Does anyone fish a Stephen Kiley rod? The rods I've seen of his appeared very clean and crisp looking. But, I don't read much about his rods. Anyone
have input? PM if you must. Thanks.
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Kiley Rods
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 Boo.fiberglassflyro... |
Kiley Rods |
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Posts: 123 04/02/2009 00:03 |
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 AJ Bamboo |
#1 | |||
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Posts: 805 04/03/2009 02:41 |
steve is one of the most underrated current makers IMHO. why his rods don't get more traction i do not know
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djo |
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Posts: 115 04/03/2009 15:56 |
I have one of Kiley's 7.5' 4/5 wt rods. It has become a fishing obsession. I try to take other rods out and this one refuses to stay home. Beautiful
workmanship, excellent taper, very reasonable prices.
David |
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wctc1 |
Kiley doesn't promote himself ... | #3 | ||
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Posts: 297 04/03/2009 17:47 |
... And, that is too bad.
First, let me say that I have worked a high number of hours in Kiley's shop, so I've got a predisposed opinion. On three rods alone, I logged over 80 hours. When he was making blanks for Orvis, I'm proud to say, he let me help. I've watched Steve progressively grow from a hand plane and steel forms {actually his youthful originals from Illinois were wood} to what I suspect is one of the most modern shops in the craft. One after another, Genuine Bellinger machines are lined up. He's used a variety of Bellinger equipment as it evolves, and one of his prize machines, now gone to an upcoming rod maker was one of the early Morgan Hand Mills. His Christmas present to himself this year was a really effective dust collection system. He makes his own ferrules, has two lathes, etc. Kiley's tapers, construction techniques, and cosmetics possibly approach those in the highest levels of cane rod making, in my opinion. Steve happily corrects any problem a customer has, including in one instance, accepting a returned rod and making another more to the customer's liking. Just last week I tried one of his new 7'3" star hollow tapers for 4 & 5. Let me say this, if I can cast a rod {especially a #4}, anyone can, and it cast wonderfully. I also watched Steve cast it against the dark of fir trees. Tip action was almost perfect. So, I can honestly recommend that someone who wants to buy a cane rod should consider a Kiley Made. One proof is from the Metolius Bamboo Fair. Every year, in the intense competitive atmosphere of potential customers casting one maker after anothers rods, Steve leaves smiling at the number he sells. Best, Joe Beelart West Linn, Oregon Ps: what we can do to get him to promote his rods, I don't know. Bull-headed Irishman. Edit -- PsPs: thank you for the inquiry. I have personally helped Steve unload exactly 300 bamboo culms. I know he has another source where he picks them up himself in his truck. I also think, given my limited experience, that Kiley rejects too many culms for his rods.
Last Edited By: wctc1 04/03/2009 18:18.
Edited 1 time.
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Boo.fiberglassflyro... |
#4 | |||
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Posts: 125 04/03/2009 18:19 |
djo,
what other rods are you comparing Kiley's rod to? I've been to the Metolius rod fair several years ago. But, I do remember Kiley's rods as being the cleanest and most "crisp" looking rods of the fair. Unfortunately, I didn't get to cast one. |
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matsoberg |
#5 | |||
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Posts: 360 04/04/2009 07:39 |
Boo.
I have not fished a Kiley rod. Yet... I will recive an 8 foot 5wt North Star in July at the Metolius show though. I cast that taper last year and it´s a damned fine rod. I´m picky when it comes to bamboo fly rods (those who know me will hold that against me), but I just wanted one. It was just that good. If we bump into each other at the show this year, I would be glad to let you try it out. But I guess Steve will have a few in his stand. // Mats |
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teter |
#6 | |||
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Posts: 1282 04/04/2009 13:56 |
I have one of his rods based on a Dickerson taper -- it's a 6'6 3/4 weight, a lovely little rod with a smooth medium-fast action. The workmanship is excellent. I believe he has developed a new line of rods since mine was built. I think he also posts on this board occasionally. |
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FF beginner |
#7 | |||
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Posts: 5 04/04/2009 17:14 |
I snagged a 7' 6" 5wt. 2/1 a couple of years ago from Jim Bresko. As I remember it's built on a Leonard 37 taper that Steve tweaked
a bit. Steve had built it for himself and used it a bit. Sweet rod with a beautiful finish.
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bob4st |
#8 | |||
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Posts: 127 04/04/2009 21:19 |
...I've picked up a couple of Kiley's rods (8'/#5, 7'-6" /#4)over the years... he does excellent work... I highly recommend them... great
rods for a great price... I use them on the spring creeks of central PA frequently...
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Bamboo Adict |
#9 | |||
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Posts: 197 04/05/2009 09:15 |
This big bear of a builder is known to his friends as "Trapper" from a former life, is an outstanding builder. I have his 8' 6" Gilluim
taper that he has tweeked for steelhead fishing (it will be in the boat today when I go out). Steve is a craftsman and is always looking for improvements to
his work.I have casted a lot of his rods both at the casting pond at Camp Sherman, and on the river. I have 3 friends that have a number of his rods, and a few
clients that use them for both trout and steelhead, and all like me love them. You will not go wrong on his rods. I have a number of rods from North West rod
builders that I guide with. (yes I said guide with) Most of my clients are bamboo nuts just like you and as of yet have never had a problem with them.
Steve's rod is not heavy and will cover a lot of water without a double haul or working your whole arm. A 5 wt. North Star is one of my next rods from
Steve.
David |
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Salvelinus fontinalis |
#10 | |||
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Posts: 72 04/05/2009 10:09 |
As I was (sadly) leaving our southern Oregon home, I wanted a keepsake of sorts to take east with me. I chose a Steve Kiley 6'6" with a lovely handle
made of big leaf maple. It is a crisp rod that is perfect for the little streams I enjoy fishing. The highly figured handle reminds me of big, yellow leaves
hanging from huge, streamside maples in a hazy, autumn, northwest sunshine. Although I am (obviously) a hopeless romantic, this rod puts a little ausable wulff
spot on and is pure joy to cast.
ps: Hi Dave, hope all is well with you. Let me know if you will be getting east at any point. You are always welcome here at the little cabin in central NY. - Dan |
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Bamboo Adict |
#11 | |||
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Posts: 198 04/06/2009 08:07 |
Dan,
It has been awile, miss you out here. I know that little rod is having fun with you back there (although I bet you are not having 70 deg. days fishing right now.) The big gun of Steve took 3 steelhead yesterday on the upper run that I love. Will be out again today. Thanks again Steve, but Jerry's rod whined under the rowing seat yesterday so I will have to break it out this morning for some swinging at the welfair hole, and again at pump. David
Last Edited By: Bamboo Adict 04/06/2009 08:09.
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adam trahan |
#12 | |||
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Posts: 199 04/14/2009 09:08 |
Hey guys, here is the blackball I was talking about... Anyway. Kiley plays YuGiOh, personally I like
grassart studio
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tbc1415 |
#13 | |||
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Posts: 176 04/15/2009 14:41 |
I have one of Steve's Northstar rods. 8ft 5wt.
It is a particularly cohesive and capable taper. I have cast a variety of his rods and they are all like that. Steve puts a lot of thought and development into his rods before offering them for sale and it really shows when you put a line on them. The styling, fit and finish are also top notch. TC |
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wctc1 |
Kiley Rods | #14 | ||
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Posts: 298 04/19/2009 20:53 |
Yes, Steve Kiley produces cane rods among the best made.
Last Edited By: wctc1 04/20/2009 10:03.
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thegubster |
#15 | |||
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Posts: 1610 04/22/2009 18:24 |
wctc1 wrote: Two miles ? Man, Joe, you're lucky! From the stuff I've seen posted on a couple of boards plus the comments regarding build and such, not to mention the close-ups of the Kiley rods, I can't see where anyone would go wrong! Solid craft typically sells itself, as we all know. 'Nuff said. Jeremy. |
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I'll own one of his rods just because and he's a cool cat too. Hi Steve.
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