I really like the AT Matrix Steelhead blank. While only rated at 4-8lb line, it will handle lures or bait from 3/8oz to 1oz (10 grams to 28 grams) The description indicates a "Fast" action, but I have found it to be much softer and parabolic than your typical fast action blank, and it loads really well along its entire length. So well in fact that I have built Kokanee Downrigger rods
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The MW25's are my favorite guide set! I have used them on light or heavy freshwater builds, and inshore bottomfishing builds, they excel at everything I try to do with them!
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Fly line weights are standardized, they are measured in "grains" (not grams) and are based on an AFFTA approved specification that lists a range of grains for the first 30' for each line weight. Fly rod manufacturers, on the other hand, are not restricted by the AFFTA specifications. They put what they deem to be the best line rating on the rod. The rod's rating will be based on t
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I have used Pro-Wrap Metallic for every type of wrap, from Underwraps to trim bands and inserts. You need to keep in mind however that some metallics are much more fragile than polyester or nylon thread. Make sure you test it with your tension at your desired setting to ensure it doesn't break on you mid-wrap!
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American Tackle has several 2-piece blanks that would accomplish what you're trying to do, including the Atrex series (10' - 13', up to 8 ounces...) and their ATX Graphite Surf series with 4 options lengths of either 10' or 11' and weight range of either 1-4 or 2-6. I don't personally do any surf-casting but made up one of the ATX 11' (2-6) models with the Microwave 50 set of guides. Had it a
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I have a substantial supply of Gudebrod NCP thread in both C and D sizes, still on their original wooden spools from the 60's.
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There are many examples of rods that perform much better than their counterparts, but you must be careful to compare apples to apples. For example, an ultra-high modulus blank with an extra fast action may be great for tossing lures (or flies) to Rainbow Trout, but would be next to worthless for a downrigger Kokanee rod! As for components, there are many high quality components available to
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One caution in reaming an exposed blank reel seat - make sure the window still has a clean and smooth perimeter after reaming. I have had to go in with fine-grit sandpaper and reestablish the outline after reaming - a dremel would have been better but I don't own one.... This is particularly true with the nylon reel seats.
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Great blanks! Got me the 10-20 and will be trying it out on the 16th, ocean conditions permitting...
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These are outstanding! Can't wait until they get a spinning version!
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Another issue I found using color preserver, especially with lighter color thread, is the oil froim my hands on the wraps. Had to make doubly sure my hands were clean before I handled the thread to ensure the color wasn't blotchy! Any contamination on the thread can affect the absorption of the CP and create irregularities.
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For the 12-20 7' rod, you can't do much better than the American Tackle LS7/10-20 (Light Salt Water 7" 12-20) by American Tackle. However, believe it or not, I actually prefer their Mag Bass series MB73/10-20. At 7' 3", it is a tad longer, but I have had great days fishing for rockfish off the Oregon Coast with mine - you can almost feel the fish breathing! As for the jigging blan
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Phil's comments regarding the coefficient of friction brought to mind another advantage of Snake Brand guides. Mike McCoy developed his own formula for coating the wire guides in a chrome-like finish, which he calls E-Coat. This finish has a harder durometer reading than Chrome, and has it's own natural lubrosity which aids in reducing the friction. He developed this coating because the Europe
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I agree with Spencer, Utmost is a great resource for anything Batson or Pac Bay. I have been in the Utmost shop and they are indeed within blocks of both batson and Pac Bay - if there are any to be had at either company, Utmost will get them for you!
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I also am a big fan of the Bushido Mag Bass series. The 12-20 should work very well for your application - I have one set up for inshore fishing off the West Coast and it has the beef where it's needed and is ultra-sensitive! Felt the rockfish tapping at my jig, and had to teach myself not to strike too early!
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I would recommend replacing all of your guides. I have located these guides in the PacBay 2014 Catalog but not in the 2018 and subsequent catalogs, which I take to mean they have not been in the PacBay lineup for some time.
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Another thing to consider is the ability to wrap a small guide on a very thin blank. Single-foot guides tend to have a little broader foot and that makes it a bit difficult to wrap on a tip section that comes in at just over 3/64ths! I only use Snake Brand snake guides for this reason, they have a foot contoured for the curvature of the blank. The contour is different for each guide size, calc
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I agree with Mr. Danek. A child of 5 can easily learn to cast a spinning rod, and won't be embarrased by a "Kids Rod" a few short years down the line. If they ansolutely need a spin/cast rod in the interim, Zebco can fill that need and be donated to Goodwill when the child graduates to the Spinning setup, but a custom rod should be both for now and into the future. My recommenda
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Been building flyrods for some time now, and I have several points of bias where the components are concerned. First, Snake Brand has the absolute best snake guides in the industry, bar none! Their feet are even contoured to fit the curvature of the blank, a feature on which they have the patent. As for single foot versus snake guides, I am extremely prejudiced in favor of snake guides. They
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The AT Light Saltwater blanks are excellent! I have a couple set up with the Microwave 25's - killer for inshore reef jigging for Ling Cod and Rockfish!
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They do make a UV version in addition to their standard D2. D2 is my favorite thread-coat epoxy!
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I have used several and Don has again proven correct! I have only had to epoxy the ends and have had no failures!
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Wish I could be there and see tha amazing work on the ICRBC entries...
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If a spinning rod, I would go with the Microwave 25's. They come in Black, Chrome or TiON and with the Nanolite rings, they are braid-impervious! The guide train is also very light, especially the running guides, so the blank action is retained pretty well.
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Don, AKA The Bearded Yoda, is a great asset for American Tackle. Knowledgeable, attentive, and practices what he teaches! I am proud to call him one of my friends, despite never actually meeting him face to face!
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Just received my newest jigging blank from American Tackle, the Bushido Extreme. I am totally impressed with this blank and can't wait to get it out on the water! I chose the 7'2" 12-20 model and plan to use it off the NW Coast for inshore bottom-fishing. There are also models with line ranges of 15-25, 20-30, 25-40, 30-50, and 50-80. I am pairing it with the also new TiForged Air gu
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You can also try the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser - it is a milder abrasive than sandpaper and does a fine job on moist surfaces.
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Guide spacing calculators, formulas and charts can only give you a starting point, as they do not take blank characteristics into consideration. Each blank will have different characteristics that can affect the placement of the guides. For example, an X-Fast action blank will have the greatest curvature in the last 20% of the blank will requiring the guides to be concentrated towards the tip,
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I have several spools of metallic thread picked up at a quilt shop and they work well for trim bands. The biggest issue I see is the fraying aspect, but this is easily handled by applying a light coat of epoxy, cleaning up any burrs or popups after it is dry, and then applying additional coats of epoxy until you have the desired number. I have used these threads a number of times and have had no
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Mark, You may be envious of my experience, but don't be envious of my 70+ year old body! I just returned from my Cardio Rehab session a little while ago! FYI - I never take offense when someone disagrees with me, as we can both learn from the dialogue if we keep an open mind and leave emotions out of the equation. With regard to static testing, it was not noted in any of the literature
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