Sorry, I'm blank oriented. AVC68MXF. SCIII, LBC68MXF. SCIV, LBC68MXF. SCV St. Croix rods.
,

>
>
> No, i'm afraid not , as enticing as fishing the
> Detroit area sounds i stay in a small area on the
> NC/SC coastline , i do not know Mr.Danek but i'm
> sure he's a splendid chap .

That’s a part of the US I’d love to see some day and of by chance you ever make it up here in April May into June, you let me know as I’d be happy to show you how we chase Walleye up here.

Brad Potter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The Rainshadow Immortal IMMWS62MXF builds an
> excellent rod for this purpose.
>
> Build it KR concept spinning, or simple spiral
> casting.
>
> I built one a few years back and use it jigging
> Erie, DR, and Sag River.
> It is slightly better in my mind with the heavier
> jigs (5/8 - 1oz), but still suitable for the
> lighter jigs in the Saginaw system.

Thanks Brad, am I off base in thinking the action of a finished rod will be effected by the type and more so the length of handle used? Wouldn’t a shorter handle “possibly” make for a softer rod being there’s more blank out past front of handle and conversely the opposite of you went longer handle/stiffer feel ??

I’m not sure about the quality of the bright White blanks offered by Mudhole and Id be lying if I didn’t say I’m slightly fixated on how cool and different the rod would look but I’m truly after Quality over astestics in the long run.

Just checked MH website and doesn’t look like they sell the Rainshadow line and with shipping being what it is I think I’ll need to try and order everything I’ll need from the same retailer. MHX or Pointblank ??



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2019 05:30PM by Ernie Roberts.

Spencer Phipps Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sorry, I'm blank oriented. AVC68MXF. SCIII,
> LBC68MXF. SCIV, LBC68MXF. SCV St. Croix rods.
> ,

I’m chasing a spinning rod build Spencer instead of a factory built. Unfortunately St Croix put a damper on blank purchases anymore so I thought hey Sage I think always had a good name. Wow it didn’t take me long to hit the back button once I seen a $520 blank from them haha ouch

Just to confirm my building requirements consist of,

Best bang for the buck Quality blank
6’/6’3”range
Spinning
Using 1/2, 5/8 sometimes in windy conditions 3/4oz leadhead jigs
No casting required, fishing boatside, open bail, drop presentation to bottom, jig up 12”-18” and repeat
10-15 lb braid
Lightest low profile top quality spinning guides
Quality reel seat and handles for best sensitivity

Prefer to order everything I need from one supplier (I will order from Mudhole) including a good starter kit without going overboard as in is a drying station/machine necessary. Will a cardboard box suffice to support blank for building and maybe a weighted phone book for thread tensioning.

Suggested size/type/amount of thread to complete a quality rod
Other tools, alcohol burner, brushes, cups etc to make process easier

I truly appreciate you guys helping me get going here and I’m doing my best not to be a pain but I’m enthusiastic and it’s a bit overwhelming with all the different options available for someone green like me and I’m doing my best to try and stay on track here. So please hang in here with me so I can figure out what direction I’m going to go.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2019 06:00PM by Ernie Roberts.

Yes, reel seat placement can have an impact on rod action. I.e. longer handle = slower, shorter = faster.

I still say the Rainshadow is the blank you seek.
Fit it with a VSS spinning reel seat in down locking with a hidden hood.
Build it KR concept. Use Fuji KLH guides 16H, 8H, 5.5m and 4.5 or 5.0 micro running guides. Or, use PacBay Minimas.

All this can be found from Git Bit Outdoors and/or other sponsors along the side.

Plenty of rods built using the cardboard box and phone book method. There are also inexpensive wrappers, or you can build your own (I have plans if you'd like).

A single 100 yrd spool will do several rods.

Other tools. Something to cut thread - razor blades, scalpel, etc...your choice. Alcohol burner is handy, but a lighter will do if you are careful. You can leave black residue with a lighter when removing fuzzies…works fine if you are heating and thinning epoxy (which might not be necessary depending on your preferred technique). If cork handle you'll need some type of reamer. Rat tail files work.

Rod dyer is nice but not needed. You can hand turn and get results equal to a dyer.

A couple of the rod finish brands have "kits" with the finish, mixing cups, stirrers, etc.

Unlock your email or drop me an email and I can send you an exact list of parts.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/12/2019 08:09PM by Brad Potter.

Brad Potter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The Rainshadow Immortal IMMWS62MXF builds an
> excellent rod for this purpose.
>
> Build it KR concept spinning, or simple spiral
> casting.
>
> I built one a few years back and use it jigging
> Erie, DR, and Sag River.
> It is slightly better in my mind with the heavier
> jigs (5/8 - 1oz), but still suitable for the
> lighter jigs in the Saginaw system.

+1 on Rainshadow all the way!! If the IMMWS62MXF if 6'2" is to short Cut and epoxy in a piece of old blank in the butt of the rod for a longer rear grip, Very easily done! I also use the IMMWS68MXF that has been trimmed-up just a bit to my own liking. Because of the Zoo on the D, The crappy access sites and theft problem years back at Alter rd. as well as St.Jeans + The lines to launch! I have abandoned it. I happily moved on to the Saint Clair river system to do my Spring And Fall fishing using the same Jigging program as on the D. I own 2 of each Of the above rods. 2 IMMWS62MXF for the upper river a bit faster water. And 2 IMMWS68MXF for the lower river with a little slower water. I doubt You will ever find the 'Perfect - blank' off a Rack that we all dream about, But a little added here, And a small nip their, We can get real close!! That's why were rod builders. I lived here my whole life life, Just 1 mile from Lake Saint Clair. But I grew up fishing the D, pulling wire - Handlining every spring and fall. With Gramp's and Dad, Lots of Good Memories for sure. Oh and you have more than enough time to get 1 or 2 built before all those Ice flows stop coming down. Remember water Temps are the key! Currently as I post this water temp is 33 degrees at Belle Isle. The Big Girls don't Dance until water is about 43 and above So we're gonna need some seriously warm rain or it's going to be late, My guess this year, First week of april, . So get your order in [www.getbitoutdoors.com] You Should be able to get it in one shot. Bust out a thick book for a thread tensioner and a V notched box! And you Be Wrappin like Snoop Dogg!!!. LOL Cheers and Tight Lines. Jaa

Brad Potter Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Yes, reel seat placement can have an impact on rod
> action. I.e. longer handle = slower, shorter =
> faster.
>
> I still say the Rainshadow is the blank you seek.
>
> Fit it with a VSS spinning reel seat in down
> locking with a hidden hood.
> Build it KR concept. Use Fuji KLH guides 16H, 8H,
> 5.5m and 4.5 or 5.0 micro running guides. Or, use
> PacBay Minimas.
>
> All this can be found from Git Bit Outdoors and/or
> other sponsors along the side.
>
> Plenty of rods built using the cardboard box and
> phone book method. There are also inexpensive
> wrappers, or you can build your own (I have plans
> if you'd like).
>
> A single 100 yrd spool will do several rods.
>
> Other tools. Something to cut thread - razor
> blades, scalpel, etc...your choice. Alcohol
> burner is handy, but a lighter will do if you are
> careful. You can leave black residue with a
> lighter when removing fuzzies…works fine if you
> are heating and thinning epoxy (which might not be
> necessary depending on your preferred technique).
> If cork handle you'll need some type of reamer.
> Rat tail files work.
>
> Rod dyer is nice but not needed. You can hand
> turn and get results equal to a dyer.
>
> A couple of the rod finish brands have "kits" with
> the finish, mixing cups, stirrers, etc.
>
> Unlock your email or drop me an email and I can
> send you an exact list of parts.

Thanks Brad. Alright you guys have me sold sold sold on this Immortal Blank.

I’m thankful you mentioned the Fuji KR Concept and after watching the video on the testing they did it’s incredible the difference having the right guides make in how line pays out of a reel and downcast through the guides so ya great idea.

I’m an a wee bit concerned with the extra long single footed stripper guide and how fragile it looks to be but I’m pretty careful with my gear so I’ll just have to extremely careful. I suppose to going to double footed stiffens the blank and then adds extra weight too compared to singles.

So many materials to choose from and price points for guides it’s next to impossible for me to know what to get. Weight and balance is the obvious keys but best bang for the buck again come into play for me.

Building a winding station would be great but if I’m going to get a rod ready for this spring I think buying something factory made is my best option

I’m really thinking a trick looking Red Winn grip split rear and front grips with complimenting trim rings (winding checks are the called)

Do you possibly know of this trick looking Raptor reel seat advertised on Mudhole. Think it’s machined aluminum but man it looks sharp with the red insert. I don’t want to discredit the seat you mentioned Brad bc ultimately comfort, weight and sensitivity is the goal.

What type and size thread should I need. Different sizes maybe for decorative vs guide holding threads ??

Jay Dubay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Brad Potter Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > The Rainshadow Immortal IMMWS62MXF builds an
> > excellent rod for this purpose.
> >
> > Build it KR concept spinning, or simple spiral
> > casting.
> >
> > I built one a few years back and use it jigging
> > Erie, DR, and Sag River.
> > It is slightly better in my mind with the
> heavier
> > jigs (5/8 - 1oz), but still suitable for the
> > lighter jigs in the Saginaw system.
>
> +1 on Rainshadow all the way!! If the IMMWS62MXF
> if 6'2" is to short Cut and epoxy in a piece of
> old blank in the butt of the rod for a longer rear
> grip, Very easily done! I also use the
> IMMWS68MXF that has been trimmed-up just a bit to
> my own liking. Because of the Zoo on the D, The
> crappy access sites and theft problem years back
> at Alter rd. as well as St.Jeans + The lines to
> launch! I have abandoned it. I happily moved on
> to the Saint Clair river system to do my Spring
> And Fall fishing using the same Jigging program as
> on the D. I own 2 of each Of the above rods. 2
> IMMWS62MXF for the upper river a bit faster water.
> And 2 IMMWS68MXF for the lower river with a
> little slower water. I doubt You will ever find
> the 'Perfect - blank' off a Rack that we all dream
> about, But a little added here, And a small nip
> their, We can get real close!! That's why were
> rod builders. I lived here my whole life life,
> Just 1 mile from Lake Saint Clair. But I grew up
> fishing the D, pulling wire - Handlining every
> spring and fall. With Gramp's and Dad, Lots of
> Good Memories for sure. Oh and you have more than
> enough time to get 1 or 2 built before all those
> Ice flows stop coming down. Remember water Temps
> are the key! Currently as I post this water temp
> is 33 degrees at Belle Isle. The Big Girls don't
> Dance until water is about 43 and above So we're
> gonna need some seriously warm rain or it's going
> to be late, My guess this year, First week of
> april, . So get your order in
> [www.getbitoutdoors.com]
> rbon-fiber-grips.html You Should be able to get
> it in one shot. Bust out a thick book for a thread
> tensioner and a V notched box! And you Be
> Wrappin like Snoop Dogg!!!. LOL Cheers and Tight
> Lines. Jaa

Hi Jay, we have a farm/cottage about 4 miles north of Algonac on the Canuck side. I’ve been a caster drifter whipper and in recent 10-15yrs an inspiring handliner (so much credit goes to Bill Bell for a lifetime of knowledge and ongoing help)

This Vertical Jigging bug grabbed a serious hold on me last spring and man i was so very tempted to buy a premade Detroit river special from Jim Grandt as I’m sure their specific to this technique but I’m just the type to learn how to make my Own custom VJ rod.



I’m wondering now that you’ve mentioned this longer 6’8” Immortal Blank amd is it possible or am I just dreaming here that a guy could somehow temporarily tape/secure everything in place to get out there and put it through a quick test run and then if things say are too soft on the tip or maybe want to shorten it to change balance point?? I’d prefer to start with a longer blank as this 6’8” and then maybe it’ll end up 6’4” or 5” once I can find tune to my needs. Is that an option

Man this is just awesome and I’m super stoked... need advice from you guys if I’m gonna order from the guys at get bit, winding station, and basic stuff to get this rod built. I have a decent selection of hand tools and oh ya what are these Winn grips like to ream the guts out of (is it gummy) I should order a decent rod handle reamer as they aren’t that expensive. So please if you guys could let me know what thread station and other stuff I need I’d certainly appreciate it.

What do You suggest for a trick reel seat and spilt grip Winn setup along with guides. I don’t want to discredit in any way Brad but it’s good to get other people opinions too. Especially guys like both of you who play this game. I’d like to have it super trick while maintaining weight and balance

I’m gotta run for now to catch the last time out ice fishing Walleye here this afternoon. Fat ladies singing for open water and of for what it’s worth I already have a few friends that have been slipping their small Aluminums in off the ice and they’ve already been pulling limits of some nice eaters and up to 4lbers already the past 2 weeks on the St Clair. Incredible that rivers been holding resident eyes. Last spring we were dodging ice flows up at the Sarnia Casino and I mean absolutely Smashing them. I couldn’t get over how thick they were in there.

So let’s get me rockin here because it’ll take USPS/Canada Post likely 2 weeks to get my order here with my new rod components.

Ernie, sorry no word from my guy yet, but you have some really good input here already. I'll post if I hear from him. Again, sorry.

Ernie I will post tomorrow here is a thread the touches a bit on mocking up a rod. I will be on hear or PM you. It just got a bit to late for me today I was very busy. [www.rodbuilding.org]

No problem Michael I sure have some knowledgeable guys helping me achieve my goals

Well I debated over two days on getting either the Immortal or the Eternity blank and temptation and my never ending admiration and addiction to hi end toys (within reason) got the best of me so I got the 6’8” MF Eternity. I figured I’ve been an avid angler for all but the first 5yrs of my 58 and great components are worth every cent for the return in satisfaction while out there enjoying the sport.

I ended up going with the Fuji KR concept in titanium K series guides including tip top
Seriously considered going Aluminum reel seat and split Winn grips and yet my gut told me it was maybe going to end up slightly heavier overall and as Brad mentioned the Aluminum could prove to be maybe colder compared to the composite VSS17 and matching cork split grips and smallest butt cap they had, so that’s the direction I went..

What do you guys think would be most practical winding checks. I had no clue what sizes to order without having the blank to measure with my verniers...

I hope I got it right ordering A size thread for the guides
Thin build epoxy I thought wouldn’t be as thick as the high build options and I was hoping it might have a tendency to soak deeper into the threads and onto the blank

1-2oz kit of U-40 rod bond epoxy for the seat and grips ( hope this is the right stuff) think I also got some epoxy gel also. Got a bunch of different types amd colours of A threads, thread preserver, 1/8 and 1/4 brushes, cups stirsticks popsicle sticks, Cork sealer

So ya I hope I got most everything I need to get this build going in time to test it out on these river run fish that’ll be running hot and typically lasting until June.

My guide/builder friend chimed in, and he uses mostly Rainshadow 842's and 843's, cutting them down as people want. He stated that with his better fishermen, he likes them to use the blanks at 7 feet. This is consistent with what many others have been suggesting.

Michael Danek Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My guide/builder friend chimed in, and he uses
> mostly Rainshadow 842's and 843's, cutting them
> down as people want. He stated that with his
> better fishermen, he likes them to use the blanks
> at 7 feet. This is consistent with what many
> others have been suggesting.

To each their own. I have a $150 Dobyn Fury 7’ Vertical Jigging rod I purchased last year and I don’t care for it compared to the the shorter St Croix 6’3” Eyecon. Both decent rods but the shorter rod makes for less strain on the body after a few days back to back out there. Appreciate the report just the same Michael.

I'm a big fan of the 6 ft. rod, I don't know about now, but originally the anglers were going longer only because they were getting bigger, wider boats that needed a longer rod to comfortably get the tip over the side. My boat has an 83 inch beam so my 6 ft. rods work fine. Lighter and better balanced works for me.

Agreed Spencer, I have younger buddies who Vertical Jig a Lot plus they have homes right along the river parkway but those guys prefer the longer 6’8”-7’ rods. I’ve tried down to 5’6” and well it wasn’t really it either, then the 6’3” St Croix Eyecon worked and much nicer length but I feel I can do better in the feel and sensitivity department by building custom.

You guys have any experience with the RodGeeks C4 blanks ?? I’ve read their made in Mexico but so are a few of my fender Strats and I love them, their similar or close to the St Croix (forget the series tho) and one thing that’s lured me in is their custom colour options, that 70:30 would look pretty sharp.

Thanks to Brad and Norm from this site, they’ve both opened my eyes to not needing expensive titanium guides so I’ve decided to use the FazLite in the KR concept,

Rodgeeks blanks are fine blanks. I've built a few C4's and I'm not sure I can tell them from st Croix SCV.

Thanks Michael. I’ll have to email them to see what it’ll cost for shipping to Canada. Nice to be able to order everything from same place because shipping sure adds up but man I love to colour options think it would make a sharp looking rod.

Thought maybe I’d try one spinning rod with the KR Concept amd Another with the Minima 4 match on another and see how the two compare. I like there’s inexpensive guide options available to us.

Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars...