When Bill Falconer, host of the Mastering Rod Building podcast, sat down with Casey Portier, the conversation revealed more than a shared love for custom rod building. It quickly turned into a story of craftsmanship, community, and quiet tenacity. Casey Portier, co-owner of VooDoo Custom Rods, alongside his wife LaDonna, has been part of the rod-building world for over fifteen years. Originally from Chauvin, Louisiana, a small town deep in the marshlands where generations of his family have made their living as shrimpers, Casey’s early life was intertwined with the rhythms of the Gulf.
“I basically grew up on a boat,” he shared. Days were spent shrimping, nights were spent sleeping, and any free moment was spent chasing fish offshore with his younger brother. Fishing was second nature, but rod building came later.
A Trade That Sparked a Passion
A plumbing distributor by trade, Casey’s foray into custom rods started when a customer offered to trade a rod for a specialty toilet seat. Although the rod he received left him disappointed, it sparked a new interest. Encouraged by LaDonna, he ordered a starter kit from Mud Hole and built his first rod, labeled “CTP Custom #1.” That rod still sees use today.
Building a Brand from the Ground Up
From that point, Casey immersed himself in the craft, attending Mud Hole classes and rapidly advancing his skills. Eventually, the couple launched VooDoo Custom Rods in 2011 and bought a small component business, Bullard International, in 2014. From their home workshop, they evolved into a trusted name in rod-building components and supplies, especially known for their high-end offerings.
The VooDoo Difference: Quality with a Personal Touch
What sets VooDoo Custom Rods apart isn’t just the components. They stock premium Japanese brands like Matagi and Justace, but add a personal touch. Every order arrives with a handwritten note from LaDonna, a detail customers often mention. The business is built not just on quality but on character.
Introducing High-End Components to the U.S. Market
Casey’s knack for identifying niche markets has helped VooDoo Custom Rods to thrive. He was among the first to bring Matagi components to American builders and continues to expand into specialty gear such as Justace grips and T-Russell blanks. These aren’t just aesthetic upgrades but tools for serious builders pushing the limits of form and function.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision
Now, the Portiers are preparing for the next chapter. With plans for a brick-and-mortar shop and Casey eyeing retirement from his day job, they hope to grow VooDoo Custom Rods into a family-run hub for rod builders and local anglers alike. Their long-term goal is simple: have everything they sell in stock and ready to ship. No surprises and no back orders.
Staying Connected to the Craft
Despite their success, they haven’t lost touch with individual builders. Casey still builds and tests rods himself, regularly experimenting with new products. Their recent introduction of beginner kits has opened the door for new builders, while high-end collaborations with brands like Batson and Bates Reels keep them at the cutting edge.
“Anything we can do to bring new people into the craft helps all of us,” Bill noted. Casey agreed. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your competitive edge, VooDoo’s approach, which is rooted in passion, precision, and people, offers something for everyone.
A Legacy Built on Passion and Precision
For custom rod builders, VooDoo Custom Rods is more than just a supplier. They’re a partner in the process, a trusted source of quality, and a reminder that in fishing and in business, doing things the right way never goes out of style. With every component they sell and every note they write, Casey and LaDonna Portier are building more than rods—they’re building trust, community, and a legacy that will inspire the next generation of builders.
