Every once in a while, a rod comes off the bench that’s more than just another build — it’s a statement piece. That’s exactly what this 10’6” Medium Heavy DR style rod turned out to be. This rod was born from a spark of inspiration and anchored by one standout component: the limited edition seafoam blue Alps reel seat.
I knew from the start that this unique reel seat deserved to be the centerpiece of something special. It practically demanded a build that would let it shine, and what better canvas than one of our trusted DR style rods? At 10’6” with medium heavy power, it’s a workhorse that’s perfectly suited for downrigger fishing, designed to handle big water and aggressive fish with ease.
For the theme, I wanted to play off the light grey fish scale grips, which are subtle yet stylish, and use them as a base to launch into some truly vibrant pops of color. The wraps are done in light grey with accents of purple, pink, and two shades of blue — colors chosen specifically to explode against the understated grey and tie back to that show-stopping reel seat. A matching blue seafoam dragon scale pattern near the foregrip pulls everything together and adds a mesmerizing shimmer when sunlight hits the rod just right.
Even the finer details tell a story: from the anodized purple butt cap to the precision inlays and guide wraps that dance with color, every element was selected to complement the reel seat while still standing boldly on its own.
This rod is more than just a fishing tool — it’s a vibe. That’s why it earned the nickname “VIBEZ.” It’s flashy without being overwhelming, loud without being obnoxious, and unapologetically fun. Designed by myself (Tanis), this build captures everything we love about pushing creative boundaries in rod building. Whether it’s running downriggers for salmon or simply turning heads at the dock, this rod is going to stand out — and that’s exactly the point.