What’s your favorite type of fishing (dry fly, nymph, streamer, worm and bobber)?
I’m a pragmatic fisherman. I use the flies that works best for the moment. I believe in presentation rather than imitation. Most of the time, I end up using general patterns that can be fished both dry and wet. I would love to learn more about nymph fishing, but when it comes to sub-surface fishing, I prefer streamers.
What would you consider your home waters?
I’m involved in a restoration project north of Stockholm. We are working on a stretch of flowing water, trying to restore an old brook trout habitat. This is where I spend most of my fishing time. But my heart is where I started to fish with my father 30 years ago, in Femundmarka in Norway. It’s a national park in the Norwegian mountains with great fishing for trout and grayling. Unfortunately it’s seven hours drive from where I live, so I don’t spend much time there nowadays.
What led you to rod making? When did you make your first rod?
I started to build fly rods during my first parental leave in 2007. I have always been working with my hands, building architectural models in balsa wood and doing mock-ups and prototypes. In the beginning, rod building was like armchair-fishing, but very soon I understood that I have the same mover in rod building as I do when I’m playing a musical instrument or designing a house: curiosity and the urge to master a box of tools. I’m haunted by the search for perfection.
What was the first rod you built?
My first rod was a Sage SLT 696-4. It had a preformed grip and a Struble reel seat. I remember my difficulties with the finish work. It takes time to master epoxy.
How long does a rod take you to build a rod from start to finish?
It depends on the level of custom work. A typical Fine Tackle rod has my own reel seat hardware, which adds a couple of hours. I would say 8 hours is what it takes to make a presentation grade fly rod.
When you begin building a rod, how do you select and source your components?
I have a large stock of materials in the work shop. I’m always looking for new materials that can be turned or blued to fit my style. I’m using brass and nickel silver tubing for most of my hardware, combined with different kinds of wood and polymers. It’s fun to find new applications for different and unexpected materials. I like to use cheap materials on my builds, like rubber for example.