SCHLESWIG, Iowa - When Jack Johnson builds a fishing rod, he can make it uniquely your own. Want your name of the rod? No problem. Want to show support of your favorite sports team? Piece of cake.

McCOOK, Neb. - A good fisherman knows what a well-made rod can do out on the water. An even better fisherman knows where to get one built to his specifications. Short rods to long rods, Matthew Eden ...

It was familiar fishing advice in an unusual setting. Because I wasn’t standing on a boat, but in the shop of Snake River Custom Rods owners Ricky and Goldie Prieto. And the line I was keeping tight ...