I’m still pretty new to rod building and this forum but I’m head over heels for rod building I just got done with my first build a rainshadow immortal 6’10” m xf spinning set up. Now I’m thinking of building a bfs rod as well for smallmouth river fishing and large mouth as well I’m considering the nfc SJ 703-1(X-Ray LMX) but I’m completely open to other options for blanks and components. I still haven’t made my mind up about grips real seat or even the guy yet I wanted to start at the blank and go from there. I have been partial to the carbon fiber grips so far but I’m thinking Fuji for the real seat and guides to make an ultralight set up. I’ve liked rod building so much. I’m getting ready to start selling some of my other store-bought, high and rods to fund my addiction.

The 703-1 is a very good blank and if you want to go a little lighter look at the 702-1. The lightest grip material you will find is natural cork, carbon fiber grips are heavier. The lightest real seat and grip set up I have found is a split seat like a Fuji SK2 without a foregrip and natural cork split reel seat grip and a natural cork and burle butt. These are casting rods that I cut the blank down to 6'9". I use Shimano Core 50 or Aldebaran. The Curados also work well for them, just not as light. If you build it without a bunch of bling and use micro guides you can get down to 2.5-2.75 oz with the split cork or EVA. The one in this picture with a little bling like a tiger wrap came out to 3.1 oz.
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Beautiful work ! I will definitely check out the 702 and the sk2 I haven’t been a huge fan of cork after it gets dirty but it makes sense I was think of cutting it down to 6’9” I’m stil trying to learn the nfc rods it can definitely be overwhelming

The nfc xray p700 was specifically developed as a true BFS blank. It is light/ultralight power (IP 115 i think). I have one of these waiting to be built.

I also recently completed an nfc xray sb683. CCS data has this rod around the Light/ML threshold (IP 258) and it's great at throwing bfs hardbaits like the Shimano Macbeth 39, Megabass Karashi, and Rapala Ultra Light Pop.

Which specific techniques are you building for?

I guess if you buy the reel, anything you put it on becomes a BFS?

A friend recently built this into a BFS and likes it: Rainshadow IMMWS72ML-TC
Shad Raps / Lindy Rigging / Jigs / Slip Bobbers

7'2" 6-12lb. 1/8-3/8oz. 1 0.422 4.0 Fast 1.6oz. ML

On sale at Get Bit now.

You want a fairly light power for the BFS light lures. So that it loads well on the cast.

You pretty much nailed it with all of the JDM smaller BFS lures wanna give it a shot for winter, smallmouth , fishing

I just built the 6’10” version of that rod for a spinning rod. Not sure what guide train I want to use a Honda like the NFC, soft, touch carbon grips.

I built the sb683 with Fuji ecsm reel seat, cork split grip, a Fuji rv6 butt guide, 4 Fuji alconite kb 5 and 5 kt 5 running guides and a size 5.5 tip top. You could certainly go smaller on the guide sizes, though, and honestly probably would if I built it again.

My total rod weight was under 3oz.

I have to take a look at that real seat I haven’t been a huge fan of cork grips, but I also haven’t built a rod with nice cork yet either

The ecsm is a blank-thru reel seat. I used fuji cork grips and they're great. If you seal with U40 cork sealer, it'll really help repel dirt and keep it from cracking and degrading long term.

I forgot to mention that I added a kdps thread hood and trimmed it with a blue accent carbon fiber matagi cover and matching blue trim ring (and winding check).

NFC has some really sharp, nice, carbon fiber grip components. I just don't think there is anything nicer or lighter. If there is, it will be by an insignificant amount, IMO. The ESCM seat has an angle to the grip/seat arrangement. If you don't want that, the ACSM is straight, also is sized for the blank so no insert is needed. It's my fav. The gunmetal hood is really sharp.

The P700 is a nice blank. The cB702 is also a good bfs blank. I like the added power of the 2/3 for inshore light lures. I haven’t tries the P702. I do like the P703

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I just built a P 700 Xray for inshore BFS, mated to a Curado BFS. It's been a great rod so far and landed plenty of lower slot reds and speckled trout. Great sight fishing tool for light lures.

I also recently built a IS 703-1 Xray, wouldn't consider it a BFS rod, Mated to a Tranx 150, but also a great sight fishing rod. Be happy to share on my experience if desired.

Both both with AT G2 9" carbon casting grips, AT G2 E- seats and CRB LZR light duty casting guides.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/14/2023 06:29PM by Robert Henry.

I really like the blank through reel seat i’m just starting out, so I need to learn all these little details. I like the hood as well. I’m starting to think I need to go with a little bit lighter Rod than the 703.

Patrick, beautiful Rod by the way thank you for sharing Robert I’d be interested in seeing those builds. They sound pretty sweet.

Once I learn to post pics I'll put some up...

I’m in the same boat I’m still new to this

Patrick, I’m still new to the game but I’m very interested in how you did the reel seat hood

[youtu.be]

There's a link from Anglers Resource that walks through using the KDPS hood and it's various options from Fuji.

The exact trim materials I used are available through Voodoorods.com and are made by Matagi. Same process though:

[voodoorods.com]

[voodoorods.com]

[voodoorods.com]

More kdps options through voodoorods:
[voodoorods.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/15/2023 07:24PM by Patrick Coco.