process doesn’t only make for a
better-looking rod, it ensures that
the wrapping threads and guides are
permanently bonded to the blank
for superior durability.
One of the last steps before the rod is inspected and readied for packing/shipping is a final “touch up” of the cork grips. A workman fills even the tiniest imperfections in the cork and finish sands the grips with fine grit paper to create a smooth look and feel.
We had plenty of time during our tour to check out finished product for Western bass anglers. Cousins offers dozens of IM-8 Graphite specialty bass
rods, with spin-
ning and casting
models for
drop-shotting,
shakey-head
worming,
flippin’
and
punchin’, throwing large swimbaits, and more. A line of new Gregg Silks Signature Series rods were designed with the help of California big-bass guide and lure manufacturer Gregg Silks as the ideal tools for target- ing trophy stripers and largemouth. Among these rods’ unique features are the Cousins “Creature Keep- er” for securing large plugs and swimbaits, notched butt caps for trolling rod holders and a heavy-duty cord butt wrap to protect the lustrous IM-8 blank.
We also got a “sneak-peek” at a new family of super-light high-modulus graphite rods with titanium guides, scheduled to launch later this year.
These rods are only being sold through indepen- dent tackle dealers who own exclusive geographic territories. Cousins is currently building its network of dealers, beginning with California and the West Coast. Eventually, it plans to have its products in just 500 top independent tackle retailers across the country — a relatively small number for a national brand.
SPRING 2014
35