When I was at the Expo this past February, I bought a CTS fly rod and some Crystal Coat rod finish to try. Even though it has the same name, it is not the crystal coat finish once sold by Clemens. The CTS Crystal Coat is a two part finish that is absolutely water clear without any hint of yellowing, and it is supposed to stay water clear. Because this is a very new product that most of you have
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Anthony, It really breaks my heart to hear of such a tragic and horrific event, but it also greatly warms my heart to hear of people like yourself who are willing to step forward and help a family in need. You have my deepest respect and admiration. You really do have a good heart! Norm
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Weight savings are not in the runners but rather in the reduction guides. Just weighed five Minima 5Fs and five KT5s, they are almost identical in weight. So if you are looking to reduce weight in the tip section, moving over to Minima runners is not going to reduce the weight by very much if any. However, It will reduce the price, but if you want both lower cost and lower weight then use all Mi
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David, I liked that, we had tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich for diner.
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The WCS checks are made to fit size 16 and 17 reel seats, none for size 18. Could try a size 17 reels seat if you want to go that route. Norm
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I’ve built a bunch of them, and for the price they are hard to beat. I first bought them blind not knowing what I was getting. When I got them then I figured out what to do with them. For the price I had to give them a try, and was pleasantly surprised. They make a very nice low cost rod, which are a great rod for kids, and cost conscious fishermen. They are almost bullet proof. Not everyone nee
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I’ve had no problems with a tack cloth. I use it to get rid of dust from cork and other things. I also use a paper towel moistened with alcohol, it also works very well. Norm
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If Fuji is still making these guides, then try Jim Ising at Anglers Resource. He may be able to get them for you. Norm
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That’s a bummer ! I hope they remove it from their site. Seaguide makes a look a like guide, but I don’t know where you can buy it. Could check with Rick Hall, the global sales manager for Seaguide, he is a member here, and I’m sure he would help you. Norm
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I always build on the straightest axis with the tip pointing up. Gravity and the guides with cause the blank to straighten. Not only does this make the rod look better, but also increases the dead lift power of the rod. I just don’t like having the tip veering off to one side or the other, nor having a big bend in the rod if built with the tip pointing down. But that just my opinion. Norm
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A fact that one has to remember is when you use smaller ringed strippers the frame height also decreases. Thus, the chances of line slap increases, because the stripper guide is now closer to the blank. This is especially true when using larger reels, and/or heavier line. One of the main reasons for using high frame guides is to help prevent line slap by controlling line coils coming off the reel
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Pierre, a friend of mine found this by accident, and this site does have the guides you are looking for. Norm
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Some reel seat inserts, like the CFX reel seat insert, have a polyurethane core. So when glued in place you just ream the core to fit the blank. Other inserts don’t contain contain a foam core and thus need to be shimmed or arbored to fit the blank. I have not used the Alps reel seats with the texalium insert, so I have no idea if it has a foam core or not. In either case it’s not be that difficu
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I have not really had any problems with any metallic thread, including ProWrap. I wrap by hand, I move the rod rather than me, and apply tension to the thread rather than the spool. I use metallic thread only for trim and inlays, and like the effect. I know I wrap differently then most rod builders, but that is just me. Norm
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Yes, I have used an A rig and caught as many as 3 at one time, but casting and reeling that thing will wear your butt out. You do need a very stout rod. Norm
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I agree with Micheal, the size 20H based reduction train does give you a little more versatility, especially on longer rods with reels larger than a1000 size. However, if you are using a 1000 size reel, I prefer the 16H based reduction train. Both will work exceptionally well. Norm
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Casting an Alabama rig is like casting a chandelier. Not a lot of fun. Norm
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I’m into my 4th month, placed the order in Dec. They really aren’t worth the wait, but I’m going to see how long it actually takes. They have the worst customer service I have every dealt with. Norm
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I certainly agree with Tom, drywall tape or foam arbors. About the only things I use for reel seats any more. The dry wall tape is inexpensive (cheaper than masking tape or foam arbors) very light, and give great adherence with epoxy due to the mesh. Norm
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They were very nice Blanks. I built a number of them for inshore fishing before they were discontinued. Norm
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I personally think a fly rod is the easiest rod to build. Guide layout is quite straight forward, Handle is either a half Wells or a full Wells. Reel seat installs easily and goes at the end of the rod. Wraps are short and simple, and the multiple piece rods sections are very easy to wrap even without a rod wrapper. I don’t find anything about a fly rod build to be complex or difficult. If you wa
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PacBay still makes a single foot ceramic ring Match guide. As Spencer states they have not given up on the classic M guide. Fuji made them for a while but switch over to the tangle free KL’-H series. Still have a couple of the Fuji single ft Hardloy M guides. Norm
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Both of you have your emails hidden. Unhide them by clicking on your name, then control center, then edit email, and then allow your email to be seen by others. Norm
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Both.
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The picture made me realize I do have some old high frame double foot match guides, in various sizes. I have had them for 20 plus years. They might not all be Fuji, but if you want them you can have them. Norm
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I agree with Dennis. Remove the handle and reel seat and put the handle on you like. The handle can be built on a mandrel, shaped, reamed and installed from the rear of the rod with no problems. If you need to shim the handle, I like to use drywall tape to get a snug fit. It is very light and the mesh allows for great adherence. Norm
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The blank will be fine. I rebuilt a rod I dredged up from St Joe Bay, FL. It was fine. Norm
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Micheal, probably posting at the same time. It happens all the time to me. Norm
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Here is a how to article from the library on the Locking wrap. Norm
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It’s a no brainer, use the matching LG. They are made for the KR guides. Norm
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