Dear Stan,
I just wanted to tell you how great the new Avid rod you built for me. I have always owned other brands of rods, some good and some better than
others. Today was a new horizon for me I went out to a local fishin hole, and rigged up a Senko, put my Lews BB-1N on the rod and the rest was
history. The problem I have now is that I don't want to throw anything else.  Put me in for 4 more St. Croix Avid blanks with the custom work of Shakedown Custom Rods.  Yes Man....I'm Psyched!
Regards
Scott P   -New Hampshire


Stan was a pleasure to work with! He worked very closely with me to create the rod I wanted, but also gave very helpful advice to avoid potential mistakes I would have made. "The Beast" is a 7' 3", St. Croix Legend Elite Tournament series blank, extra heavy, fast action, spiral wrapped with rod. I requested a very customized handle, which he made to a "T". The rod is lighter than my stock St. Croixs and is a pleasure to use. A good sign is when my "T" partners and guys in my bass club want to checkout it and ask where I got it! The only problem I have had is that I am seeking counseling now for an addiction to flipping and pitching ... along with the need to get more customs rods. Beyond function, the rod is a pretty looking thing that is constructed as well, if not better than my other rods. The rod's craftsmanship is a testament to Stan's attention to detail and great skill ... along with his ability to deal with my endless phone calls and emails.

Shakedown Rods will be receiving future orders for customs from me, pending an agreement to pay for my "rehabilitation" to custom rods. We are are currently under negotiations regarding this matter.

Best Regards,

Will C.   -Virginia

Awesome looking rod, excellent quality!!  I now catch my fish in style.
Great doing business with you.
Thanks again.
Aaron C.   -Pennsylvania



HI Stan,
The rod is working out GREAT.  I have it matched to a Shimano Stradic 1000 and #6 P-line.  Believe it or not, I have found this outfit is just as effective as a crossover rod for saltwater inshore fishing!  Yes, I have used it for dropshotting Largemouth down here in Florida and have done very well!! (I use the Aaron's Magic Roboworm)  But have caught Spotted SeaTrout, Redfish, and Flounder with the same outfit!

Graphite USA makes a great product and paired with your custom rod building knowledge, this rod has become one of my favorites!
Gregg A.   -Florida


Stan is an amazing rod builder.  He is very knowledgeable about what components will work best for given situations and he is well versed in various rod building techniques.  I was happy with the economical blank recommendations and his skill is second to none.  His rods cost less than the other custom rods I had purchased and I sacrificed nothing in craftsmanship.  In fact, Stan was kind enough to a fix a custom rod that I had purchased form another builder and showed where the previous builder had gone wrong in his building approach and why the rod broke!  I heartily recommend Stan to anyone looking for a great for a great price with very little turn around time.
Greg T.   -New Hampshire


Stan,
I have been meaning to let you know how much I like the rod I bought from you.  Your work is exceptional and the rod has preformed very well.  I was unsure how the EVA grips would be, but they have been fine and i like them as much as any cork or hypalon grip that I have, and the inlays definitely add a Bling factor to it.  The rod is noticeably  lighter than any factory rod in it same power and length that I have compared it to and some are way more expensive.  I own several custom rods and it's become hard to fish a production rod without thinking it could be made more effective, sensitive, and of course much lighter.

I was looking for a heavy action jim/worm and occasional C-rig rod and this rod has fit the bill very well and it is often the only rod I have out.  I really believe it has helped me hook and land more jig fish than ever.  I don't know if it's the rods power or sensitivity or both, but it sets the hook well and they stay hooked.  Initially, I wanted a more powerful rod to fish some private ponds that I didn't want to break off any fish or leave any lures in the water since I train my Labradors in the same ponds and have removed more than one lure from them before.  I never thought I needed a heavy action pitching rod for the lakes I fish, but I have learned that a bigger jug and bulkier trailer in the right conditions can be very productive and usually they are a lot heavier fish too.

When I need another in the future I will definitely be giving you a call.
Thanks.
Bryan P.   -Kentucky 


The "lucky" rod (so-called because fo the Shamrock embedded in the handle) has more than lived up to that name.  It's by far the BEST shaky-head rod I've ever used...super sensitive and beautiful, too!  As an old rod-wrapper, I have to say your craftsmanship is the best I've ever seen.  I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on the one you're making for me now.

Thank you Stan
Bobby B.   -Mississippi


I've purchased several custom rods from Stan, and I can't say enough good things about his workmanship.  His rods not only look good, they fish even better!  I've been slowly replacing all of my factory rods with Shakedown Custom Rods.  Stan is a great person to work with, and he has always made sure I got exactly the rod I was looking for.

John M.   -Massachusetts


I just got my new flippin stick/frog rod from Stan and I can honestly say that it is the best rod in my arsenal.  It is very well made and sharp looking as well.  I am looking forward to having more Shakedown custom rods made for me in the future.  Thanks.

Leo P.   -Massachusetts


Now owning several Shakedown rods, I can really attest to Stan's workmanship and high quality control.  Up front, he asks all the right questions so in the end you end up with not only a beautiful looking rod, but the rod you reach for when the pressure is on.  Thanks Stan!

Walter V.   -Massachusetts


Mr. McLean,
The St. Croix 6'6" custom rod I purchased from you out performs any rod I've ever owned!  It excells in sensitivity, balance and durability.   Hopefully this winter I will order at least 2 more.  Thank you.

Fred N.   -New York


Stan is an amazing rod builder. You want the best then contact him. I can say this because I now own 2 other custom built rods from other professional rod builders and I can compare their quality and service to his. It was my pleasure to deal with Stan. Even though we had a mishap in communication (too many e-mails to keep track of LOL) we accidentally found a great design that I like. But the difference was that he was willing to redo HOURS of work to make it to my specifications for free!!! That is the extra mile and a class act. Just the amount of character and quality you can expect from this man. With that he also has a new filing system to ensure that nothing like that ever happened again showing he cared and changed things to make sure nothing like this ever happened again. But like I said this accident was a blessing in disguise as I now have a rod more designed for a specific technique to fit that blank. Anybody else could have cared less and tried to sell it to me as is to save money and time but he was willing to make it right to me. Not trying to sell the rods as much as the man because the rods speak for themselves. But with all he has done and shown me his character, reputation, and work speaks for itself. Thanks for the great quality rods. Looks better then anything ANY company out there could produce as well this man cared to make the rods for me. Thanks Stan. I only look forward to doing business with Stan again. You can't even imagine how great the quality and care is on these rods.

Aaron J.    -Kentucky