Dixie Custom Rods is a small business that evolved from a combination of working as a machinist in an Automotive Components Manufacturing environment, being an avid tournament fisherman, and a passion for craftsmanship as a rodbuilder and lure maker. I attended a Machinist Vocational Program after high school and worked as a machinist for over 20 years in an Automotive Transmission manufacturing facility. I later had the opportunity of serving in a Project Management role at the same facility in Knoxville Tennessee serving as Project Leader for new product launches and vehicle noise/vibration reduction projects . This experience was very beneficial since the involvement with the Product Engineering group was a great learning experience in understanding vibration characteristics of various carbon and composite materials. During this time, I realized that the trends of using traditional materials and processes on rod handles did not make sense. These materials absorb vibration instead of transmitting vibration. This is when I began experimenting with utilizing graphite, carbon, and high density cork for handle components. These materials amplify vibration instead of absorbing it. Using these materials results in a rod that has no vibration absorbing material with all the vibration going to your hand.