VANDALIA RODWORKS

I started the company based on the premise that angling can be much more than just catching fish. The enjoyment of angling is sometimes based on the quality of our gear, the understanding of our surroundings, and most importantly the idea that we can experience the resource even better when we give back to it through conservation. I practice catch and release of all wild and native trout. This conservation ethic makes each fishing trip intensely more meaningful.

 

I grew up in the remote community of Uler, West Virginia on the same farm as the 5 generations of Smith's before me. There was a small creek behind my house where I learned to dunk worms and ultimately to cast a fly. I have a strong attachment to being the land and my Appalachian sporting heritage.

 

In addition to making rods, I am passionate about photography, videography, cooking, snowboarding, music, fitness, sports, church, and my family. From 2012-2014 I served as the Chair for West Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited. I now serve as the West Virginia National Leadership Council (NLC) Represenatitive and the President of the Sal font Chapter of Trout Unlimited, which takes an incredible portion of my time only because I believe in the cause and I believe in doing it the right way. I also am working for the West Virginia Rivers Coalition coordinating support for a campaign to establish the Birthplace of Rivers National Monument in West Virginia to protect our most iconic trout waters. My time is diverted 1,000 different ways so you must be understanding that turnaround time on custom fly rods is slow, but worth the wait.