Looking for a Memorial Fishing Rod?
This page is the $199 Memorial Build Initiation Kit that starts a custom memorial fishing rod build — including builds with optional ash inlay. If you're new here, start with the memorial fishing rods page to see pricing, the build process, and how custom fishing rods with ashes come together.
A rod that carries them forward.
The Initiation Kit begins a handcrafted memorial fishing rod — one that holds a name, the water they loved, and their memory. Ashes can be respectfully incorporated during the build, if you wish.
What the $199 Initiation Kit includes
Everything needed to begin — the urn kit with a prepaid return label, a one-on-one consultation, and the design kickoff with your builder.
Urn kit & prepaid return label
A custom mini urn is mailed to your home with a prepaid return label. Keep a portion close, and send a small portion back to your builder to be respectfully incorporated into the finished rod.
One-on-one consultation
Your dedicated Prolite builder calls within one business day to hear the story — the person, the water they loved, and what you want this rod to mean.
Personalized design kickoff
Together you design every detail — blank, wraps, engraving, components, and any memorial element. You receive an itemized quote for approval before anything is ordered.
“Every memorial rod is built by hand, by a real person who has heard your story. We don't rush them, and nothing leaves the bench until it feels right.”
What happens after you begin
Your builder leads every step. You approve at every stage.
Begin the Initiation Kit
The $199 kit reserves your builder's time and starts the memorial rod process.
Your builder reaches out
Within one business day, your dedicated builder contacts you to introduce themselves.
Urn kit ships
A custom mini urn and prepaid return label are mailed to your home.
Memorial consultation
You talk through the person, the water, the story, and the direction of the rod.
Rod quoted & approved
You receive a complete spec sheet and itemized quote. Nothing moves forward until you say yes.
The build begins
4–6 weeks of handcraft in Olympia, WA. Photos throughout. Ships in a custom hardcase.
Families trust Prolite with what matters
A few words from people who've worked with us. Verified Google reviews.
“Chris and the talented team behind Prolite are exactly what we've missed in this industry. Their knowledge and guidance matches the highest quality components they use.”
“The builder went above and beyond and was super informative. He sent pics and communicated through the whole process. I could not be happier with my custom rod.”
“I've had experiences with Chris and Prolite for about ten years now. He is very approachable, accessible, and open minded when it comes to designing custom rods.”
What to know about this step
You approve everything before the rod is built.
Your builder sends a full spec sheet and itemized quote. You review every detail — blank, wraps, engraving, components, price. Nothing is ordered until you give the green light.
Ash inlay is part of the custom build, not this kit.
If you want a rod with ashes, your builder walks you through the inlay approach during the consultation. A small portion can be respectfully inlaid into the epoxy of the finished rod, handled with care.
Other personalizations your builder can work in.
A handwritten signature or short note, GPS coordinates of a favorite water on the butt cap, a meaningful small object cast into the epoxy, or a fingerprint in the reel seat. Finalized together on the consult call.
Your builder is a real person.
Every memorial rod is led by a Prolite builder in Olympia, WA. You'll have their direct contact. This is a conversation, not a checkout flow.
Begin the memorial process
Not ready? Talk to a builder first.
Ask about the person, the rod direction, ash inlay, or anything else — no purchase needed.