This Saturday, May 11th, is the opening day of fishing season, and half a million Minnesotans are expected to hit their favorite fishing spots. And where would an angler be without a fishing rod? This week on He In Business, we talk to the owner of LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods in Breezy Point about how unique fishing rods can enhance his experience with one of Minnesota's favorite activities. I learned.
Chris Kristufek's journey into rod building began when he entered retirement. That hobby became his art and soon his passion. Kristufek and his LakeLady's mission is to create rods that are not just tools, but an extension of the angler's body.
“We measure the hand and arm and accurately measure the diameter and length of the handle to ensure a proper fit,” Kristufek explained. “We strive for a balance between the rods and reels we use that feel weightless when held in our hands while fishing, yet have the strength and power to hit the fish we are targeting. I'm thinking of taking it.”
Christufek's philosophy is that people come in all shapes and sizes. Mass-produced equipment that is not tailored to a specific person will not be as comfortable or effective as one that fits your body.
“If it's true custom sports equipment, I don't care what it is. It could be a golf club, a baseball bat, a fishing rod, a tennis racket, anything,” he said. “When it’s custom-made and fits you, it’s more comfortable and you can use it more efficiently.”
For over 25 years, Kristufek has been manufacturing rods for many people across the country and around the world. One of the most notable was former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura and several members of his family.
“It was a big fuss,” Kristufek said with a laugh. “The Governor's Fishing Opening Committee asked me if I wanted to build a rod for the Governor. And of course, without thinking, I said, 'Of course.' And they assured me that he probably didn't have one rod that I had to make, and in the end he ended up with seven. ”
Christufek himself is an avid angler, and that passion led him to become a master rod builder. Now I'm grateful to be able to build rods like he did and help others fall in love with fishing even more.
“Being able to build something for people who don't have custom fishing equipment or sports equipment, and then doing things like interviews to find out what they want to use this rod for and how they want to use it, “It's such a joy to be able to make it,' and look at the look on their faces when I hand it to them,” he added. “[It] I'm very happy, but it happens every time. ”
Kristufek doesn't have an exact count of the number of rods he's made over the years, but estimates he's made more than 2,500.
