I just completed my new CTS Affinity X 6 weight. Test casting out on grass. Of course the real test will be on the water. On the grass, casting distances of 3o yards with a foam hopper was so easy. The rod loads beautifully on the back cast, and makes very tight loops. The only issue 'i had was when putting my reel on for the first time, I noticed a bird's nest on the head, about 6 feet back from the end. I tried to get it out with no luck. I cut the line and tried a 5 turn blood knot. I just couldn't make that work. So I tried back to back clinch knots, and even an Albright. Nothing was giving me a smooth, clean knot that wouldn't catch on a guide. I perused the web and found another site where people discussed fly fishing. There was one poster who had the exct same problem, only on the stream. He solved it by tying a 2 turn blood knot, and stated the knot has never failed him, and goes through the guides smoothly. I did the same, tied a 2 turn blood knot to join the line halves together. It made a very smooth knot. I snipped the tag ends close and tested it. I pulled on the line as hard as I could, and the knot held perfectly.

I belive this works because the coating on a fly line is just compressible enough to create great friction, with multiple wraps protecting the coating fro being strpped from the core. As I stated, the line reached out easily and slid through the guides like butter. I'm a happy man.

Tight Lies and frisky fish

RJF

Robert,
I'm glad that you like the rod.
Those tight knots in a fly line are a PITA.
Interesting remedy.
Herb
CTD Rep



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2022 09:53AM by Herb Ladenheim.

Good review. I was looking at the 6 wt blanks on the website last week. X vs M for short shots throwing crab patterns?

The X will easily handle weighted crayfish. I don't see why it wouldn't do well with crab. Oh, and the Lamson Liquid 6 weight perfectly balances the rod at the center of the full wells seat.

Thanks for your help Herb. I used a Fuji stripping guide, and Snake Brand Eco Coated snake running guides. A snake tiptop completed the guide set. Gen 4 epoxy was used to cover the Fuji wrapping thread. The green thread really compliments the satin blue blank color. In the sun, this rod looks as good as it feels, maybe better. For looks, Winston has nothing on RJF Custom Rods. And yes, I'm bragging just a bit. I'm proud of this build. If you have $750.00 U.S., I can make one for you too LOL.

Tight Lies and frisky fish

RJF

To Tim Scott,

Tim,
Contact me ([email protected]) to discuss pros/cons of trhe X and M.
Also, for pricing.
Herb
CTS Rep

A four inch sleeve of hollow, braided nylon monofilament can be slipped over each of the cut fly lane, pulled tight, and a monofilament whip finish applied over each of the outer ends of the cut tubing. A light coat of clear nail polish over the wrappings completes the job. As long as the breaking strength of your tippet does not exceed #25 you need not worry about the splice breaking.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2022 07:12PM by Phil Ewanicki.

I prefer not to use loops. Don't know why. O just prefer a smooth knot.

Tight Lies and frisky fish

RJF

Phil, unless I'm mistaken, the sleeve acts essentially like the chinese finger puzzle; so no loop to loop connection is involved.

Yup. - Your line might hinge a bit at the splice, but your reunited line will run smoothly through your guide train.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2022 11:47AM by Phil Ewanicki.