I've got another nephew coming of age (five) and wanted to build him a rod. I built a few for other nephews and nieces on Ugky Stik blanks with underspin reels and they worked out real well. I can't find any Ugly Stik blanks now. Does anybody know of a source or a recommended substitute? Something around 6', casting a wide mix of bobbers, sinkers, poppers, crank baits, plastic boats, sister's doll, etc. and can be strapped across the bike's handlebars and ridden through the trees??

Hi James for a five year check out Mudholes custom builder blanks.
Mike

I'd also go with the Mudhole suggestion. Kids love those colored blanks, and I've built both a pink and green UL Spinning rod for my 6-year old daughter. Coolest rods on the lake.

I would normally recommend a Mudhole blank but for one thing: if you are making a rod that is going to be held across (or strapped to) bicycle handle bars, a 2 pc. rod might be better. (I used to get to my favorite fishing spots by bicycle, and a 1 pc. rod would have made things difficult.)

Take a look at this blank from Netcraft. It's currently out of stock, but my guess is it will be available within a few days. [www.jannsnetcraft.com] 2 pc, 6' long tubular fiberglass, 1/4-3/4 lire weights...under $10.

I built a couple of the Mudhole specials and they are very good and do look real kool...
[www.rodbuilding.org]

This boy will be bicycling so I think I'll go with the Netcraft blank, it's both fiberglass and two piece.
I hadn't thought to check out Netcraft, thanks Gary.

You didn't mention anything about a reel. I have built a number of kids combos. I use the Mudhole color blanks or the all glass spin blanks from Batson. Both work well. If you are talking 5 years old and a little older buya new Zebco 33 reel. They are very durable and work well. Take the two chrome color housing pieces off the reel. Scuff them up and spray them with hobby spray paint to match the color of the wraps you are doing on the rod, or in Mudhole's case, match the color of the blank. Couple of coats of clear coat on the reel covers and you have a really cool rod and reel combo that kids love.

Buzz

I was figuring on an underspin, Zebco or Pfluger, used both and they work very well for small kids. As they get bigger they can replace it with a regular spinning reel too.

If 2 pc would work better, consider the Batson 51/2' Graphite spin blank.
Here is a link;
[www.schneidersrods.com]

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381