Hey Jacob, I have found in Florida we also use a 1 1/2oz-2 1/2oz for punching threw thicker mats. My experience is to go with the Moderate-Fast actions as well. I have had negative experiences with blanks that are too fast in action like MB (Mag Bass) even in the heavier powers. My recommendation would be to take a look at the FP937 (MHX) and the LS8/20-40(American Tackle). They are both incr
Forum: rodboard

I have been using the BA3K86 & 9 for the past few years and they have become one of my favorites for big baits. I have yet to build on the BA3K8/50-80 but have been eyeing it out for a while. We would love to hear how it comes out.
Forum: rodboard

These are some of the options I found on Mudhole.com (Arctic Blue Camo) (Desert Camo) (Urban Camo) (Woodland Camo) (X Camo Cork Grips) Enjoy! There are plenty of options to explore.
Forum: rodboard

Talk to some of the folks on Juno pier and they hold the BU-BA3K86/20-40 as the best option.
Forum: rodboard

Great entries! I had the opportunity to see them in person and they are spectacular,
Forum: rodboard

I know a few builders from that area that will be attending. I wish i could make the trip this year with you guys but the fishing has been to good.
Forum: rodboard

Hello Michael, There are several options to use as a fore grip for the Aero-17-CF. You have a choice between carbon sleeves (CFG1K17, CFG3K17, CFGM3K17, CFGBU17) in matte black, gloss black and silver trim. You can also use a cork sleeve to go over the ULH hoods (SG125F-17-C) or an EVA option as well (SG125F-17-E, EAFG17-B, EAFG17-MB, EAFG17-S). I have used just about all of them on in th
Forum: rodboard

Hello Brandon, There is a 14" carbon tube in the adjustable kit that can be cut down to the desired size in that model G2H carbon handle. The rear grip is then inserted over the cut portion of the carbon tube. It is then sealed off with a specific trim pieces that come included in the kit. So it can not be adjusted after installation. It is however considered adjustable because you can c
Forum: rodboard

This is one I could defiantly use for some pointers. The real question remains is Gary a better rod builder or photographer.
Forum: rodboard

Congratulations to the team at American Tackle! I am excited to see the new products being released at ICAST next year.
Forum: rodboard

Hey Marc, I would recommend looking at the American Tackle catalog to find the weights of the Ti-Forged guides. They do have a few options in frames and inserts so be aware of the different part numbers for the Ti-Forged options. I think you will find most of them on page 94. I hope this helps!
Forum: rodboard

I am definitely going to build a set using the UL guides!
Forum: rodboard

I need more organization n in my life. At least thats what my wife says.
Forum: rodboard

Hey Mark, I have never had a very good experience with fluorocarbon on a spinning outfit! For one it retains ways too much memory to spool an entire spinning reel. Secondly it is a very heavy line material and that will also affect you casting distance. Even when I have used thinner line diameters on spinning reel with fluorocarbon by high end Japanese manufactures, the casting ability leaves
Forum: rodboard

One thing I enjoy about this reel seat are all the options to make it comfortable. I usually use the ULH option to utilize a cork, EVA, or carbon sleeve as a fore grip or rear grip. The compressed carbon fiber version is very snazzy.
Forum: rodboard

Hey Bob, I have been using the American Tackle TI-Forged as an alternative to the Fuji's. They are offered in a few options for finish and inserts. I would look at a Nanolite or Duralite insert as a replacement.
Forum: rodboard

Good to see AT always working on staying in touch. Tell Captain Mo to put some pants on for the next time.
Forum: rodboard

Hey Dee, I recently built myself two of these BNSL blanks from American Tackle. I think for the lighter outfits spinning reels are a great option. There are a few reasons you will see conventional reels being used for this application. For one they hold more line, allowing the angler to fish much deeper water without concern of being spooled if they hook something substantial. Second this is
Forum: rodboard

Hey Dee, I recently built myself two of these BNSL blanks from American Tackle. I think for the lighter outfits spinning reels are a great option. There are a few reasons you will see conventional reels being used for this application. For one they hold more line, allowing the angler to fish much deeper water without concern of being spooled if they hook something substantial. Second this is
Forum: rodboard

I am still marveling at the top ten!
Forum: rodboard

Great news Kevin! I look forward to finally meeting some of the rod builders I have had the pleasure of working with over the past year. What a fantastic event to network with other rod builders and see some of the latest that American Tackle has to offer.
Forum: rodboard

Good to hear you are still catching some big snook on some some great gear Tyler!
Forum: rodboard

Hey Mark, I use the Bushido LS7/8/15 for a variety of techniques in saltwater. It does taper ver fast towards the tip section and will sling a shrimp beautifully. Especially knowing that you customer will be using a very small diameter line it will cast even better. I have landed some monster redfish, snook, flounder, sea trout, with the occasional shark in the mix.
Forum: rodboard

I just saw a post by HFF Custom Rods on FB with the HCC reel seat. They look amazing! Looks like they had a good stock of them as well.
Forum: rodboard

Well said Don. It is astonishing that a fish almost consider god in other parts of the world is cast aside by most anglers as "trash fish". I am glad to see that the popularity is growing in places like New York and the Mid West. The techniques some of these anglers use is incredibly sophisticated. Just the rigs I see tied on is enough to send me down the rabbit hole. Now I am tying hai
Forum: rodboard

The classic Ambassadeur.
Forum: rodboard

Hey Angelo, Most of the fishing I do is offshore either trolling or bottom fishing. #1 While trolling at high speeds I now prefer non-roller guides due to the fact that once you are on braid backing there is a potential for the line to become synched in between the frame of the guide and the roller. #2 The longer blanks will assist you in maneuvering around the motors to avoid any chaffing. #
Forum: rodboard

Hey Charles. Have you tried the Virtus XHD's? I do prefer them over the Turbo guides because of the elevated frames and heavy duty bracing arms. Just trying to see of you are flexible on guide options.
Forum: rodboard

Hey Kyle, I find that the American Tackle DS69/8-15 or 4-10 works great for small cranks. It has the perfect tip for running those lures true in the water. This blank is extremely versatile for myself in a variety of applications.
Forum: rodboard

I would take a look at the Vortex Airs. Really close to the Minimas and I have no issues finding stock of them.
Forum: rodboard