I did a jigstick in a rootbeer-like color and wrapped it in black and metallic copper - like a new penny. The copper really sets off the blank and is less common than gold, making it more unique
Forum: rodboard

If you are in Southern California by chance there is Bob Marriot's fly shop. I picked up a couple full pheasant skins with all the feathers. also, surprisingly, you might find a good variety at Michaels, Joanne's or Hobby Lobby.
Forum: rodboard

I replaced a guide on one of my brother's sticks before - old golden Sabre, blue and white wrap. I asked if he wanted me to try and match the old color and he sarcastically replied for me to do it whatever color I wanted. I did it in shades of hot pink and pearl. At first he was not amused, but now I am replacing the wraps on the third guide on his rods with this color scheme as it makes his s
Forum: rodboard

Rob, I think there is an opportunity here to have her help you design a rod. Pick a blank that you think she would use for her style of fishing. Have her help pick out all the components and the thread colors. Let her do the work, telling her that it is for someone very special and that you really want her to contribute to the design and build. When it is complete, give it to her since she is
Forum: rodboard

Great story. So very inspiring. Why not take the political comments to another thread instead of tainting what should stand as an example of the human spirit?
Forum: rodboard

I get one or two of these every year for white elephant gift exchanges. They are usually the first gift to be frozen from meeting the required nymber of steals.
Forum: rodboard

Just looking for general opinion here. A couple years ago I bought out someone that was getting out of rod building - got a ton of Gudebrod thread and a bunch of guides, other components and a power wrapper. A lot of the guides are used in a range of conditions from new to questionable. I am of the mindset that if I am going to invest the time and $ of a good blank and other components I am no
Forum: rodboard

In an emergency you could use a cordless drill. Attach the butt end to the chuck and then wrap a ziptie around the trigger. SLOWLY tighten until it just starts moving.
Forum: rodboard

I checked with my friend at Ahi and they just import teh finished product, no components.
Forum: rodboard

The Promar/Ahi Sabiki sticks are complete but still pretty basic. They would be really easy to dress up. That is if you are looking for a Sabiki stick where the smaller sabikis go inside the rod. Retail they are usually $60-$70, but can get them on the Fred Hall Show special for $50 and going by the booth gets you a couple sabikis to start. They come in 7 and 8 footers, but some people like k
Forum: rodboard

Thanks Roger. Appreciate the responses. Didn't know if there was some other trick, but this seems like a good approach
Forum: rodboard

Thanks, Tom. These are for my own use.
Forum: rodboard

I recently got a good buy on a bundle of new blanks as well as rods that need to be stripped and rebuilt. After stripping down the blank, if there is no model number visible or it is illegible, what is the best way to determine the min, max and ideal line weight for the blank? Theses are old Calstar, Sabre and Seeker glass blanks, so I will be stripping and revarnishing as well. I figure I sho
Forum: rodboard

Welcome to the addiction! Try to find a place nearby that stocks components. It may be a tackle shop that also does custom builds or, if you are lucky, a distributor. In Southern California we used to have BC Distributing, which was really great for me. I could wander in and the guys would help me pull together exactly what I needed and do a side-by-side comparison on component options. I ha
Forum: rodboard

Try leaning it in the same position, rotated 180 degrees and see if the bend comes out?
Forum: rodboard

Take a look at Pacific Bay PBX II. Good blanks on a budget. Opens up some more $$ for better components.
Forum: rodboard

I think there was something at the Fred Hall show this year in Long Beach that is an attachment that will float to the top after the rod sinks, allowing it to be retrieved. i fish out of a kayak as well and have lost gear overboard. Methods described above will help if it is merely dropped, but if a fishh is on the line, then the calculations are out teh window as you are trying to address more
Forum: rodboard

Wrap with plastic wrap before letting it sit. I know, too late now, but from here forward . . .
Forum: rodboard

A lot of mousepads are neoprene. Can find them for next to nothing at 99 cent store
Forum: rodboard

Thanks guys! I am in Fullerton. I have a flatscreen in my mancave so I will likely start with some youtube, and I have the basics down. Here is a link to some I have done Been a while since I was at it, but my daughter showed a lot of interest when I was doing threadwork on some arrows for graduating Webelos scouts.
Forum: rodboard

New to the forum but have been building rods here and there for a long time. Looking to take my building to the next level. I don't intend to sell them, but I like making them as gifts, for personal use or repairing for friends. I tried a search in the forums and browsed for a while but did not see anything, so I'm sorry if I missed a thread with that information. Are there any classes in
Forum: rodboard