Stephen, I'm also new to rod building but have been at it long enough to have done business with several of the suppliers on the left. I build bass and pan fish rods so I do not do much business with the fly rod people but have been lucky enough to have met a lot of these folks at the IRBC. I think you will find these suppliers top notch, always willing to help a new builder, and willing to work
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Tom, I totally agree with what these three gentlemen have said and I also Thank You.
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Phil, Thanks for the info on elastic thread. I normally use elastic bands but will go by Walmart today.
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Joel, I'm just north of you, 3 miles off exit 6 on I-65 in Franklin, Ky. I've been building for about 2 years now and still learning everyday. I started out like you building for family and friends and still going strong. If your up this way give me a call and stop by. Always glad to help another rod builder. You can get over whelmed real easy when you first get started but there are a lot of us
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David, If you are using CP then you are not getting the CP down in the channels created by the guide foot. I had the same problem on a fly rod and Mr. Kirkman got me straightened out. Take a sharp pointed instrument or a tooth pick and put a drop of CP in both channels of each foot then apply CP to the remainder of the thread. That should solve your problem.
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Yep, Your probably right. Don't think I could get away with that one.
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Yesterday while visiting my dentist he asked me to look at and clean up an old rod and reel. Figuring to recoup a little of the cost to repair a crown I said, sure. He handed me a Roddy Custom Rod, 5 1/2 foot fiberglass rod with guides that look like recoil casting guides. There was no model number on the blank. The blank glued into the front of the reel seat . On the rod was a Roddymatic 601-B
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Jeff, I just built a Batson 9 foot 3wt, 2 peice. Just love it! First time out I landed a 4 lb largemouth so it will handle a good fish. The blank was just alittle over $50.00. I got it at the show last year. Don't think you would go wrong with a Batson.
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Ok guys, this may sound silly but I can't find a single edge razor blade that will stay sharp to cut tag ends. Seems like I am going thru way too many . Is there a brand of blades that is better than the others? I'm lucky to get one or two rods out of a blade until I'm sawing the thread into. I'm not using the blade for anything but cutting thread. Any help is appreciated. Howard Hodges
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Thanks guys, the garnett and the pearl interest me. I think I'll order a spool of pearl and see what it looks like. I got a big muskie trip planed for November to Cave Run Lake here in eastern Kentucky. What an exciting fish to catch! Howard
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I'm building a St. Croix muskie rod which has a Gloss blue pearl finish. I've looked at several color threads but can't find anything that jumps out at me. I figure there has been many build on this blank so any suggestions or pics would sure be a help with my decision. Thanks in advance.
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I've got a customer who wants a rod built for his father. His father is a big fox hunter and the customer wants a fox hound on the rod. This would be a tricolored dog and I was curious if anyone made decals of dogs? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Thanks Mr. Kirkman, I'll try to get some pics tommorrow with good natural light.
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I'm building my first fly rod, a Batson Rainshadow IF 903, 2 peiice 3 weight. I've got my reel seat, handle, and epoxy ramp completed. Also got my guides wrapped and have put one coat of CP on the bottom half of my rod including the epoxy ramp that I have wrapped also, (for feather inlay). I have used thread master finish and everything looked good while applying the finish. After the finish dry
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Greg, I really like the Batson Rainshadow IP840. I've built one with the new Microwave guides and one with regular guides. Either one works great and they will not break your bank. I just returned from Kentucky Lake with crappie for the freezer. Lance at swampland will help you out.
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Mr. Brunner, You have a fine young son, one to be very proud of. Well mannered and respectfully. Just wish I had his energy. Doc Hodges
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Frist off, thanks for the legal info, Lou. I should have thought of that but guess I was just excited about trying an inlay. I'm a retired Ky. CO and know several of the local federal officers. Jeremy, I'm from Franklin and am friends with JB Hunt. You probably know me as "Doc" my nickname. I fish alot on the north end of Ky Lake and plan on stopping by your folks IGA next time I'm up
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Thanks for the info guys. No wild pheasants in Ky. but I got a friend who has a hunting preserve and he is going to save me a sack full.
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Hello everyone, Quick question on feathers. Is there any common feathers that would do to practice on? I've tried a hummingbird with no success. I live in Kentucky so I was thinking about a Bob White Quail. Thanks for any help and "Happy New Year to all. Looking forward to the Expo.
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Steve that's a great looking muskie rod. I've caught several river muskie on a 6'6'' rod so brother should not have a problem if he fishes with it. I think I would put that one in a show case. Good job!
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