I use a lite epoxy applied in multiple coats. The brand I use is called Hobby Poxy and I will normally use 3 or 4 coats. This gives me the neat appearance of a varnished wrap with the durability of epoxy. In my opinion, using high-build epoxy is a time saving & cost saving method used by manufacturers to make more money with less effort. A single coat of high-build epoxy probably does an
Forum: rodboard

Tom, You should not overlook fiberglass blanks as a choice in your first rod. In some ways, fiberglass is more pleasureable to fish than graphite. If I was building a panfish rod, that is what I would use. I can highly recommend the Lamiglas blanks. They are reasonably priced, made in USA, and have a great reputation. Also, as a beginner, you will find that the larger diameter of fibergl
Forum: rodboard

I have used a product called Crystal Clear Epoxy with great results for many years. Unfortunately, the manufacturer of this product is no longer selling it in small quantities, so I will probably switch to Rod Bond when my supply runs out.
Forum: rodboard

Martin is now owned by Zebco, so look on Zebco's website.
Forum: rodboard

I have been using those for years. They work great. I didn't know you could get them from Staples. I have been ordering them from a library supplies company. My stock is running low. Thanks for the post.
Forum: rodboard

I generally use D thread on saltwater boat rods and surf rods. A for everything else.
Forum: rodboard

If you want to try something in fiberglass, I highly recommend the Lamiglas 7 1/2' 4 weight.
Forum: rodboard

I have been using Denatured alcohol from the hardware store. I remember trying Isopropyl once and I couldn't even get it to ignite.
Forum: rodboard

The 7' 3wt Lamiglas mentioned earlier is probably a good choice. Fishing small streams has very little to do with "performance". I doubt that ceramic guides would make much difference. Being a traditionalist, I personally would stick with snake guides.
Forum: rodboard

Uplocking seats have been the fad for the last ten years or so. Personally I have always preferred downlocking for freshwater sized rods. It just looks "right" to me and also the reel balances the rod better in many cases. On a rod with a downlocking seat, the locking ring on the seat has a tendency to loosen up a bit while your fishing. Turning the seat around the other way solves
Forum: rodboard

I have found that the best line weight for fishing strictly streamers is a 7 weight. Beyond that I would say the rest is up to your personal tastes. I would stay at about 8 feet, give or take a half a foot.
Forum: rodboard

Got mine yesterday - New York.
Forum: rodboard