I participated in the 2021 International Rod Building Challenge and am very pleased with my rod. We started with a 2-piece "Mystery" blank from American Tackle and I fell in love with it when I opened up the box! I used the AT G2 split grips, an AT CCT reel seat, and the Microwave 25's. I put a tiger wrap between the rear handle pieces, a diamond wrap over a versablend underwrap, and used trim bands and an insert on the guide wraps. The colors were in a Mardi Gras theme. Well, after getting my rod back from the judging, I took it out for some bottom fishing off the Oregon Coast, and it performed flawlessly! I am definitely signing up for the 2022 International Rod Building Challenge and I can't wait to see what we get to work with this time!

Sounds great Rich and thanks for all you do with the children .

I just saw the pictures of all the fish you were able to harvest from your outing with Mardi Gras themed rod. Love the color combination you used for the tiger wraps. I need some more practice with those. I hope you enjoy all that fresh fish!