Paul Arden | Monday, 21 December 2015
I had a lovely birthday here in the Philippines on Camingian Island, which is a stunning volcanic island paradise. There is very good fishing to be had - apparently - but I didn't see big fish in the flats because there weren't any. We stayed at Volcan Eco Resort, which is a super place - great food, nice people and we'll come back next year and dive/fish. I've decided that this year I'm going to work...
Now you're probably thinking WTF? Did I read that right? Paul - work? What sort of madness could have brought this on? But I've realised that better business means more and better fishing! 25yrs of shoestring fishing has been fantastic of course but now it's time to do some work! This year I'll concentrate on two things, 1 The Hot Torpedo Rods and 2 Casting Clinics.
I have a really great product. 35 years of fly fishing and 20 years of casting demonstrations has really helped cement this, but more than that, I think I have a feel for what a rod should do when it comes to all casts. The Hot Torpedo is quite simply better by design. But really that's for you to decide.
Many have said that it should be cheaper! Of course I can make a cheaper rod but it won't be the Hot Torpedo. In order to sell the HT cheaper I'd have to cut costs. That might mean inferior build quality, cork that isn't the best, a saving on fittings and so on...
Well obviously that's not going to happen! But I will look for something more appropriate in the mid price rod market. However in the meantime I have yet to fully expand the HT range and am developing the 9ft HT10 and a 7'6 HT3.
It's going to be fun!
Time to board a plane. One day in Cebu, then it's back to Malaysia and the jungle for Christmas.
Have an awesome week!
Cheers, Paul