Just heard from the ICRBE that Mike Harris won the casting contest.

Congratulations Mike

Bobby Feazel

[www.shockwaverods.com]

Conventional wisdom will not open the box.

Mike won part of the contest- there were 4 categories, I think he won two. I'll have to go back and look at the entry sheet next week . I'll try to get some of the results up next week. While not entirely scientific, it was fun and some things did stand out - some of the "micro guide" rods didn't cast very far, nor did the spinning rods with large ring, and fewer, guides. Several people had rods with combination micro and large guides and did quite well. A few guys had rods that just exceeded the 6'6' limit. They got to cast anyway. It lived up to the spirit of the event and was fun.

Not as many entered as I thought might, but we had a good many spectators. I think many were a little apprehensive about casting in front of other builders.

The division winners can fill you on the details of their particular rod specifics. There were some funny moments.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/20/2010 11:16PM by Tom Kirkman.

The rod I used was built on a **X CB783 Crankbait blank. It used BLAG 4 guides all on top and a BMCAT tip. With a split CastAway reel seat and carbon skinned grips the completed rod weighed 2.6oz. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of the rod and then got an offer I couldn’t refuse at the show, maybe the new owner will post some pictures at some time….

I used a Bass Pro Shop Extreme baitcasting reel, which I may or may not have modified slightly…..

I believe that the reason the distances are so close is that we were up against the aerodynamics of the least aerodynamic 3/8 casting plug in the world, and a pretty good headwind. That is not a complaint since it was certainly fair to everyone, but I believe that with a smaller projectile we would have reached some much more impressive distances, I had to turn my magnets all the way to max just to get a cast in.

Congrats Mike......as a user of BPS reels that's like a win for the home team in my book. I know that was a knife between the ribs of some of the $400 per reel guys. Still though, a big determining factor is knowing your particular piece of equipment well. I would guess that you practiced enough with that one that it was an extension of your arm/hand/thumb.

Congrats Mike and it was nice to meet you!

DR