Memorial Ash Fishing Rods: A Meaningful Way to Honor Loved Ones on the Water
At Prolite Rod Technology, we’ve recently received an increasing number of requests for memorial cremation ash fishing rods—custom fishing rods that thoughtfully and respectfully incorporate a loved one’s ashes. This unique approach offers a powerful way to honor someone’s memory, especially if they shared a passion for fishing, or if fishing is your passion and you want to keep them with you on the water for a little extra luck.
A memorial fishing rod isn’t just a tool—it’s a personal tribute. Whether it’s for salmon and steelhead fishing, saltwater fishing, fly fishing, or other specialized fisheries, these custom builds allow anglers to carry meaningful memories with them on every cast.
Hand-Built Custom Fishing Rods with Care and Precision
Every custom fishing rod we build at Prolite Rod Technology is done completely hands-on, with careful attention to detail and open communication throughout the entire process. Memorial ash fishing rods are handled with an even greater level of care, respect, and precision. We understand how sentimental these projects are, and we take that responsibility seriously—both with the fishing rod itself and with your loved one’s ashes.
Existing Fishing Rods or Ground-Up Custom Builds
Memorial fishing rods can be created in several ways. We can incorporate ashes into an existing fishing rod you already own, or we can work with you to design and build a brand-new custom fishing rod from the ground up.
One recent project involved restoring a well-used Ugly Stik fishing rod that a customer’s grandfather had gifted them years ago. We carefully incorporated his ashes into the fishing rod and finished it with a custom quote—one he used to say often—applied directly over the memorial area.
Another memorial build was a fully custom 12’0” centerpin fishing rod. From butt to tip, every component was custom-selected. We airbrushed parts of the fishing rod to
perfectly match a galaxy-themed Colville centerpin reel and incorporated ashes near the fishing rod label to create a subtle yet deeply personal tribute.
Every memorial fishing rod we build is unique, because every story and every loved one is unique.
Ways We Can Incorporate Ashes into a Fishing Rod
When building memorial fishing rods, we offer several options depending on your comfort level, fishing style, and vision for the build.
Epoxy Integration
We can mix a small amount of ashes—typically about a tablespoon—directly into epoxy and coat specific areas of the fishing rod, such as the label area and guide wraps. This creates a permanent and seamless memorial that becomes part of the fishing rod itself. This option can be paired with a custom decal, quote, or name to further personalize the tribute. Epoxy integration can be done on both existing fishing rods and new custom fishing rods.
Butt Section Memorial
For ground-up custom fishing rod builds, another option is placing ashes inside a small sealed baggie or container and carefully installing it into the butt section of the fishing rod. This keeps the memorial fully protected while allowing your loved one to always be with you on the water.
We can also most of the time do this for new and preexisting fishing rods, but for preexisting fishing rods it is a little more invasive—however, we will handle it with care and precision.
If you have additional ideas or a unique vision, we’re always open to exploring new options. At Prolite Rod Technology, we specialize in custom fishing rod builds, and we’re always up for the challenge of creating something truly one of a kind.
Returning What Matters Most
With every memorial ash fishing rod, any unused ashes are safely returned to you in a secure container. If ashes were mixed into epoxy during the build process, we allow the remaining epoxy to fully cure and return it to you as a small memorial “coin.” This can be turned into a keychain, kept in your tackle box, or held onto as a personal keepsake.
A Lasting Tribute Through Custom Rod Building
At Prolite Rod Technology, our mission is to create high-quality custom fishing rods while helping anglers preserve meaningful memories. Memorial fishing rods are more than fishing tools—they are lasting tributes that carry stories, connections, and loved ones with you every time you step onto the river or out on the water.
If you’re interested in creating a memorial fishing rod or would like to learn more about incorporating ashes into a custom fishing rod, give us a call today. We would be honored to help you turn something deeply personal into something truly special.