I have aready asked about guide placements in an earlier thread and it has made me think about what kind of a rod I really would like to build.

So for those of you that build alot of UL spinning rods this is what I would like. Could some of you give me some recipes that will work?

Here's the specs...

I would like to build a [1 piece] 5' UL spinning rod. I will be using a UL spinning reel, 2-4 lb test.It will be used mainly for pan fish. I would like "all black" [frames and rings] guides and top, EVA foam grip [front and rear], All black reel seat for UL reels.

Rod Blank recommendations?
Guides and top?
Grips?
Butt plug?
Reel Seat?

I would also like to build a 6' UL spinning rod but that's another topic.

Thanks, I really like this forum.

A longer rod will make the fish feel even larger! My ultra-lights are now all 6 feet or longer. Not saying you have to go that way, but I do enjoy mine. I also extend the rod by building the handle on a piece of 8 to 10 inch tubing or scrap blank. This makes the action even faster, and I find very few UL blanks that have a fast action, which I greatly prefer.

The New Guide Concept System outlined on the library page here is a real winner on these type rods.


............

James,

Is their a particular reason that you want to use Fiberglass? A graphite blank would give you a lighter blank. I would go with a split grip, even if you use EVA saves weight and looks cool, too. I would use an Amtak Palm seat [shop.mudhole.com] with NO foregrip and Fuji Alconite guides as I suggested in your last post.. Like Tom, I too prefer longer rods for ultra lightThis is what I use on most of my ultra lights and it make a nice rod. I'm sure you will get more ideas/opinions

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/21/2006 06:10PM by Mike Barkley.

I have been thinking about 6' or even 6'6". I totally like the idea of longer rods for UL spinning rods and faster action. I was only interested in fiberglass because the cost and learning curve [errors, ect.]. These will be my first rods so I need guidance. I have already read up on alot of information. I just need to get some recipes, and start building.

You can get U/L graphite blanks pretty reasonable Amtak Matrix [shop.mudhole.com] Nice Forecast RX-6U/L 6' or 6' 6" for under $20 [www.fishsticks4u.com]. May as well build what you want! You can get plenty of help here! Just take your time and enjoy

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Tom,

Have you ever tried using dowell rod (~6 inches) to make these ultra lites longer?

Mike,

Personally I prefer the split grip with a foregrip of about 1 inch. This is more for looks than anything. What use is a foregrip anyway?

James,

Send me an e-mail an I'll tell you a place to get 6.5 ft (2 peice) ultra lites for less than $12.00. Other wise the Batsons are the best value.

Ed Smith

Ed,

I do that sometimes, but usually I build an epoxy ramp from the blank to the seat and wrap right up it [www.rodbuilding.org]

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

James, think about using a 6' 6" 2wt. fly blank for an ultralight. I'm building a spinning rod from an American Tackle AMF662 fly blank. Actually I bought two 662's to build a matching pair - one fly, one spinning rod from the same blank. I can't wait to find some Big Bluegills to christen these rods with. I'm using a cork & rings seat and Fuji Alconite BYAG & #6 BLAG to the tip. With the blank weighing .8 ounce the entire finished rod will be near 2 ounces! Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

Would a 7' fly blank work or would that be overkill? Also, 7 footers seem to only be in 2 pieces. I like to all mine 1 piece setups.

What length rod do you want? you're building it, for you. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

I think in reality I would like to build a 6', 6'6" and a 7'. All ultra lites using ulra lite spinning reels using 2-4 lb test. I would like them to be 1 piece setups with eva handles.