Gregs in Lake Stevens is a sponsor but that's a little farther away.
Forum: rodboard

Someone on one of the fishing boards here in the West has a tag line that says, "My greatest fear is that when I die my wife will sell my fishing gear for what she thinks I paid for it!"
Forum: rodboard

Emory, It also seems that my rods get longer each year. Just a little more comfortable or less effort as we age maybe? Combine the theories and you have a bunch of kids in CA and a bunch of old geezers in BC!
Forum: rodboard

I've built several of the IST 1143's for driftfishing and in a pinch will also use them for float fishing. But my favorite float rod is the the IST 1263, and in a pinch work great as a drift rod! Either rod will handle any hatchery steelhead or silver but I tend to use a heavier rod for native steelhead.
Forum: rodboard

The dry wall tape is available at Lowes or Home Depot or probably any good hardware store. $6 or $7 dollars buys enough to do a few hundred rods.
Forum: rodboard

Every day, something new! Great idea, have to give it a try. Thanks!
Forum: rodboard

I beg to differ. I have been using a Yahoo email address as my primary address almost since they first started. They do a very good job of filtering out spam into a bulk mail bucket that I simply empty without ever looking at it. To my knowledge, Yahoo doesn't sell addresses to spammer, it would just create more problems for them.
Forum: rodboard

David, Can you give us a few more details on components and how you put it together. I have been looking at the Rainshadow and Forecast spey blanks and would love to have more information from those who have built on them. Thank you.
Forum: rodboard

I use fly line backing with nail knots for bobber stops and don't increase the size of my guides to allow for it. Up to around an ounce or two on a 1265 casting rod and as little as 1/8th on a 1263, both with braided line. Not necessary IMHO.
Forum: rodboard

Using LS Supreme. 2, 2 fluid oz bottles. Can usually finish half a dozen or more rods with two coats each without any problem. Sitting here thinking about it, maybe even more then that.
Forum: rodboard

I'd be inclined to see if anyone has any Ugly Stik blank left. They are the right length and virtually unbreakable. I bought a couple from Custom Tackle when they were closing them out.
Forum: rodboard

Might check out ifish.net, primarily an Oregon fishing forum. Very helpful group.
Forum: rodboard

I saved an old thread about the (old) Rainshadow 13 foot, 8/9 weight spey blank. Andy Snedden had a response, might email him for suggestions.
Forum: rodboard

I've got Firefox and use it occasionally but doesn't seem to help much.
Forum: rodboard

Oddly enough, one of the most satisfiying things to happen to me with rod building was when I reach the point that I could simply cut the tread on a guide that I wasn't quite satisfied with and rewrap it. And it comes from simply doing it over and over again. Take the guides off and do it right. You'll feel better and appreciate it more when you're done.
Forum: rodboard

Tom I haven't built one that long, my longest are usually 10 1/2 foot and I build casting rods, not spinning. But the configuration that is most comfortable for me is with a 14" rear grip, a large foam butt and a 3 or 3 1/2 inch fore grip. This is built on a Rainshadow 1263. I have also used this set up for drift fishing a bit and I think the only thing I might change on the next one
Forum: rodboard

At one time Sharon at AllStar would ship, upon request, a bundle of scrap rod pieces. Not sure if it is still available but I've been using it for several years now.
Forum: rodboard

I've only skimmed through the material one time so far but have to compliment Batsons on a wonderful Job. The components catalog could be used as a reference manual given the pictures, detailed descriptions and measurements. And pretty good pricing too. I haven't built a spey rod yet but believe I am going to give it a try now, can't afford not too. And I still can't get over getting a person
Forum: rodboard

Unfortunately they are out of the 1143's, what I think is the best all around rod for steelhead. They still have some 1083's which I think should work well in your area. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a good quality blank for your first try. If you rely on virtually any of the sponsers to match up your blank with quality components and then take your time putting it together there's no reason you
Forum: rodboard

Tommy, I think there might be less "lopping" going on out there then it appears or that the "lopping" simply gets more press then the normal wraps. I think you done the right things so far. Find a blank that looks like it is going to fit the fishing situation you are looking and at and build it. If it doesn't work, you can, (and will,) always build another.
Forum: rodboard

I float fish steelhead for the most part with a Rainshadow 1263. It's got a 14 inch rear grip but I also put on one of the hard foam butt caps, kind of like the crutch style. It sets nice on your belt when you float fish and I like the way it hits on my elbow if I'm holding the rod up high. Tend to use it for leverage when I cast. I like long rear grips but not sure I would ever go longer the
Forum: rodboard

Give it your best shot and move on. Look back after you've built a dozen more and I think you will feel a lot more comfortable with it. Do the best you can and each one gets better and better, just comes with experience. Have fun!
Forum: rodboard

The Rainshadow blank you mention is more then adaquate for salmon here in the Northwest, at least for coho and chum. Probably work well as a Winter run steelhead rod too. Only suggestion I might have is to move up to a 9 or 10 foot rod in the same weight.
Forum: rodboard