The Fiberglass Manifesto: Snowman Custom Rod Works - 5 Things To Like About The Ijuin-Rod Yomogi's

(You might remember a past T.F.M. post with Shane Gray of Graywolf Rods with his take on the Tom Morgan fiberglass blanks and in this post I have asked Zeb Tonkavich of Snowman Custom Rod Works to share the reasons why he enjoys building, casting, and fishing the Ijuin-Rod Yomogi fiberglass fly rods so much. In this post Zeb also shares a stack of his favorite Yomogi build photos which really show off his skillful rod building.

I have both the three and four weight Yomogi fly rods in my personal fly rod collection and I can attest that they are both very special...especially the seven foot three weight.)

There is something about the Ijuin-Rod Yomogi blanks that have a mysticism and enchantment to them. I probably spend the most time practice casting the Yomogi builds. It's just hard to put that feel into words but I'm going to try with this list of five reasons on why it should be on every glass geeks hit list. There is so much to like about these rods that five reasons may just not be enough to convey what makes these rods special.

1. Two profiles with two very distinct personalities.

The three line is a very smooth deep loading parabolic, while the four line is a progressive flex that when maxed out will give a light flex in hand. One for high mountain streams with wild brook trout and one for slightly larger trout and general dry fly work.

2. Glass with more soul than Barry White and James Brown combined.

I know it goes without saying that a glass rod will have more soul than a highmod graph rod...BUT, the soul of these rods is more than just the "wiggle" test. A tight smooth deep flex that never feels loose or sloppy. From the first cast you don't want to put it down as it transmits clean crisp feedback to the hand.

3. A fly anglers paintbrush.

This rod has artistic expression in every cast. It draws you in with a hypnotic smooth action and unwavering confidence. From accuracy, to aerial mends, to single spey style casts, you name it and the rod delivers what you ask of it with confidence. It is only limited by the creativity of the caster. With that being said, both a seasoned fly caster and a first year caster will be right at home with this rod on day one.

4. These blanks are feather light.

Honestly, I don't know anyone that looks for a heavy trout stick. Nobody has ever bragged about their newest five plus ounce trout rig. With that being said, it isn't out of the question to build a Yomogi that hovers right around the two ounce mark (give or take a few grams). These are a rod that can be cast all day by anyone without fatigue. Perfect to hang a nice little classic trout reel underneath. My RTB (reel to balance) numbers have been ranging from low three ounce range up to low four ounce mark, depending on reel seat configuration and insert.

5. Green is so 2014.

Although it is also available in raw white, it is hard to deny the wow factor of the chlorophyll green. Well at least for me it is. It is a color that is so identifiable to this blank there is no doubt when a Yomogi is out in a group. This paired with a three quarter sanded blank and its just a visually stunning package before the build even starts.

I could ramble on about the virtues and stats surrounding the Yomogi series, but I just don't see the need. They are serious small to medium water tools that any angler will fall in love with from the first cast. I know this sounds cliche but if you try one most likely you will own one. I myself intend to have a three weight built for myself over the summer.