying on the family tradition with such talent.  Once the dust settles on this end I would like to order a 4wt from you. Hope this finds you well!  Thanks again for your efforts!  You certainly live up to your reputation!!

D.Q - Webster, NY.

"Hello, Charlie. I was not going to fish the "Charlie Rod", but at the end of the season I broke down and went streamside with it. It fishes very well & has the same traits as the newer rods that you & Steve have crafted for me!  I have owned 30 rods over the years... and after all the road testing the Jenkins rods are my favorite. I must say the best traits of the Jenkins rod, show up while fishing them!  From the early rods crafted by yourself, to the rods crafted by you and Steve, and to the rods Steve crafts today they prove one thing to me.  Like father, like son.  You should be damn proud."

M.C. - The Kickapoo Valley

"I received the rod yesterday, in perfect condition.  The new cosmetics are great.  Thanks for your fine work and a beautiful rod."

J. B. - Garland, TX

return to currents


Rod Repair & Restoration

As a result of our recent relocation, work load and devotion to spending time crafting the finest rod possible, we have initiated the following policy.  We will only except repair or restoration work to be done on Jenkins Rods.  In the past, we have offered these services to valued customers who needed it on other trade name rods, but we honestly do not have the time or resources to do this anymore.  We regret the fact that this new policy has to be enacted, but feel that it is only fair to inform customers who desire these services that we no longer provide them.  Unfortunately, we can make no exceptions to this new policy. For those who are need of repair or restoration on other trade name rods, we suggest that you post a inquiry on "Clark's Classic Fly Rod Forum" whose link is provided below.  There are plenty of competent craftsmen participating in this forum who are extremely capable and willing to take on the work.

return to currents


The ILS Reel Seat

The details of this story would take too long to explain. These reel seats were the result of over seven years of prototypes that I spent trying to mill the components for on a small Sherline lathe, driven by my fascination with Granger's internal up-locking seat.  The endeavor turned into a something that was much too time consuming and impractical with the machinery and materials that I had available.  So, being determined to continue with the idea to create an unique, internal, up-locking reel with superior cosmetics, I contacted Al Bellinger who graciously agreed to help with my idea. Along with Al and Richard Greene's help, a limited number of the above pictured reel seats were fabricated.  The Nickel-Sliver reel seat, shown above on the right,  was beautiful, but limited by the fact that the mortised arbor resulted in some limitations in the reel feet it would accommodate. The round arbor, black anodized Aluminum seat, shown above on the left, was much more user friendly, but never seemed to develop much interest.

To make a long story short, my hope to create a more esthetically attractive version of Granger's original and innovative reel seat was pre-empted by the introduction of Orvis' T3 and Zero Gravity graphite rods. I am quite proud of the above pictured prototypes and it is my hope to continue this pursuit when time and financial resources allow. 

return to currents


Contact & Ordering  Information

Contact Information

Steve Jenkins

3728 W. Hamilton Avenue
Denver, CO 80236
Phone: 303-936-0691

Email: rodmaker@sopris.net

or
C.W. (Charlie) Jenkins
3112 South Vrain Street
Denver, CO  80236

Ordering Jenkins Cane Rods

We make every effort to craft the finest cane rod possible. As a result, customers should expect to have to wait for their order to be completed. In fairness to anyone who would like to own one of our cane rods we have adopted the following policy. If you would like to order a rod please contact us at any of the sources listed in the column to the left so we can discuss your request.  All orders are honored on a first received, first filled basis. Cane rods require receipt of a non-refundable, $100.00 deposit. When your rod is near completion you will be notified and billed. A $30.00 shipping and insurance charge will be added to the final cost. Upon receipt of payment we will ship the rod to you. Payment is to be made by Certified Check or Money Order. Personal checks require clearing our bank account before shipping. The serial number of your rod will be registered to you and kept in our records. If, after trying every means possible to contact you, we do not receive a response after thirty days your rod will be placed on our Available Rods page. Our current delivery time on new orders is approximately twelve to fourteen months.

 

Ordering Available Rods, Prototypes, Etc.

If you are interested in ordering an item from our Available Rod page, please contact Steve Jenkins.  You will be advised of a final balance which includes shipping charges and insurance if desired.  Upon receipt of payment we will ship your item.  Payment is to be made by Certified Check or Money Order.  

return to currents

home


Email: rodmaker@sopris.net