I've got an older custom built fly rod (8.5 ft 5wt) that was built on a St. Croix SCIII (avid) blank. It's the pre IPC blank. I love this rod. And I'd like something similar as a backup in case I ever break or wear out this rod. I just don't like the new IPC SCIII/Avid blank. I'm looking for a blank that is similar in weight, stiffness, etc. Any thoughts from the experts here? Would a batson
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Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. Greg
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I've got a factory Sage SLT that's a couple of years old. I really like the hardware on the rod and would like to try to duplicate it on a custom rod. I'm talking about the reel seat. It looks like a walnut insert with real nickel silver hardware. They are simple looking seats but still elegant and functional. Does anyone know who makes these seats? Sage or someone else? Thanks, Greg
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Thanks I didn't think of that. Greg
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I assume this is OK to ask: Does anyone out there have a st. croix SCIII blank the older pre IPC one - in an 8.5 ft 5 wt 2 piece configuration that they would be willing to sell me? My favorite rod is built on this blank and I'd like to have a spare "just in case". I just don't like the newer SCIII's nearly as well. Thanks, Greg PS: Mr. Kirkman please just let me know if
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Thanks for the info everyone. The builder didn't do a bad job with the cork to blank transition. But I think rod's just look better with a check. That's just my opinion/bias. I actually had a vinyl check and cut it today. I'm going to epoxy it on today. I think it will work and look fine. I have to order the thread for the hook keeper since I don't have that color. I know some don't like them but
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I recently purchased a rod from a custom builder off @#$%&. It was kind of a sight unseen thing. I do like the rod. In general he did a good job. But he did not put on a winding check or a hook keeper (it is a fly rod). I know I can easily add the hook keeper - I've built a couple of rods myself. But a winding check? Is it possible to cut a nylon or plastic black winding check and then put ep
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It's hard to tell how deep the scratch is. It does not appear very deep. That's a good idea about the q-tip. Greg
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I went fishing with my favorite fly rod yesterday. When I was putting it together I noticed it was fitting tighter than usual - so I took it apart and there was a small (maybe 1/2 inch) scratch on the male ferrule. I assume there was a piece of grit or something on the female section. I shook the female section and blew into it and then if fit fine. I fished with it and it was fine. My question i
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On my last rod - when I applied the 2 part epoxy finish I guess I applied it a little too thick and did not babysit and turn some of the wraps long enough so I ended up with 3 or 4 wraps that have a clear "drip" (excess epoxy) on one side if you know what I mean. What is the best remedy for this? I could cut off these particular wraps and redo them but would rather not. Can I carefully
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Is is possible to get them inletted for the typical uplocking fly reelseat? Thanks, Greg
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Another to consider is Batson's forecast. They are wonderful blanks for very little money. I have built 3 of them (all fly rods) and have had no problems. In fact despite using some more expensive blanks my current favorite is a forecast 7.5 ft 4 wt. I think this blank cost $14 and the entire rod was less than $50 with good components. They have either a 1 or 2 year warranty. Hook & Hackle ha
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I don't have experience with the larger cimmaron you are speaking of but I do have a Ross Cimmaron # 2. It is a wonderful reel. Very solid and good looking to boot. I have never had to use their service but when I researched reels and the ross company - all I heard was positive comments. For 150 to 200 dollars and a lifetime warranty - I don't think you can beat this reel. Greg
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I really like the plum color as well. The first rod I built was a pac bay tradition. Kind of a bummer. Grey just seems so ordinary. Especially matte gray. Greg
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I've never used drywall tape. Is that something to purchase at a hardware store? The gap is not very much at all and is more pronounced at the front of the grip due to the taper. It is almost a perfect fit on the lower part. Thanks for all the advise. Greg
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I just received an american tackle wood accented handle and reelseat in the mail. My problem is that the bore of cork handle is a little too large for the blank-it came that way. I have never experienced this before. Always before I have had to file out the handle to make it fit. My tendency is to make 2 or 3 tape arbors on the blank above the reelseat to make the handle fit snug and then coat i
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Has anyone out there used those american tackle wood accented handles with the matching reel seat? They look pretty sharp. I've never used any of their products before. thanks, Greg
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Bill thanks for the informative post. I have been building on your forecast blanks and I love them. I just purchased a rainshadow blank for the next project. But I have never tried Batson components. Thanks to your informative post I plan to. Greg
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Yes I see that now Mike. I just skimmed some of the prior posts. Long day. Greg
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But don't you guys think in many instances it is possible to save money by building though? I am still very much a novice at this but several of the rods I have built for $50 to $100 blow away any production rod in that price range. I have built mainly fly rods and built several on Batson's forecast blanks and then used quality but reasonably priced components and it just amazes me (and friends I
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I think many people (myself included) feel that TiCH guides are overkill on a rod used for freshwater. From what I have read a good quality stainless steel hard chromed snake or single foot snake will hold up for years and years in freshwater especially if you clean your flyline regularly. I think this is a true statement. I have a fly rod that I bought around 1985 that has hard chromed snakes an
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My favorite all around trout rod and the one I use 90% of the time is an 8 and a half foot five weight. It is a Pac Bay traditional. It is a fine blank at a reasonable price. I also think that Batson's forecast is a fine blank and have heard that their rainshadow blanks are also great. I have built 2 forecasts and they are really close to as good as the traditional for less $$. I built an 8 ft 5
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Gerry - you are right the Hobbs Creek is cast and is probably a little heavier than the classic. Mine does balance my 7.5 ft 4 wt flyrod nicely though. Being a cast reel the fit and finish is not quite as good as a machined reel. It is still quite good though and the drag has handled several large fish for me without a problem. It is a good competent reel but not meant to compete with a machined
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I just wanted to take a minute to publicly acknowledge the great customer service I have recieved from Bob at Hook & Hackle. I have dealt with several other sponsers and they are all good but I feel H & H goes the extra mile. They offer great products at great prices and Bob gives the best customer service I have ever experienced. Greg
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I own and use several of Bass Pro's fly reels. You just can't beat them for the $$. I think you are talking about their white river classic reel. I think it is a fine reel. The drag is very smooth and it is finished very well. I have had no problems at all with it. I also own a CV2 which I think competes with the best reels out there. The reel I use for my lightweight fly rod is the smallest hobb
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Thanks. Will order at the first opportunity. Greg
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Can someone please give me an explanation of what the data means on the CC data site? Specifically what do "ERN" and "AA" mean? thanks, Greg
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It sounds right to me also. I know what you mean they do look small. Some prominent builders (like LA Garcia) advocate larger guides on fly rods. But I think they look a little funny. I have always just used Hook and Hackle's size and spacing chart and all of my rods so far have worked great. Greg
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I use Krylon clear acrylic spray - just a quick shot - over my inscription before I apply the epoxy finish. Let it dry an hour or two. I had all kinds of smearing problems until I started using the spray. I got this advise from someone else on the board. Greg
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I have to agree with most everyone else - the TFO is a good decent rod but I think you could do better for less money. Look at Batson's forecast and rainshadow blanks. I would bet that even the lower priced forecast would cast better than the TFO plus you get to pick better a better quality cork and reelseat. I would think you could build your rod on a forecast blank for $100 or less. I've built
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