Nestled in Nacogdoches, Texas, WVO Custom Rods has become a standout name for those seeking high-quality, personalized fishing rods. Founded and operated by Will Van Ostrand, this business specializes in creating one-of-a-kind rods designed to meet the unique specifications of each customer, all while maintaining a focus on durability and performance.
Fishing with Family
William first started fishing with his Dad and Grandmother at about 6 years old in Galveston. His Dad had an old Helton boat, and they would go out at night fishing. Will continued fishing with his grandmother on the Galveston piers well into her 70s, maintaining a deep connection to the waters and the memories shared with his family.
A Passion Born from a Distance
William’s journey into rod building started in Lobito, Angola. He found himself repairing rods corroded by the harsh environment. As he began to watch YouTube videos and teach himself the craft, Will ordered enough parts to build his very first rod. “By the time I went home for R&R, I had enough materials to build a rod,” he recalled. “I still fish with that same rod today.”
Over the years, Will honed his skills, adding intricate thread wraps and even creating segmented wood grips, all of which would later define the unique offerings at WVO Custom Rods.
Building a Reputation on Quality and Craftsmanship
Before relocating to Nacogdoches, William established his business in Tomball, Texas. There, he relied on word-of-mouth marketing, building rods primarily for inshore saltwater fishing. Since moving to Nacogdoches, his customer base has expanded to include a diverse range of rod types: bass, crappie, bream, and both offshore and inshore saltwater rods.
His work is defined by a commitment to excellence. “I only use high-quality blanks, guides, and reel seats,” he explained. “Every step of the build is done with care, ensuring that each rod performs as expected when it faces that fish of a lifetime.”
Unique Offerings for Every Angler
What sets WVO Custom Rods apart from others in the region is the level of detail and personalization William offers. His signature rods feature segmented patterned wood and EVA foam grips, as well as thread wraps with over 30 intricate patterns. Each rod takes between 6 to 8 hours to complete, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of craftsmanship. A segmented wood grip takes about 4 days to complete, and a full rod build can take up to 2 weeks.
“I build rods that are customized to each customer’s requests,” he explained. “I rarely build spec rods for sale; most of my work comes from specific orders with detailed features and designs.”
A Community-Centered Business
While William’s work focuses on creating premium custom rods, his dedication to the community is equally important. He is actively involved in local charitable efforts, often donating rods to causes like Delta Waterfowl and the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation. Recently, he donated a set of his-and-hers bass rods to the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation, supporting local heroes in the community.
“I also work part-time at the Nacogdoches Cigar Company and display my rods there,” he shared. “It’s a great way to connect with the community and talk about fishing.”
In addition to his rod building work, William is involved in several rod building groups, including Southern Rod Builders, South Coast Rod Builders, and the Custom Rod Building Guild. He also shares his knowledge by teaching others how to build rods.
Overcoming Challenges
Running a business is not without its challenges, and William has faced his share. One such instance occurred when a customer broke three guides on their rod. William was quick to step in, replacing the damaged guides at no cost. This commitment to customer satisfaction is a cornerstone of his business.
“My goal is to ensure every customer is happy with their rod, not just when they first get it, but throughout its lifetime,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As he reflects on his business’s success, William is committed to continuing to provide his customers with rods that meet their highest expectations. His vision for the future is clear: “To continue to provide one-of-a-kind rods of the highest quality that exceed customer expectations.”
Running a custom rod business has taught him a variety of lessons, particularly in guiding customers toward successful design choices. “I’ve learned to gently steer customers away from color combinations that may not work,” William explained. “When a customer says ‘Wow’ after seeing their rod, that’s the most satisfying part of the process.”
In the competitive world of custom rod building, WVO Custom Rods stands out by offering personalized, high-quality craftsmanship. As William puts it, “My rods look beautiful but are built to catch fish.” Whether for a seasoned angler or someone new to the sport, WVO Custom Rods delivers a truly unique fishing experience.
