Thanks for the rod suggestions. I checked out each rod suggested and they seem to be great boat rods for the Jersey bays. If I was building a rod for myself, one of these would be my choice. However, my relative was more interested in having colored rods so I ended up getting a couple Mudhole CRB colored spinning blanks. They should arrive shortly and I can begin the builds. Thanks again. B
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Hi all. Been a long time since I posted here. I had to reactivate my login. I have built many fly rods and freshwater spinning rods, but I have not made a saltwater boat rod. I have a relative who fishes the bays on the Jersey coast from his boat who needs me to make him a couple of rods. I am not sure whether he wants a spinning or baitcasting setup at this point but I suspect he wants a rod
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I am building a fly rod, my 40th rod and almost wrapped the hook keeper without a winding check. I know I am going to do it someday. I need a check list!!!
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I have built and fished several Rainshadow rods. I have several for fly fishing and have made a few spinning rod blanks. They are a great value (value =quality and price) and offer a selection of blanks to fit anyones needs. The stand behind their blanks and their customer service is excellent. I recommend Rainshadow blanks to anyone I build a rod for because I know they are a quality product tha
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Thanks all for the input. Tom, the longest rods sections I work with are about 5 to 6 ft. I do build a few 9 and 10 ft , 2 piece fly rods. All of the spinning and casting rods I make are 6 - 8 ft , but are also 2 piece. My little homemade jig is 4 ft long and has served me well the past 4-5 years. I am looking to upgrade to a power wrapper. Bob Widmaier
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I am looking to purchase a power wrapper and need some advice from those who use them. I need one that has an adjustable length as I make my rods on a table that is 6 ft long. The one piece 8 ft models will not work. Is there a model that comes in sections so I can select a length that fits my needs? Also, what are the key features to look for in a power wrapper besides the length? I currently wr
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I have the same understanding that Tom has presented. My rule of thumb is wait a week after the final coat of epoxy. By then, the epoxy is set and hard to the touch. I have not had any problems with my finishes after 7 days. Bob Widmaier
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Charlie: I am interested in the responses you get as I have only used snake guides on a few of my fly rods. I tend to use single foots for less weight. However, the fews times I have used snake guides I have used both Forcasr brand and Pacific Bay brand. Both seemed to perform well in casting etc. I used the Titanium carbide snakes on 7 wts and higher and chrome snakes on those less than 7 wt.
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Hey everyone, lots of good ideas here! I have tried both the tan and green masking tape and both have problems leaving a residue. I usually don't leave guides taped to the blanks for more than a few days before I have them wrapped. I think I will try the blue painters tape and the elastic thread followed by the twisty ties. I don't know if I want to go to an adhesive on the guide foot as its the
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Tom: I use a home made V block rod jig to build rods and do mainly fly rods in the 3 - 6 weight range. These blanks are probably the most flxible and thin blanks at the tip to work with. I agree that the tip is a bit challenging due to the fact it is only supported on one side. However, I don't seem to be having the difficulties you have described. The thread wrap on the tip is decorative and
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I have had enough of masking tape attachment of guides while wrapping. Some adhesive always sticks to the rod blank when the tape is removed so I end up cleaning the blank around the guide before wrapping. I did a quick search looking for suggestions on what to use to hold guides in place while wrapping, but came up with nothing. I am interested in what some of you use to hold guides in place whi
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I have a firend who is repairing a bamboo fly rod and is looking for replacement ferrules. Any suggestion where he may find them? I have already suggested he go to Golden Witch. I am not a bamboo rod builder so I have no experience here. Thanks in advance. Bob Widmaier
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As a builder of a few of Dan's blanks, I have built on both his sand matte finish and his gloss spiral finish. The difference is that the glossy spiral finish is the blank that has not been sanded smooth so it has very smal spiral rib along the blank. The matte finis is the same blank sanded so the rib is gone and the surface is matte oe not glossy. The sanded blank appears more gray in color whi
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Rainshadow also has a very nice 4pc, 7'6" 4wt rod in their IF series (IF 764, 4pc). It is a great rod I made for my son who backpacks and fishes small streams. I liked it so much I made one for myself! Bob Widmaier
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I also have used Testor's paints in the metallic silvers and gold. I have not tried any colors, but have had no problems with the metallics and pretty much do as Tim outlined above. One thing I can add is to put a couple of BBs (beebees) in the paint jar. They help in stirring the paint when you shake the jars. I highly recommend the practice writing on something before writing on the blank. I go
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Bill: I have a Sig V 8' 4" 4wt that I built about 2 years ago. I actually met Dan for a coffee while in his neighborhood and purchased it at the time. I did not know it was a 3/4wt, so I have built and fished it as a 4wt. Like John, its one of my favorite 4wt rods!! Since it is a shorter rod, I tend to fish it on smaller streams where my casts are not beyond about 40 - 50 ft so the 4wt li
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Dan; Sorry to hear of your family's medical isuues. Here is wishing that all turns out well for your wife and daughter. Bob Widmaier
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