Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Lorencz
Hi Abby, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from rural Michigan, the nearest recognizable city name is Bad Axe (I know😂). Born and raised in a 120 acre crop farm only 15 minutes from Lake Huron. Despite my proximity to water, I only started fishing in August of 2021 when I moved to Minnesota. I have a degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering form the University of Michigan with a minor in art and design.
It wasn’t until my first date with my boyfriend Taylor that I went fishing, and I was hooked!
Taylor and I take a trip out to the Lake Erie tributaries every fall for the steelhead fishing. While we were fishing the headwaters of one of the tributaries we were talking about where to get a rod for a reel that he had bought me for my Christmas present. This was the most beautiful reel I had ever seen, a 4.24” mother of pearl anodized centerpin. Taylor remarked that we would have to get a rod custom built as there wasn’t a great off the shelf option. I said that I was interested in how to build rods but knew nothing about it. In typical Taylor fashion he declared that I would start building rods- the rest is history.
When we got home from our trip I filed for my LLC and purchased a power wrapper on December 26, 2022. I completed my first rod January 1st 2023. An 8’6 4wt Diamondback clout fly rod. January 2nd Taylor and I took our rods we built and caught trout on them. That day I caught a fish on a rod I built with a fly I designed and tied. The rest is history.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenge with rod building is that there aren’t very many tools made specifically for the craft. This means that a lot of tools need to be retro fitted from woodworking or pen making. Thankfully there are a few builders who started making tools to sell specifically for this craft.
Having to figure out what techniques to use and where was definitely a process. I went through a lot of trial and error with different adhesives and epoxies to figure out how to get the results I wanted.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I build custom fishing rods. I have a line of bass rods that is becoming popular in Minnesota, those have pretty standard components although I can customize them if wanted.
Where I can really be creative is the specialty centerpin float rods used for salmon and steelhead. On those customers usually request a lot of color and decorative threadwork. This is what I really enjoy doing, I minored in art and design in college and selecting colors and doing intricate threadwork is what really scratches my creative itch.
We go to ICAST every year which the largest sportfishing trade show in North America. This year I built two rods that were displayed in booth there. I was an awesome opportunity to get more visibility on my work and meet other builders.
I am proud of how far I have come in such a short time, My reputation has grown quickly in the fishing community, I am known for quality craftsmanship. I am also proud of being able to create family heirlooms that will be passed down to future generations. I take immense pride in my work, and feel rod building is the purpose that was missing in my life. It’s the perfect marriage of artistry and my engineering background. And I love seeing the fish people catch using my builds
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Taylor Spraungel- My boyfriend. None of this would be possible without his support and expertise. He is the final say when prototyping. He has been fishing for over 20 years and does all of the testing and prototyping whether its a new blank or a different guide layout. He is always pushing me to try new things like building rods for a different technique of fishing or trying a new brand of blank or guide. He is a major part of Cabbage Creek Customs. His ideas and experience drive the innovation of our rods.
Andy Dear- the owner of Axis Outdoor products. He supplies my epoxy that I use and has become a great friends and mentor. Especially when it comes to using my wood lathe for rod building. Like I mentioned before tools are hard to find of what I need to do and Andy has been so helpful in finding the right tools and supplies and giving advice.
I have come to know so many other builders that been of great help: Danny Colville, Jake Ruedisale Mary McIntyre-Christy, Mark McKenna, There are many others that I have chatted with that have offered advice and techniques that are invaluable.
Bubba Funk (bubbafunkwork@gmail.com) is my graphic designer. He did an amazing job on my logo and any media work I ask him to do.
Ethan has become my first employee and has become very quickly skilled at building and is a huge help
Cal, Ben, Blair, Tom, and Zach are always helping prototype rods and push the brand.
And of course my customers, particularly Bobby D. and Dustin C. who have purchased more rods that I can count and continue to support and spread the word
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cabbage_creek_customs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CabbageCreekCustoms
