I have several questions.

Every year in early to mid January I take a trip to NW Ontario to fish Lake Trout through the ice. We travel with snowmobiles and tow flip-over style houses. I like to fish outside but all too often it is too cold to do that for extended periods. I'd like to get a few rods built for this trip. I'd like to build at least one new rod and possibly modify two standard "softwater" rods that I already have that I have broken. I've fished rods before from about 30 inches to 60 inches. And while I like a longer rod for jigging I really dislike trying to land a fish on that long of a rod. It needs to be short enough that I can still see down the hole to steer the fish up the hole. With a 5 foot rod I'm just too far away from the hole to see what the fish is doing. And for fishing inside the house 36 inches is about the maximum length. The fish average about 6 pounds with at least one 10 pounder caught a year with the potential for a 20.

1) For you blank suppliers: Is it possible to buy damaged blanks for a reasonable price? Maybe the first 36 - 48 inches of a medium heavy spinning rod blank? Or the tip section of a 10 - 12 weight fly rod? Or pull a section out of the middle of a blank? Any suggestions?

2) What is the best way to cut blanks to desired lengths?

3) The two rods I am considering modifying are both Berkley rods. A 6' Series One baitcaster that has lost the first 6 inches of the tip. And a 6' 2" Gary Roach Signature spinning rod that has lost 12 inches of the tip. I've been considering removing all the guides. Cutting the blank right at the foregrip. Shortening to the length I want. Then inserting that back into the handle. Thoughts? Is this a totally crazy idea?

Thanks for any input!

Matt,
Ice blanks are really inexpensive compared to regular blanks.
We carry a selection of blanks, components & grips for building
ice rods. Scott-- Merrick Tackle.

Matt,
See my long reply on the Guilde page.

Buzz