Hey guys, I tried posting yesterday but sign up wrong. Anyways heres my story. I'm going to be building my first custom rod for a costal fishing class and am dedicating it to my recently passed father. I'm going to be using this rod almost exclusivly from shore and pier. The main purpose of this rod is going to be my hunt for a thresher shark from Gaviota pier although i will be using it a lot on the shore or goleta pier for bat rays and leopard sharks. The blank that I've had my eye on is eather the calstar gf800m or the 850, even possibly the 9. I'm most likely going to be ussing a penn 500 jigmast for it. Anyways since i am a newb. Any suggestions as far as blank, number of guides, and what i really am looking for is some wrapping tutorials so i can make it realy intracit seeing as it will be a memorial. Any other suggestions or help is also welcome. Thank you kavesbcc@gmail.com

Brandon,

Glad to see you got the registration worked out! You had mentioned in your earlier post that your Teacher wasn't a Rod Builder, but that the first three weeks(?) of class were dedicated to Rod Building. There's a lot of local talent here that would probably be willing to help out. How much time do you have left? Ask your Teacher if he'd like to have someone step in with a few hands on lessons. Schedules permitting, I'm sure I could find a couple of our Ventura County customers to send his way.

Does he have anything in the way of books or DVD's? Have him contact me and I'll do what I can to help him out.

On your guide spacing, there really isn’t a correct “cookie cutter” approach. Spacing varies depending on the blanks action, the reel used, etc… Use the search feature here and search “static testing”. You’ll find more than you ever wanted to know about guide spacing.

What size line do you plan to use on your new rod and how much weight do you plan to throw? Those are key factors in selecting a blank. If you plan to use it from shore much, you might want to look towards the GF900’s or even the Seeker ULUA 10’. Be aware that anything over 8’ gets quite expensive to ship. Also, the longer the blank, the more the fish is going to work you. Tough balance between having enough leverage for a Thresher but still getting the casting distance you need from shore.

We’ve got the blanks you mentioned in stock as well as the ones that I mentioned. If you ever get down this way (57&210 Interchange), you’re welcome to stop by and pull on them.

Also, please contact me when you plan to catch a Thresher from the pier. That should be something to see! lol


Mark Griffin
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C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

Brandon,
I just competed a Calstar Grafighter 800M that I wrapped bumper stype. Awesome blank with lots of backbone. If your interested, I'll send you the spec sheet so you can see the guide layout for yourself. It's also got some other info such as reel seat, grips, etc. Cut me an emaIl if you want it. I can also send a couple of pics. Randy.

Hey Mark thanks again,
As far as the teach, i went to talk to him and i think i might have underestimated him a bit although i dont believe hes any kind of expert and will deffinatly perssue talking to him about having a guest although we dont have class until next friday unfortunatly. As far as a video, I believe he has one that is pretty basic but ill confirm when i talk to him. ill be posting between now and then.
Also avbout the rod use, I acually want it for a couple uses. One would be for 30# mono with a 3 or 4 ounce wieght. The other would be 40# mono.(as far as the wieght i havent had much chance to test wieghts for threshers at gaviota but i believe Ill start out with 5 oz.
Randy,
Sounds awsome, please do email me the specs.

BTW leaning towards the GF900M

Brandon,
your Email is hidden. Randy.

Randy,

His email addy is at the end of his first post.

Brandon,

I've got a GF900M spiral wrapped with a three guide transition (rather than a bumper) that I LOVE. I throw everything from Iron to Sardines with it and it casts a Country mile with a Trinidad 16N and 25lb. line. You won't get quite the distance with the Jigmaster. A set of Newell bearings (about $6) will help. Eric's in Ventura may have them. If you decide to go with the 900M I can send you my guide layout.

Mark Griffin
[]
C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

Mark,
OK, guess I missed it the first time, thanks. Just a short sidenote, Mark I sent an email to the business inquiring about the magnifying headsets. Didn't know if you got it or not, sent over the weekend.

Brandon,
It's on the way.

Randy

Randy,
I got nuttin'! I went through all the @#$%& inboxes as well as C&M's. Even checked spam folders! Did you use the address below?

Mark Griffin
[]
C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

Mark,
I'll send a new one. I used the link on your web page mabe it didn't go through or something. Randy.

thanks for the email randy,
mark, im about 90% sure im going with the GF900M and although im a newb and dont know the difference between bumper and a 3 guide transition please do send me the specs so i have omethin to go by, kavesbcc@gmail.com