As Gabe mentioned, Batson EVA is harder which makes it easier to ream. I would ream it since you have the rubberized cork.
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Hi Mike, If you have the sb720-4, try casting the lightest lures you plan on using with your next build and see if it is light enough for you. That is an awesome blank as mentioned by Jim.
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Very Kool. Subtle and sharp!
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More often than not, I don't epoxy my underwraps. I use A on the Underwraps and B,C,or D on the overwraps to avoid issues with gaps. I pack the thread tightly and haven't had any issues. Some anglers/builders don't mind the extra weight on rods that are heavy already but I prefer to make them as light as possible,. Why make a heavy rod heavier if there isn't any structural purpose?
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Measure where the top of the grip is going to be 'furthest towardst the tip of the rod' and purchase the ID that is just smaller than that. Don't buy one that is larger even if it is closer than the next size smaller. You want it to be tight the entire length of the grip. Hypalon Stretches a good amount. Have Fun!
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How awesome is that!!
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Saves me a lot of time and headache, I love the stuff!
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I hope everyone has a great weekend and get's to spend some time on the water!!
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Gene, chances are that you'll be okay but I would test it on an old blank and see what it does.
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Welcome Brian, building your own rods is an awesome way to be more involved in the sport we are all obsessed with. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you get started.
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So True Tom B.
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Maybe make a sleeve to keep over the handle when not in use? It obviously wouldn't keep dirt or fish slime from getting on it when you're fishing but it would help elsewhere.
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Adam, it sound like your heart is leading you to donate them which would be awesome. If you are worried about people thinking that the 'less than perfect aesthetics' reflect your quality of work just don't put your name on them. The enjoyment that some kids would get out of those rods far out weighs any possible negatives. I'm sure there are some local Church Youth Groups that would love thos
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Hi Bruce, as long as the surface is smooth enough that the thread won't fall into grooves or give you headaches trying to get it to pack nicely, you're good to go!!
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I agree with Spencer on the SW967F, that is one awesome blank!! The Penn Conquer is my choice hands down when it comes to heavier spinning reels. Super Smooth, Affordable, Great Line Capacity, and the drag system is insane with nearly twice as many washers. I get a great deal on them if you haven't picked one up yet and would be glad to pass along the discount. I use the 7000 on all my tarpon
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Sorry I didn't see this earlier Ray. We have those items in stock and would be glad to help you with them if you haven't been helped elswhere.
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Hi Robbie, Welcome to the sport, be prepared to get addicted. I would second Robs suggestions above. The Batson glass cranking sticks are awesome. GCB70M GB 7'0" 1 10-17lb 1/4-3/4oz 0.640 .080/6.55 Mod-Fast 3.37 oz Small crankbaits and topwaters,1/4oz spinnerbaits GCB70MH GB 7'0" 1 12-20lb 3/8-1oz 0.658 .083/6.5 Mod-Fast 3.94 oz Large crankbaits & topwaters, 3/8&1/
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Good ideas, good stuff!!
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Hi Ray, you've got good advice posted above. If you need further assistant feel free to give us a call and we'll be glad to walk you through it, there's not much to it. 407-240-8331
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I would seperate the wrap where you pulled the thread through just enough to get a razor blade between the wraps and cut it down at the blank then burnish the wrap tight....no fuzz....no tag...no worries!
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Flex Coat Guide Adhesive makes life to much easier. -Mark where you are going to place your rods, -place your guides next to the marks, - light an alcohol burner - lightly heat your guide foot and draw it across the stick of adhesive. - Firmly place the guide foot on your mark and proceed to the next guide. You can layout your guides on the entire rod at once and the guide
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Hi Joe, Not sure if you've taken a look at them but the Batson GCB series blanks have had nothing but great reviews from our customers. The action in these blanks is absolutely amazing, the glass allows a crankbait total freedom to move like it is supposed to without resistance from the blank. This is a great time of year to crankbait and those blanks get it done. GCB70M 7'0" 10-17
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Top Notch All The Way Around!! Great Family, Great Products, and Great Catalog!!
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Pretty cool how you can change the action/performance of a blank just by trimming an inch or so. That's what custom rod building is all about!! We trim the rods we build for gator hunting/fishing. It gave us the perfect balance with a tip just soft enough to keep the hooks from pulling yet stiff enough to sink the hooks home.
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Those are fun projects that open up the doors for scrap 'broken rods' to be brought back to life as mentioned above. Great post, have fun!! That's what it is all about.
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They are very nice. Which model are you looking for info on? I have a number of them in stock and would be glad to answer any questions.
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Hi Craig, I can't think of a good 9 foot livebait blank right off the top of my head but one thought would be to extend an 8 footer and go that route. Depending on whether you like a moderate action 'prefered by most king fisherman' or a faster action I would recommend the Batson RCLB80xl 'faster action' or the SWB80ML 'slower action'. Both cast live baits with ease. The RCLB is lighter being
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We build quite a few conventional tarpon rods for Captains who don't like levelwinds 'one more thing to break', yet their clients are often first timers and often don't pay attention to make sure the line is stacking evenly. If the line stacks too much on one side of the reel it can cause big problems. To help with this, we offset the guide to the left 10 degrees or so 'for right handed reels',
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I always tend to mix too much 'like most' so I started forcing myself to mix smaller amounts, mixing a second small batch if necessary...and yup, there is always one that has some left in it at the end.
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I know numerous Tournament Anglers and none try to hide the fact that they are brutal on their gear. It is what it is. As Tom mentioned, it is about getting that fish in the boat no matter how it is done. Make it clear with your customers when they buy a rod that it is only covered for xyz and that YOU get to make the call on whether it is a warrany or not. Spend a few minutes telling them ho
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