Crafting Custom Fishing Rods Since 2026

Double Kay Custom Rods was founded by Dan Kelling in 2026 with a simple belief: the right rod for the right water can make all the difference in fishing success and enjoyment.

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Over the years, Dan has fished a wide variety of fisheries for a variety of different species. From farm ponds chasing bluegill and largemouth bass, to small Virginia streams for trout, the Shenandoah River for smallmouth bass, Virginia reservoirs for largemouth, striped bass, and crappie, and the legendary fishery of Minnesota's Boundary Waters for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and lake trout. At the top of his list is surf fishing on the beaches of Hatteras Island, NC and the Outer Banks, targeting red drum, bluefish, spanish mackerel, pompano, and whiting.

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Those experiences shaped a fundamental philosophy: every fishery presents unique challenges and every angler has different goals. A rod that excels in one application may be completely wrong for another.

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Every Double Kay Custom Rod begins with understanding how a rod will be used. By considering the target species, fishing techniques, presentations, and performance goals, we can select the ideal blank and components to create a rod that is purpose-built.​