Simple feather inlay with simple thread design. I thought it was a bit unique. New to this aspect of rod building and photography. Good fun.
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I also like Aleks' response. Professional, courteous and to the point. I recently had a quality issue with a blank from NFC. I build rods for myself and don't buy blanks in bulk. But, I've built a couple on the x-ray blanks and love the rods. This one in particular had not only a bend. But, a double bend. I've never seen one quite like it and was a bit shocked and disappointed. So, I started
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These are all great options. I talked to a guy who fishes the river where this technique is so effective for big pre-spawn smallies and he said he likes the fast action. I was mistakenly thinking of the moderate action being desired. But, I can see where that may not be the case when you're settling a hook at some distance.
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Ok. I took by the 806 that it was an 8' blank. Not sure I want to deal with that much footage. But, I'll check it out
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Actually, the 3/4 oz is at the top of what I'm throwing. So, the 708 is a good recommendation. I don't think the extra 10" would be of much benefit to me. I'm not sure why they don't make the 708 or 709 in xray. Not that it matters for this technique. But, why one and not the other? Thanks again
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Thanks. I'll take a look I didn't think of a Mag Bass series blank. But, with moderate fast action I can see why that might work. Plus, it probably will launch a 3/4 oz swimbait a mile. And like you said, that mag power can help hook setting from that distance.
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I'm looking for an NFC blank to throw 3/4 oz plastic swimbaits (Keitech style). At least 7'. No real need for sensitivity. So, doesn't need to be Xray level. Maybe even an old classic. I'm guessing med heavy/ heavy power and moderate fast action. Not sure if there is such a beast. Thanks
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Yeah, certainly no need for the expense of the SCV or HMX, HM etc graphite for this technique. The IM6, SCII (or equivalent) would work just fine. No sensitivity needed. Just a good load up and solid bend to keep them pinned. They usually have nowhere to go and the drag does its job.
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It's a shame St Croix no longer sells to rod builders. Their new Victory line is created from the SCII+ graphite. The Crosshair rod coming in at $200 is a good price point for us mere mortals. Reviews are also good. As stated earlier, no real reason to pay for high end sensitivity blanks when all you need them for is to throw light stuff a long distance, Hard to even build a quality rod for
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Thanks Jay. I'll take a look. I've always loved the Batson products too. But, I really want at least 7.5 ft rod. Just a preference.
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Thanks guys. I should have clarified, these are marabou jigs and swimming them through the water column. Not bottom bouncing. So, no real sensitivity needed or hook setting in deep water. The hook set is mainly rod loading up. Which is why I think the fast would be best.
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One could argue the best fly rod blanks in the business.
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I'm curious if anyone has built on the NFC DS-760-1 (IM)? I'm looking for a rod to throw the light marabou jigs (3/32-3/16). The DS stands for drop shot.. I'm thinking the techniques are very different yet have similarities in type of action desired. Although, I can see the xfast tip being more advantageous in drop shotting than jig swimming. I've actually been using a rod built on their xray bl
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Also, break a tip off of a 1 pc. rod and you've wasted a reel seat and grips. Unless, you want to go through the hassle (which I've done) of removing seat. The tip section of today's 2 pc rods can usually be matched and replaced for far less cost than a whole 1 pc blank, reel seat, grips and labor to replace the components.
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The plastic swimbaits like the Huddlestons will be what I'll be focusing on. That's why I don't think the pull will be too drastic.
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I hear what you're saying. I've been in a love hate relationship with baitcasting reels for years. I'm just at a point where I'm done. The 2-3 oz swimbaits really aren't that big of a pull. Not like the big spinnerbaits, inline spinners and deep divers. I think I'll be fine. But, if it wears me out, I'll strip it down and make it a baitcasting rod and see how that goes. That's the beauty of bu
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I'm looking to build a rod for throwing fairly large plastic/hard swimbaits (Huddlestons etc.) In the 1-4 oz range. Probably 7 1/2-8' long. People rave about the Loomis IMX 966 but, obviously that's not an option to build. Plus, it's only made in a casting model. I'm done with baitcasting. So, looking for a blank that folks have found works well for this technique. What do people think about
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Another advantage I think with the single foots (at least with the Minima's that Tom mentioned), is the ability to use a running guide as a tip. They are lighter than even a wire tip top. And this reduction in weight is at the most critical place on the rod. Use a good locking wrap and it's not coming off. Those who care about aesthetics will probably squirm a bit. But, sacrificing performance
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I would be willing to pay the extra. I don't have a crafty cutter or any of the other tools needed to inlet the grips. And honestly don't want to invest in it. I'd pay for the convenience. I understand many won't.
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That's what I'm thinking.
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I do have a seat that isn't made for inletting. It has a ring/hood that butts against grip.
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Yeah. I don't think you could use a seat made to inlet with a non-inletted grip. And Spencer, I was thinking that the cutter would have that exact problem you described. That's what worries me. I don't have a Dremmel or cutting bits right now. So, I think I'll try sanding and see how that goes.
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Thanks. Sounds good. I do prefer inletted grips. But, it's not a deal breaker when I really like the grip. But, it would be nice if the hood ring fit snug. I'm just thinking that dirt would get down inside the little crevices. I'll try Mudhole too. I think I've seen one of the guys from CFX post on here too. I'd like to just sand it down smooth. But, not sure if it could damage sleeve.
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Done that before. I usually get better advice here. Maybe not this time.
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I just received a CFX carbon fly grip from Mudhole and it seems pretty nice. Very light and I actually like the unfinished textured feel. They don't come pre-inletted for reel seat hood. When I put my reel seat hood ring up against the grip, it doesn't seem there's a snug fit because of the sleeve having been folded over the edges. I guess I could make sure to put some extra epoxy behind ring s
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I've used them (single foot ceramics) for years and will never go back to anything else. But, I always use a titanium framed guide to keep the weight as minimal as possible. I prefer the Pac Bay Minimas. Very light, larger ring diameter and in the price range of mere mortals. I personally don't like the Recoils. I'm pretty sure they're the lightest guide out there and they do make for a fairly
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No I didn't. But, good idea. I'll give it a try.
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I just re-tested with the Minima tip and it was a bit slower. It came in at an 82.5. Not as much of a difference than I was thinking. I think it shows that, for this rod anyway, that extra tip weight (about .2 grams) doesn't have as much impact as I thought. This is a finished rod by the way.
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I think I figured out what I did. Operator error. Like you said, physics hasn't changed. On the first setup with tip I think I mistakenly counted a full oscillation on the up tick instead of a full oscillation being completed on the down. Which I did correctly on the second try with guide as tip. That would have been less time on the stopwatch and produced a higher number. We'll give it another
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She's awesome! I hope she likes it.
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