Billy...my friend Amanda can't decide what's better--her new mink coat or her new BillyStiX SpiralStiX rod!

Capt. Tommy Thompson, Steinhatchee, FL

Dear Sir,
I am writing you because I am homeless. The reason Im homeless is because I spent all my money trying to get my family back from evil pirates. They are very serious about their demands. They will only release my loving family with delivery of a Billystix SpiralStix "Lite" rod. Thank heavens above that I found this contest while surfing the net at our local library. I have inclosed a photo to show you that Im not making this up. Also I smell very bad.

Thank you

As some of you remember Billy held a contest a few months ago, the subject of the contest being, "why I need a BILLYSTIX custom rod. I entered the contest with the story of my daughter who was born 4 months premature. I didn't end up winning the contest, but Billy was kind enough to contact me and build me a rod anyway. I received the rod in the mail shortly after that and let me just say it's awesome! First off, the attention to detail in packing and shipping the rod blew me away. I think I spent 20 minutes carefully cutting all the packaging away from the rod. I just recently got to go fishing and used the rod for the first time. This was the first time I had used a spiral wrapped rod but I can guarantee that it won't be the last! Billy, thanks for the great service, wonderful gesture, and for building me a quality custom rod. BILLYSTIX is a great company and I definitely plan on ordering additional rods in the future. Thanks again Billy!

Melissaa52 with a beautiful Lake Conroe, Texas palmetto(hybrid)bass she caught on a billystix spiral wrapped redfish rod Billy built me several years ago. Over the years this spiral stix has been put to the test on 30 + pounds of mean lean fighting machines from offshore Gulf Of Mexico jacks to bull reds along the Galveston jetties to monster catfish on Lake Conroe. I'm pleased to say the rod has performed beyond my expectations. The spiral wrap really tames the torquing these big bruisers can put on a rod.

As a trout fisherman and large game fisherman I am very picky to my weapon
of choice for putting some lips to steel. I got my Billy Stix rod today and
was impressed with the detail he puts into his work. I have load tested the
rod and nowhere does the line touch the ripper guide or the spiral wrap one
bit. This is a big plus to find the true 'bone" in your rod and flex.


Thanks Billy Stix for your time and effort in my quest to have good
equipment for my trout. If any of you are considering looking into having
something built this is the guy to if you looking for someone that listens
to what YOU want built.

I told the guy what to build and my specifications and right out of the tube
came what I asked for. I'm not in no way saying he has the best rods but for
a serious fisherman I demand only the best hopefully many trout will shake
their head to this staff.

Adam, TX

  NICE PHOTO OF MISS DIXIE WITH HER BILLYSTIX AND SNAPPER CATCH

Billy, Hey,

I just wanted to say thank you again for the rod...Totally
Different from anything I have ever held. This thing is amazing to fish
with. I hooked into a nice flounder this past weekend and really got to feel
the action of the rod in my hand. You have outdone my expectations and I
cannot thank you enough for your efforts. I am saving my pennies so that I
can get another one of these masterpieces as soon as possible. I cannot wait
to get hooked up on one of these Alabama Bronzebacks and get the goody out
of this thing.

Billy, you truly are a master craftsman, and I look forward to loading my
fishing arsenal with BillyStix Rods.

Thanks Again and please stay in touch with our group. We are adding new
members daily, so keep posting and I'll keep pushing em' to your website!

Sincerely,

Danny "Flounderpounder" Adkins
V.P. Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association

I have on of these beautiful rods and really enjoy it. I had to christen it with two(2) 24" reds when I got it. How do you tame a redfish in Texas waters?...you beat then with your billystix... I bought mine 2 years ago and have been getting some really good fish with it since. Heck I even won flounder tourney with it last year on Matty bay. Very proud of it-hey 2coolers fisheremen you owe it to yourself to get your hands on one. Take it from a man who owns one and loving evry munite of it. No fish is safe when I fish with it-good reel/rod setup is all it take to get you hook on a billystix.

All I can say is WOW!!! STIX you are DEFINATELY DA MAN!!!!

Got mine today and got it wet today too. Christened it with a few smallish white trouts and a schooler speck, not anything huge and braggable, but fish all the same. Can't wait to hook into something bigger.

From the first cast, I knew what I had been missing for all of these years, honestly. Never had a rod that you could feel every nibble right in the palm of your hand...but now I do! This thing is amazing for working a light weight jig, and just as efficient with 3/8oz on the line.
And beautiful??? Daaammmmnnnnn

Guys....save up change...pawn the dog...wash cars...whatever you need to do, but you have got to put one of these rods in your fishing equipment invantory. Y'all can BET I'm gonna be tryin to win one of the tourney rods in May!
Billy, THANK YOU! I knew it would be a bad a$$, but you far exceeded my expectations. As soon as I have the bucks saved up...you will definitely be receiving an order from me!!
_________________
FISH SAFE!
Danny Adkins, Vice Pres.
Flounderpounder01

I received my new BillyStix SpiralStix Rod yesterday and all I can say is WOW. For anyone not familiar with these rods you are missing out. Everyone needs to look, hold, and feel one of these.
Now, why do I need to win another, so I can rig one with a topwater and one with a soft plastic for convenience.(not meant to sound greedy)
My first time to buy sight unseen plus worry about shipping but their packing is incredible and showed up a day early.
Yea Billy, you passed the test!!

One thing about it, whether Billy would grace me with a freebie or not, like Tombo said, if you don't win one, buy one. I bought one for a friend for Christmas 2006, and shortly thereafter talked my wife into letting me get one of my own: He has since gone on to buy a second, and I wish I could drop the money to do it again before another year of fishing: other priorities call, however. Meanwhile, the one I've got has really opened my eyes to just what could be done with a rod: I had gone for years before with Academy All stars and Castaways as my "go-to" rods: I took the reel directly off of an All-star and put it on my new Billystix, and I was stunned at the difference: All of a sudden, top dogs started landing within a foot of where I wanted them instead of within a fifteen-yard circle of the same target, I picked up an instant ten to twenty yards on each long cast, and backlashes on casts into hard winds all but became a thing of the past. Don't ask me how all that works, it just does. Meanwhile, I had "feel" on a rod that I never knew could exist: I felt like I could check a trout's cholesterol level through the line, instead of just feeling like I was horsing in a good-sized shoe that turned into a decent trout once it was in the boat. Really, one way or another, if you aren't a winner here, do whatever you can to put this on the top of your fishing-equipment priority list: Have a yak and are saving up for a paddle? Heck with propulsion: get a Billystix first.

We got the rod and damn Billy you do damn fine work. I will be on the water
tomorrow with it.

I am a picky SOB when it comes to rods and you pleased me just fine.

Makes me wonder I was getting ripped from the rest of the guys that build
for me. I make my living fishing and this is one fine weapon. I am still
awaiting an email from Russo to get your banner up. He lives in New York and
touring with his band but will be taken care of.

Wade Extreme Tex

JUST A QUICK NOTE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE THE FINEST ROD I'VE EVER USED.  I BOUGHT 2 ( A 6.6 LIGHT  AND A 8' MED ) AT A CHARITY AUCTION THAT SOME FRIENDS OF MINE WERE HAVING FOR A LITTLE BOY WITH CANCER.  OF COURSE PRICE WAS NOT THE ISSUE HERE BUT I WENT TO GALVESTON BAY THE NEXT DAY.  THE MOST IMPRESSIVE THING WAS THAT I COULD NOT BACKLASH MY REELS.  THATS SAYING SOMETHING FOR ME.  AGAIN, A GREAT ROD.  I'M TELLING EVERYONE I KNOW!!!

SPARKY OLIPHANT
LONE STAR CHEVROLET

 

Me and Boogey got a little bored this afternoon and decided to take a look at a little creek that runs near our house. The scouting mission was as fun as it gets but we decided it wasn't where we wanted to wet out lines today. We walked back to our place and my neighbor met us in the drive and asked if CJ wanted to catch some catfish in his pond. I probably don't have to even tell you what her reply was. I rigged "her" monogrammed BillyStiX up and away we went. I think she takes after Cassaundra. She hadn't had her "secret" bait in the water any more than a minute and a half when the fight was on and a very respectable cat was on the bank. This guy took drag 3 times before coming to hand! Here's a picture of the creek we opted not to fish and another of Boogey and one of the two cats she landed before it got chilly (and hungry) outside. I was really proud of her when she decided (on her own) to release both fish to fight again another day. Daddy's girl? You betcha!

Tight lines, Guy, Texas

AN INTERESTING EXCHANGE:

Rick Davidson

Gainesville, FL

Billy,

Sara and I spent the day recently working on some new photos for a Florida Sportsman story I'm writing. The bite at Steinhatachee has been unbelievable this fall and I always count on my BillyStiX rods to get these frisky ones to the boat.

Capt. Tommy Thompson

 

 

Here is a BillyStiX rod, Jeremy using it, made for trout fishing, gulp! That's right, I said it... trout fishing. It is engaged to a hefty cobia. I like to abuse my stuff, but it worked like a charm......

Congrats, are in order first and foremost......That's right Fred, the rods are tough. If you want to see how incredibly tough they are I can show you the Billystix in action with some real fish.....no offense Freddy. All kidding aside, they are all that I fish with anymore.....Here you go.

 

Here is another one of my custom made tarpon stix battling a five and a half foot shark.......look at the line running smoothly through the guides, never rubbing the rod.......

 

Mr. Stix,  8/7/2007

 I spoke to my Aunt last night and she said my Uncle has gone crazy over the rod. She said he has called all of his fishing buddies and has taken it to several of the neighbors houses to show it off.She added that he went to Walmart to buy a reel and decided that none of the “cheap” reels were good enough for his new rod. So, today he plans on going to a local Shop to purchase a more “expensive” reel for his rod. I had called him a few weeks back and made up a story about a friend wanting to start Crappie fishing to get a feel for what he liked in a rod. Little did he know I was actually collecting information to give to you. My Uncle actually told me that any “cheap rod and reel from Walmart” would do for Crappie fishing… Sir, I do believe you have changed his point of view on Rods.You have done it again and guess what? When I spoke to him yesterday, he said his “Name was on The Rod”, Imagine that???? He was extremely excited…..You have received a lot of advertisement in just one day… 

Thanks A Million,

Russ

Hey, guy...

sorry about the delay but i have been busy fishing with my new rod !! MAN  i caught  some fish 9 specks . Hookd a fish that started peelin line like crazy ,i let it run for a bit but line was getting low so i put the brakes on him that's when i felt the difference from my rod and ordinary rods ,the rod did all the work i was enjoying it , i started to gain ground on him but he made one last run and the knot on the swivel slipped . So to say the big one got away ! But i was not upset i wanted to see what my rod would do and it did a awsome job i fished with my rod for 7hrs throwing plastic the whole time and i did not even get tired!!.. My two buddies were taking beer breaks every few hours, its worth every  penny. Anyway i can go on and on bout my billystix so i will end it by saying this if you can afford to buy one buy it , and you will find out what all the hype is , and you too will want to buy another just like i am.  remember break their necks !!!!!   

Julius Palomo,  Humble Tx    C-YA!!

 

---

 

Billy..

I just wanted to thank you for the great pink rod I had you build for little Addy Young. With a great fisherman and boat builder (Young Boats) for a Dad, she deserved the very best for her very first fishing rod--a BillyStiX. Here's a photo of Addy with her Mom, Dante, and Dad, Robb--and the new rod. She'll really enjoy it as she gets a bit older!

Capt. Tommy Thompson

Gainesville and Steinhatchee

When it comes to fishing rods I have to say that the "SpiralStix" is by far the best idea ever. I have been fortunate enough to have the pleasure of owning another one with "Billys" most recent "At cost" contest. My first one was a gift that I cherish very much, and I can honestly say that I will never fish another rod. The whole system of having spiral wrapped eyes on the blank is just awsome. When I am working my artificials I no longer have that horrible tangle I usually get when the wind is blowing hard. The weight of rod is extremly light and does not wear you out from working it all day. Also, the shorter handle is just wonderful when you are in your kayak. I no longer scrap my side when I am "Walking the Dog" either. The craftsmanship is just wonderful and it feels good to know that my rod is the only one like it. Talking to Billy is just a pleasure as well. Another thing is that when it comes to the kayaker he has thought of everything to accomodate our needs with this rod. If you want a custom built rod, and you want something to be proud of buy a "BillyStix" and you will not regret it.

On October 19 Billy McDaniel (BillyStiX) announced I had won one of his kayak fishing rods. I couldn't believe I had been chosen and called him at my first opportunity. I was under the impression the rod was a kayak rod Billy had already built. First thing I learned in the conversation was that: BILLY WILL NOT MAKE A ROD WITHOUT TALKING TO THE PERSON HE IS BUILDING THAT ROD FOR. This conversation is part small talk but mostly an information gathering process for Billy. He wants to know how you fish, how you intend to use the rod, rod lengh, action you desire or an in depth description of the type and weight baits you use, handle length, thread colors you want, reel you intend to put on the rod......and more. He will listen to your needs and tactfully make suggestions when needed. Do not expect this conversation to take just a couple of minutes either. I was on the phone for over 30 minutes before Billy was satisfied with the information he had. I have watched posts from others with BillyStiX Rods and they all describe the same process. When Billy says "custom rod" that is exactly what he means. I doubt he has ever made two identical rods except when they are both ordered at the same time with the same specs from the same owner. Billy's rods are truly "one of a kind" rods.

I actually received the rod quite quickly in my opinion, but it had somehow been damaged in shipping. Two of the guides were wiped out, but the rod blank was in good shape. The damage was amazing to me because the care he takes in packaging a rod is unreal. The rod is in a heavy plastic protective sleeve, then taped to a 1/2" shedule 80 pvc pipe. Heavy paper wrapping is built up and taped into place at 4 spots down the length of the rod then the whole thing is inserted in a 3" schedule 80 pvc pipe. Couldn't believe it but the damage was done. Called Billy and he never hesitated to say "send it back".

So from October 19th to now the rod has been built, shipped to La Porte, TX, shipped back to FLA, repaired and shipped back to La Porte. This time it was in pristine condition. I knew which guides had been replaced and could not tell the guides had been replaced at all. It was at the house when I got home from work Wednesday.

Now for the good stuff. The rod is beautiful. I specified red thread and didn't care about the thread otherwise. He asked me if it was alright to use gold thread for highlights and that suited me just fine. He has written:

Custom Built For
Hookset
BillyStiX Fishing Team 06

...on the rod. There is a U. S. flag, a Texas flag and a redfish on the rod also. It is 7 feet long with a 7" handle. it feels light as a feather and the spiral wrapped guides seem spaced very nicely. I put a Curado 101d whose ARB spool bearings have been replaced with ceramic hybrid bearings on the rod which makes a very light rig indeed. It's a joy to hold and as others have written about Billy's rods there is a bit of a feeling it might be too pretty to fish with.

BUT I got it to fish. Took a vacation day Friday and took it to the MOB to hunt for flounder. It was COLD wading while the air temp was in the 30's with a brisk breeze. Pretty much knew it would be later in the day when it warmed a little before chances were too good for catching a fish. In the meantime the rod casts like a dream. Good sensitivity and casting distance is excellent. Had no trouble telling that it was crabs mauling my plastic without looking for the confirmation of scissor like damage to the plastic. Caught a 16" red at about 2:15 pm and knew immediately it wasn't a flounder when I felt him. I had to leave @3:30 and time was running out to catch a flounder. Finally caught an 18" flounder @3:00 pm and knew it was a flounder as soon as he touched it. Picked up a 16" flounder right at the rod tip when I felt him mouth the bait just as I was about to pick it up. Had to leave but this rod has become my new favorite.

"Hook"

 

Billy...

Here's a photo from another successful fishing trip using BillyStiX rods. Young Coleman Lay from Jacksonville caught his first big red with me this summer at Steinhatchee, Florida using a Rapala topwater plug. There's nothing like an 8' BillystiX spinner with a Stradic 2500 and 10# Power Pro to get the long casts needed to catch 'spooky' fish like this one--and to get them to the boat.

I'll be sending this photo with a story to Florida Sportsman Magazine soon!

 

Capt. Tommy Thompson

Gainesville and Steinhatchee

 

Here are a couple of photos from the tournament. I love my rod! It was awesome catching my red on my Billystix! Some of the guides were blown away and thought that the spiral was really cool, that they have never seen one before.

Kim Maraldo

 

 

It was beauty that had the initial draw to BillyStix rods, but after owning my first the beauty is secondary. My first SpiralStix left me speechless, and if you know me that take some doing. It was almost too pretty to take fishing, but fish with it I did and was blessed to catch a 23 inch multi-dotted red as my first fish. I had only made a few casts with the new rod, but could tell from my first cast that this was just not any rod. It seemed that I was casting further then ever before, and I soon learned that I was. Could a rod cause you to cast further? In the case of the SpiralStix the answer is 100% yes.

As I worked those first few casts, it also seemed that I was felling my bait (Purple/Char Bass Assassin) exceptionally well. I was felling almost every movement the bait was making as I swam it back to the boat. Then it happened, that ever so light tac on the line. So light that I know now had this not been a Stix I was fishing with I would have never felt, but I had and knew immediately that a fish had just picked up my bait.

I quickly struck and was rewarded with a strong bow in my new Stix and line started to peel from my reel. I quickly knew that this was no small fish, but a good red and he was going to give me a great fight. This was by no means the first red I had ever caught and had always enjoyed the tackle straining fights they can produce. This red was no different as he pealed more line from my reel. Again I was not sure if it was just me, or if my drag seemed to be working smoother this crisp morning. I have come to know that my drag was working smoother and it was due to the spiral design of my Stix. Because the line never touches the rod blank during a fight, there is less resistance on the line which allows the drag to work smoother.

I learned what I like the most about my new SpiralStix just moments later as the red came to the boat for the first time. When he saw the boat he made 90 degree turn to the left and started hauling butt, and pealing line. That is when it struck me that my rod was not torqued to the left with the pull of the reds brute force. The reel sat in my left had and there was no press at all felt in what would normally had been a twisting to the left that after a day of fight fish can cause ones wrist to become tired and sore. In fact after this first red, there were a few others as well as a couple of nice trout and flounder to boot. My wrist never had that tired feeling I normally get on a day of fishing and let me tell you that was a great feeling.

Derek

 

 

Billy... you've done it again!!! My 19-month-old already knows which rod has priority on my boat. Can't wait to put him on his first trout!!

I did a little rod building 5 years ago when I was at home recovering from spinal surgery and I built a Spiral Rod or "Acid Rod" as they are called on the West Coast, from information I got from Rod Building forums on the Internet.  I wanted trolling rods for my downrigger and built mine on All-Star live bait rod blanks, nothing as nice and pretty as Billy's but it sold me on the Spiral design.  For trolling, downriggers and bottom fishing I don't think there is a better design, you just have to get over the "weird" look; man I cannot tell you how many times people thought it was a 2-piece rod that was put together incorrectly.  I got to the point where I just started telling people that I was drunk when I wrapped the rod.

There is NO twisting of the rod - notice the angle of your "conventional rod" tip and the top guides next time you are hauling up a big sow and you will see how the rod blank its self twist.  And then there is the advantage of having the rods "backbone" on top where it should be according to the natural bend found in all graphite and glass rods.  The rod will not wobble from side to side, you can even hold the rod open palmed, and the line never touches the rod, anywhere.  Use Silicone Carbide rings if its a trolling rod - these rings have LESS drag on the line then even roller guides.

I don't have the time for rod building these days but will take it up again in the future.  One thing my brief trip into the world of custom rod building taught me is that the mass produced rods are basicly just thrown together.  They don't bother to find the "backbone" in a blank before they wrap them, not much thought seems to go in the placement of guides, they use cheap components and things like placement of the reel seat is done to fit the "average" angler, not you personally like you get with a custom rod.

I have been using one of those Live Bait spiral rods for my snapper rod even though the tip is way too light, I will be calling you up soon Billy to get a proper "Acid Wrapped" snapper rod!  I have seen your work and it,s first rate.

Billy...thanks for the rods.

I have used them a couple of trips with just 'dink' trout to show until this past trip. I liked my 6'6", but I dont know if I can ever use it again after my 7 and 7'6"! Oh well, it needs a little rest. It's time to tire out the other 2. Here's a photo of what makes a BillyStiX a BillyStiX.

Good Morning, Billy

I will attest to the lack of rod twist in those super SprialStix rods. Though I only have a trout rod I found out first hand just how much control you have over a fish last weekend. I had caught a few nice reds on it before, but last Sunday I was messing around and ended up catching a 10+ pound blue cat on mine. The reason I can attest to how well the rod works is the big cat before the one I caught was not a big, but I hooked it on my 6'6" All Star Worm rod and that sucker got me in some trees and broke me off. Well the the big one tried, but even though my SprialStix has a lighter action and it had lighter line I was able to control the fish better. This one wasn't able to get me in the tree the first smaller fish did. I was sold on the SprailStix before this but I keep on proving it to myself over and over. Can't wait till Wednesday when my second one is scheduled to arrive. Heres a pic of that catfish and thanks again Billy for your great rods!

These Pictures Are Worth 10,000 Words!

 

I rushed home yesterday because my wife told me that I had this "long package" in the house.  It was my new 8' flounder rod and man it is a beauty!  Thanks you, thank you, thank you, for my new rod!  I cannot wait to break it in!  Don't know if you did it on purpose, but the last wrap underneath the first guide is at 14" (legal flounder) and the top of the first guide is at 15" (legal trout), and I love it, I love it, I love it!  When I catch my first flounder on it, I'll send you a picture.

L.J. Henderson

Pearlland, TX

No reason to be skeptical about a Billystix. I was at first, I've thrown some very good, expensive rods in my time. I won one last year and it is by far the best rod I have ever used. I just got my second one, and saving up for my third. The spiral design is awesome, the line rifles off the rod and it has improved my casting distance, been easier for me to throw into the wind, and the rods have great sensitivity. They are definately the best rods I have ever used and I will not buy another rod from now on. I really can't imagine anyone not being happy with a Billystix. I almost forgot to mention how beautiful they are.

The only thing I have been disappointed with is that Molly hasn't personally deliverd one yet.

 

I bought 14 BillyStiX Rods.....

...this Christmas to give away as presents. I think at that time I had more rods than Billy did. I gave one to my pastor, one to Wade Butler the artist, one to each one of my kids and grandkids, one to my Dad, one to one of my best fishing buddies, two to my wife, and two to myself. (I add those to the two I already had and the one my wife already had.) Theres no way I'd deserve a free BillyStix, that would be way too greedy and if I were to get one I donate it to the Texas Lady Anglers in exchange for a membership for my wife and daughter anyway. I have lots of different kinds of rods and enough gear to outfit Bayflats Lodge but I gotta admit, my BillyStix Rods are some of my favorite possessions. They are very durable, they look great, and they fish as good as they look! My whole family went fishin over the New Years weekend and we all caught fish on our new Billy Stix rods. I'll have to get you some pictures Billy. We had a blast.

Tracy Dean, TX

 

Here's the photo of my new BillyStiX Spiral rod on its maiden voyage. I popped it's cherry on this 20lb gag grouper. The rod didn't even break a sweat...lots of backbone!

 

Stan Strickland, Jax FL

I Finally got the chance to use my new Billystix.. Talk about an awesome rod.. When I first ordered it, Stix talked to me for an hour on the phone so he could figure out exactly what I wanted... The rod is impressive to say the least.. It fit like a glove.. Lightweight and ready for action.

I dont think ive ever seen such good customer service from a rod builder.. Ive owned more types of rods over my life , and BillyStiX is definitely one of the best... You cant beat the rod and the price!

I ordered two more , Both as giveaways for a tourney in Mansfield... Thanks for making a great rod, StiX!

 

Brad, TX

 

 

Billy,

Just a quick note to let you know how successful the 2005 GOFC Fall Tournament was this year. I think one reason for the great turnout was that we purchased two BillyStiX rods as prizes for the inshore and offshore awards. There was very little talk about the monetary prizes--everyone was fishing hard to win the rods, which we used as prizes for the largest aggregate catch of one red and one trout or one grouper and one mackerel.

It just goes to show that money isn't everything--at least in the eyes of GOFC fishermen. They wanted those BillyStiX rods!

 

Capt. Tommy Thompson

President, Gainesville Offshore Fishing Club, Gainesville, FL

Hi, Billy,

I broke in my new SpiralStiX rod this Saturday. Despite some pretty nasty thunderstorms I used the new rod to land some redfish in the 4-5 lb. range. The awesome casting improvement is really something I had to see to believe, but everything you said about the spiral rods is true. The rod is beautiful. The colors are just as I imagined they would be. Thanks a million for a job well done.

Billy Harrell, Richmond Hill, GA

This is truly my favorite rod. Not only did I get to pick my favorite colors, but I think it's my lucky rod, too. I've been catching reds left and right every weekend when I go fishing. It must be the sensitivity that makes the difference. Best of all I can really make long casts. When that big red hits, I know my BillyStiX rod can handle the job!!

Sandy Kroeger, Hitchcock, TX

I caught my 42" bull red on Friday July 29th at about 1:00 pm .My heart raced when my BillyStiX that I was holding showed me how sensitive it was as I felt a slight tug then it went to an all out fight for 30 mins .I can't tell  everyone how much I really enjoy and love my two Billystix rods. Well I guess I can (I really love my BillyStiX rods!) I bought myself and my ex-girlfriend Valerie two StiX rods each right before Christmas last year and we both love them. I talked to her a few days ago and she told me she has been catching lots of bass with hers and they are her faverite rods ( She'd better tell me that !) But really--thanks, Billy, because we do love them.

P.S. Here is a pic of me as I was fighting the RED!

 

Yeeeee.....haaaaaa!!!

 

Was walking out of the clinic an hour ago when the receptionist said, " Did you get that big tube I leaned up against the wall in your office?"

I didn't even reply, probably because I was running back to my office.

Man, what a rod! It feels just like what I envisioned. Light and manageable with excellent balance, superb looks, and great craftsmanship. You did it, Billy.

I hustled on home, put the Shimano Calais on it, and went out and did some make-believe casting in the front yard. Then it tried it with a matching shiny blue and silver Abu Garcia 4600 that I upgraded to a C5. I think the 4600 is going to win out. Not only does it look great, it feels like a feather on the retrieve.

There's only one problem. What the *%^$#$ am I going to do with all my other rods?

Blue, Trenton, TX

 

Another very happy customer with her SECOND BILLYSTIX ROD!!!

THANKS, BILLY-- and the T-shirt is awesome, too...! I'm telling you folks that this guy does CUSTOM all the way...and the service can't be beat!

Just got back from the Keys. The mangrove snapper were spawning and we got our limit every night 3 to 4 miles offshore. All were 3 to 5 pounders. Also caught several bonnet head sharks and 16 dorado weighing from 14 to 50 pounds. However, the highlight of the trip was when my 12-year old caught a 4-foot, 40# barracuda. It took him 45 minutes to land it from our condo's dock. The sad part was that while he was fighting the fish one of the spectators backed into the BillyStiX rod. My poor son was crying when he should have been overjoyed as all he could think about was the broken rod. I told him not to worry--just show me the fish. Imagine that rod whipping a big 'cuda and then getting broken by some 250# woman's backside! I just doesn't seem fair!

Billy,

You may not remember me, but you made me a rod 6 months ago or so. My name is Jack Hays, from St. Augustine. I sent you photos of the Shimano Stella that I fish with and you matched the colors of the rod to match it. It's awesome! I can't thank you enough for such a nice rod. I've always fished with G. Loomis rods, but have to say that your product is just as good!

 

Billy,

Finally had the chance yesterday to use the spiral rod that you built, and let me tell you, it is the best thing since fishing was founded. I had the light-to-medium hooked up on some light fish and then the 5 to 6-foot sharks set in and we even had fun with them for a while. Thanks again for building me such a wonderful piece of ART!!

 

Capt. Chris Callaway

Mobile, AL

 

I don't own one of your rods, but saw one while walking the flats near Bonita Springs this past winter and asked the guy using it who made it. He let make a couple of casts and I was really impressed. I had seen the spiral wraps before, but the spiral wraps on this rod were outstanding. As I was trying the rod out I nailed a 20" trout, and the feel was great. I gave the guy his rod back and gave him the fish for allowing me to try it. The rod I used would be perfect on the striped bass and trout I catch up here in south Jersey!

Bucktail Willie

NJ

 

This was a great note from a young fisherman!

" One day I was in Cedar Key. My dad and I were troling and I cought a 14 pound grouper with a Billy Stix rod. My Dad said another pole would break. I love the pole. Your the best Billy.

Thank You!

Matthew "

 

Billy...

I have been fishing both the spiral wrap and spinning rods that you built for me for several months now and they have become my main arsenal for trout and reds. When I pick up one of my All Star or other rods I quickly notice the diffrence in feel and castability. We have been catching trout under the causway lights for about three trips now... 200 plus a night is the norm with many in the 18 to 22 inch range all on glow soft plastics and I have been using your spinner exclusively, I am using 10 pound mono with 1/8 oz. jig heads and the extra sensitivity has been a real asset with the light biting in a flowing current.

Bill Boubel

Corpus Christi, TX

P.S. I have fished and guided for over thirty years, and truly believe 'YOU HAVEN'T FISHED TILL YOU HAVE FISHED BILLYSTIX'

 

 

I'm Sold!

Casts like a dream and looks absolutely superb.

I'ts exactly what I wanted.

Much less effort for more distance = much more accuracy.

Hooked a small one on it's third cast even when the water was like pea soup. It gets me right to the edge of the lilies every cast.

I'm very, very, very pleased!

 

Chris Palmer

Christchurch, Dorset, England

 

He's not kidding lads.

Just got it, just tried it.

It's a Rolls Royce with all the extras.

It sounds strange I know, but it casts so smoothly, and further.

Don't ask me how it works. It just does.

A Fan in London, England!

Billy...

I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with the grouper rod you built for me. I've been fishing quite a bit and have caught a lot of fish with it. I am recommending your rods to the people I fish with.

Bill Blair

Gainesville, FL

Awesome rod, Billy!

If it performs like it is supposed to, I will be ordering another as soon as I can sell my other rods or have a spare $200 that needs a good home (LOL!). I'm glad I waited for a custom rod--the one you built is EXACTLY what I wanted. Its weight makes it the lightest rod I now have.

If anyone in the Corpus Christi area wants to see one of your rods, I'd be happy to show them mine.

Now I understand all the excitement about BillyStiX rods!

 

I have been fishing with two BillyStiX rods for about four months now. One is a 7-foot medium action spinner and the other is a 7- foot spiral wrapped casting rod built for chunking plastics. Both rods have performed well, but the spiral rod is the best casting and most sensitive rod that I have ever casted! The action is just right and once you get over the feeling that you are chunking a weird upside down rod you realize you are casting further than before and feeling light pick-ups better. Spiral guide rods seem to be more comfortable when you have a big red near the boat and he decides to dive under it to make another run. Any TEAM OSO members are welcome to try either of my BillySti if you like...But you will find yourself calling Billy with your order if you try them.

Bill

Corpus Christi, TX

Billy...

I love the new 'lid'!

I wore it into Bass Pro the other day when I took my beautiful new BillyStiX in for just the right reel. It caused quite a commotion! Over a dozen people handled that baby--everyone from the front check-in, the fishing department, the clothing section, the check-out counter and even in the parking lot.

You can expect a call from one of the sales supervisors--he called me aside to get one of your cards. He didn't want his boss to know how much he admired your work. With all those rods to chose from in his own store--he wants a BillyStiX!

Jim Davenport

Celeste, TX

Hi, Billy...

I just wanted to thank your for making my rod. I got it and my eyes nearly popped out! What a piece of art. Now I have to buy a new reel to match it--can't put an old one one it. At least that's the excuse I tell Wifie!

You have a very special talent and it shows on my rod. I'm waiting to get to the water to try out the rod and will give you an update on the big trout I plan to catch with my new secret weapon.

Again, thank you!

Norm Wade

Houston, TX

 

Dixie with a nice red!

Miss Dixie Goes Wading!

Hi, Billy…

I now have a total of three BillyStiX rods, my last being a SpiralStiX. I have been bass fishing for a little over 20 years and I have owned a fair number of ‘quality’ bass rods. But, after talking with you, and having you build me two custom BillyStiX spiral rods, I truly have had an total change in attitude towards bass fishing. I’m ‘kinda’ spoiled at this time!

Here’s an interesting