G. Dabrowski Custom Tackle d. b. a. Brookside Rod Co. ~ Custom fly tackle since 1991 ~ Cane fly rods Hand built classic styled fly reels Catalog 2007
G. Dabrowski Custom Tackle ~ maker of fine hand crafted fly reels and cane fly rods ~ In the hills of New England, Gary Dabrowski patiently constructs fine classic styled fly reels and split bamboo fly rods in his shop along the banks of Cold Spring Brook. Like many others before him, he comes to the craft as an accomplished machinist and engineer. Produced on a strictly limited basis, his rods and reels are lovingly hand crafted, one at a time, for enthusiastic customers. His one man small shop environment permits absolutely the strictest control over quality and finish. Other than some screws, guides, and cork rings, every component part used to produce his tackle are made in this fully equipped shop by hand, using precision equipment and the best materials available, offering one of the finest values for hand crafted best quality tackle to be had. Several models of rods are available. They are offered to satisfy the many needs of anglers. Primary among them are the Classic Series rods which are built in the traditional manner. Their best quality guides are wrapped onto the rod shafts with pure silk thread. The light weight down locking screw type or cap and ring type reel seats have hand formed and polished nickel silver butt cap and walnut insert. These rods are finished with a gleaming spar varnish coating. The popular Classic Series rod is available in two and three piece models from 6 to 8 feet in length. Actions are a modern progressive dry fly type. The Quadrate or four sided rod is available built in the same manner as the Classic Series rods. Quadrates offer the discerning angler a sophisticated feel and an action which is considered crisper than a conventional six sided rod. Quadrates are available in two and three piece models in 7, 7 1/2 and 8 foot lengths. The Freestone Tactical Rod; with it's impregnated finish is once again available. These are hexagonal section rods with a low maintenance impregnated finish and are supplied as two piece with a single tip. Inquiries into rods, reels and orders may be made via phone or email. The Rods My split bamboo fly rods are built with the very best of traditional materials and hand craftsmanship together with the finest modern adhesives and finishes. They require many careful steps to produce. There are no shortcuts.
These rods are made from select Tonkin cane which is well seasoned and carefully hand split. The strips are oven tempered and endowed with a lively action. After straightening, the strips are patiently tapered, gently worked and finished by hand. The finish tapered strips are bonded with modern high strength adhesives, bound under pressure and cured under controlled conditions into the familiar hexagonal or square rod shaft. Best quality stripping guides, snake guides and tip tops are used. Sized to minimize line drag and promote effective presentation, the guides are wrapped onto the rod shaft with a pure silk thread. Fine quality cork rings are used to construct the grip. They are individually applied to the rod shaft thus ensuring the grip will never come loose. Light weight down locking screw type and nickel silver cap and ring type reel seats are entirely hand made in my shop. Shop made reel seat inserts are made from select American hardwoods. Nickel silver ferrules are precision machined in-shop to fit your rod precisely. They are styled after the best designs of the Classic Era. All rods are provided with a custom made partitioned cloth bag with pull tab and a labeled brushed aluminum tube with brass caps for protection and transport. The Classic Series Rod Classic Series rods are hex section rods and are built with tea-colored bamboo. Winding checks are made from black composite material which will not tarnish or fade. Anglers may choose from a polished down locking screw type reel seat with nickel silver butt cap or a polished nickel silver cap and ring style reel seat both with stabilized American walnut insert, mitered to accept your reel foot. Other fine or rare woods are available on a limited basis. The junction between grip and reel seat is trimmed with graceful black composite and bright nickel silver bands. Ferrules are a classic shouldered or stepped type and are individually hand made in my shop. After mounting to the rod shaft they are pinned in place and oxidized a dark blue-black. Snake guides and tip tops are made from heat treated tungsten steel wire and bronze finished. Guides are wrapped onto the rod shaft with brown silk and tipped yellow/bronze and black at tips, ferrule and grip. The rods are then finished with multiple coats of a specially blended spar varnish which permits a near flawless finish. Each rod is supplied with two tips. Three piece Classic Series models are available finished in the same manner as the two piece rods above. Each Classic Series rod is inscribed with the makers name, model number and serial number on the rod shaft above the grip. A unique signature wrap is applied just forward of these markings. The maker's logo is engraved on the buttcap. Every Classic Series rod is fitted with a cork mounted ferrule plug. The Classic Series rods are built to have a crisp progressive dry fly action which permits excellent line control and presentation. Popular models include: Model Length Pieces Line Action 7004 7 foot 2 4 medium 7601 7 foot 6 in. 2 5 medium fast 8001 8 foot 2 5 medium
As a rule of thumb, a medium action will flex into the butt and a fast action will flex more toward the tip. You will find that the harder you push these rods, the farther down the rod shaft they will work. Such rods could deliver your fly with astonishing delicacy and can be a pleasure to cast. Quadrate Rods Quadrate or square section rods are built with tea-colored bamboo and fitted with modified cigar grips. They are finished with the same materials and in the same manner as the Classic Series rods with some exceptions. Winding check and first cork grip ring transitions from the square section of the rod to the round grip profile. The shop made ferrules are squared to fit the rod shaft, pinned in place and oxidized a dark blue-black. Each Quadrate rod is inscribed with the makers name, model number and serial number on the rod shaft above the grip. The makers logo is engraved on the buttcap. The standard quadrate rod has a progressive dry fly action. Every rod is fitted with a cork mounted ferrule plug. Quads are supplied with two tips. The Quadrate rod offers the discerning angler a sophisticated feel and an action which is considered crisper than a conventional six sided rod. My Quads are built to be a bit faster than the hexagonal Classic Series rods and are therefore more of a tip actioned rod. Popular Quadrate models include: Model Length Pieces Line Action 7011 7 foot 2 4 medium fast 7613 7 foot 6 inch 2 5 medium fast 8011 8 foot 2 5 fast Freestone Impregnated Rods The Freestone Model is once again available. These rods are hexagonal section rods with an impregnated finish and are supplied as two piece rods with a single tip. They are fitted with a cigar grip, down locking cap and ring reel seat having a cherry or other American hardwood insert, hard chrome plated guides and bright polished ferrules. Freestone models include: Length Pieces Line Action 7 foot 2 4 medium fast 7 foot 6 inch 2 5 medium fast 8 foot 2 5 medium fast
Rod Model List Classic Series Rods; 6 strip (hex) section Model 7004. Seven feet long, two pieces; two tips. Built for the four weight line. A traditional crisp medium action dry fly rod. Delightful for fishing the smaller flys and light leaders. Capable of delicate presentations. The taper employed for this model is directly attributed to Lyle Dickerson who in my view produced the best fishing bamboo fly rods made. His 7012 taper. Model 7005. Seven feet long, three pieces; two tips. Built for the four weight line. A dry fly rod with a traditional medium action but having more authority than the model 7004 as it has a stiffer butt section. Travels well as its tube length is about 29 inches. Model 7601. Seven feet six inches long, two pieces; two tips. Built for the five weight line. The most popular Classic Series rod I produce. A dry fly rod with an action which that is a bit faster. The taper employed for this model is directly attributed to Lyle Dickerson who in my view produced the best fishing bamboo fly rods made. His 7613 taper. Fishes well to all reasonable distances. Rods of this length and line are considered the best choice by some as an all-round bamboo fly rod. My favorite rod model. Model 7601H. Seven feet six inches long, two pieces; two tips. Built for the five weight line with a faster action than the model 7601 due to its stiffer butt section. Model 8001. Eight feet, two pieces; two tips. Built for the five weight line with a medium-fast action. The taper employed for this model is directly attributed to Lyle Dickerson who in my view produced the best fishing bamboo fly rods made. His 8013 taper. Quadrate Rods; 4 strip (quad) section Model 7011. Seven feet long, two pieces; two tips. Built for the four weight line. A medium-fast action fly rod. Delightful for fishing the smaller flys and light leaders. Capable of delicate presentations. Model 7610. Seven feet six inches long, two pieces; two tips. Built for the four weight line. A crisp dry fly rod with a faster medium action. Model 7612. Seven feet six inches long, two pieces; two tips. Built for the five weight line. A crisp dry fly rod with a faster medium action. My other favorite rod model. Model 8010. Eight feet long, two pieces; two tips. Built for the four weight line with a fast action. Model 8011. Eight feet long, two pieces; two tips. Built for the five weight line. A dry fly rod having a fast action. These models represent rod types which are frequently sought by anglers. New models are constantly in development. Those anglers with special requirements are invited to inquire. No doubt that we can build a rod to suit your needs. Tonkin Cane, the wonderful natural material from which these rods are made, permits limitless variation.
Rod Prices Classic Series Rod Prices Two piece rod, two tips, $995.00 Three piece rod, two tips, $1195.00 Quadrate Rod Prices Two piece rod, two tips, $1195.00 Three piece rod, two tips, $1495.00 Freestone Impregnated Rod Prices Two piece rod, one tip, $599.00 Additional tip, $175.00 Shipping costs are extra. Rods are usually shipped via U. S. P. S. Priority Service, insured unless otherwise requested. Trade-up Trade-in Some anglers might wish to take advantage of an opportunity to trade up to a new bamboo fly rod of their choice. I would be happy to consider taking in trade for part of the cost of a new rod, certain models of older rods. While greater value would be had with rods in good, fishable condition; I would be happy to discuss certain rods in nearly any condition. Damaged, incomplete or poorly kept rods built by Heddon and Granger are of interest. Interested parties may call or email to discuss this. Contact Information: Gary P. Dabrowski The Brookside Rod Co. 37 Brook Street Naugatuck, CT, 06770-3101 telephone: (203) 729-1503 email: gdabrowski@yahoo.com Web site: http://brooksiderod.tripod.com
The limited edition Dabrowski fly reel Gary Dabrowski has been building bamboo fly rods since 1991. Beginning in 2004, he has begun offering the angling community a limited edition hand crafted game fish reel. This fly reel is styled and engineered after the manner of the Walker and Vom Hofe reels now long out of production. It is constructed using materials and methods typically used during the period when the originals were built and are no longer seen in the other best quality reels built today. Not another bar stock or CNC reel, it is a unique piece of functional art. A Dabrowski reel is the culmination of weeks of effort. Each is carefully hand made on equipment, tools and fixtures built in his own shop. This Artisan built fine tackle is available in several sizes. The Dabrowski Model 2 reel is currently available in three sizes. The smaller Light Line series is 2 1/2 inches diameter over the rings and is built with a traditional sprocket and pawl click drag to manage line and prevent over spooling. The Baby Trout series is 2 3/4 inches diameter with the same sprocket and pawl drag. The 3 1/4 inch Trout series may may be specified with a five position adjustable drag or the click drag. Major drag components are manufactured from stainless steel and lubricated with waterproof silicon grease and therefore does not require any user maintenance. The spool runs in sintered bronze bearings that have been impregnated with oil. When ordering you must specify either right or left hand retrieve. Spools are not removable-replaceable. Dabrowski reels have black acetal side plates. Unlike the hard rubber used in the originals, modern acetal composite is stronger, will not discolor, crack or craze and is completely resistant to degradation from ultraviolet exposure and moisture. Both the rings that encircle the side plates and the spool plates are made from 18% nickel silver. They are precision drawn or formed, machined to size and highly polished. Depending on the model, cross bars may be nickel silver or aluminum. The handle, foot and back plate bearing cover are of aircraft aluminum. All aluminum parts are anodized for protection and have a light matt finish. The remainder of the reel is made from tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum and bronze. The serial number and model number of each reel is engraved on the foot, the makers logo is engraved on the back plate bearing cover or a plaque applied to the back plate depending on the model. A leather drawstring bag is provided to protect the reel when not in use.
A tippet retainer may be found located under the handle counterweight. Simply make a turn or two around the retainer to keep the end of the tippet handy when you store your reel. Fly hook keepers are located on the rear surface of the foot. Reel Specifications Description Reel Diameter Reel Weight Line Width of Spool Available drag type Click pawl Adjustable Backing Capacity yds-wht Light Line 2 ½ in. 4.2 oz 0 to 3.75 in. yes no to 10#20 Baby Trout, narrow 2 ¾ in. 4.8 oz 3.75 in. yes no 15#20 Baby Trout 2 ¾ in. 5 oz 4.81 in. yes no 15#20 Trout, narrow 3 ¼ in. 5 oz 4-5 0.75 in. yes yes 40#20 Trout 3 ¼ in. 5.1 oz 5-6 0.81 in. yes yes 30#20 Large Trout 3 ¼ in. 5.5 oz 7-8 0.96 in. yes yes 50#20 Light Steelhead 3 ¼ in. 6.5 oz 9 1.15 in. yes yes 100#20 A limited number of reels are built each year. The 2 ½ inch Light Line reel is $589.00. Adjustable drag Model 2 reels are $589.00. The larger click pawl Model 2 reels are $499.00. The Baby Trout models are available with either a classic styled double tapered handle or a serpentine handle, all other models are built with a serpentine handle only at this time. Custom features are available at extra cost such as: Special material side plates such as polymer impregnated rare hardwoods White acetal or deer horn handle knobs or hardwood matching above Naval bronze foot stainless steel (static) front pillar for silk line users Ball bearing roller front pillar. Ideal for silk line users The process of obtaining a reel is simple. Call or email to let me know your wishes and this will book your order. You will need to specify Description, Reel Diameter, Drag type and any options you may wish. As each reel is the product of exacting hand labor, forecasting precise delivery dates is difficult. Therefore I will endeavor to keep you apprised of progress as your reel is being built. When complete, I will send an invoice for payment. Once paid, I will ship your reel. Shipping costs are extra. Fly reels are warranted for as long as I am building reels. Gary Dabrowski Custom built fly reels and bamboo fly rods (203) 729-1503 http://brooksiderod.tripod.com gdabrowski@yahoo.com Due to the desire to constantly improve this tackle; prices and specifications are subject to change without notice