There is a large discussion about this subject on the "IceShanty" a ice fishing web sight. Half way down the list is a rob building page. One of the members has a list of ice blanks and how to sand down to a desired affect.
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I've have done three different transactions this last year. One order was right away (5 days) the next within 10 days the other took 6 weeks. Every times I told myself the be patient and not be in a hurry. Every blank I have received is quality. I will order again and hope I can remain patient because I know that what I'm going to receive will be worth the money and time I waited.
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Janns Netcraft has blanks for less than $25.
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BassKang makes some good blanks as well the Mudhole blanks.
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I build a casting rod this spring with Microwave guides and I do think it cast better than conventional guides for distance. As of yet I don't have a day of fishing as my boats been in the shop for a month. I do plan on another build as a crank bait rod as I think that would be a great application.
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I started with a Mudhole class to begin with. Two days of instruction with a starter kit and blank. Best money I've spent. Still using the equipment and adding to my system as I go. I drove about 7 hours to attend the class, I live in WY. Since the class I've been to the Mudhole's shop in FL as well as Get Bit, both were great folks and answered all my questions, in person and on the phone.
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I've been using Winn grips for the last two years both open water and ice fishing. I don't believe they are less sensitive or dampen vibration. I fish walleye tournaments in some cold and wet conditions and what I like the most is how the rod stays put, with gloves and bare handed. The other thing I have found is is my hand is more relaxed because of the tacky feel. When cork is cold and with glo
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First off I've never done this so take that for what it's worth. Makelure.com has video on how to make silicone molds for lures. I would think the application is the same. Good luck!
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More guides= more weight. Less guides lighter weight. Lighter weight=more sensitivity.
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Very informative. Glad I found it just before it started.
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Sorry for you lose. As a retired Sheriff's Deputy of 31 years, this really hit home. I pray for my brothers and sisters everyday.
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I think they would work well. Match the size of the guide with the size of the reel. Better casting with lighter weights.
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To build more rods taking my time on fit and finish. I get all jacked up and forget a step along the way ie: winding checks etc.....
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I built 4 bottom bounce rods with the CBR blanks last year and am very pleased with all 4. As stated they get beat up and keep working.
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I would say that Roger is dead on with his advise. I troll allot for walleye using a bottom bounce 2 to 3 oz. You need the moderate heavy action to load, then set the hook while in the rod holder. Then the moderate action keeps the fish pinned with all the forward pressure bringing it to the boat. I built 4(four) BB rods last winter after reading the same advise. One 7'6 the other 6'6 all wit
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Got the finale OK from the wife and cleared from work to make the trip from WY to come to the show. Looking forward to it. I'm going to be a sponge for a couple days.
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Thomas Kaufman the XRays and all NFC are 65% Off right now on their web sight.
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I enjoyed your live feed on Facebook last evening. Thanks for doing.
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I would suggest a medium to medium heavy moderate action rod in a casting model. If the rod is going to sit in a rod holder most of the time I would look at something 8' long two piece. If your going to hold the rod then 6'6" to 7' in casting. The other consideration would be if your using a bottom bouncer or weights to drag with. The weight of the weight/bouncer will dictate how heavy of ro
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I'm new to this as well and I have had similar doubts. I took two rod tips and wrapped every color of thread I have on both pieces and put finish on all the raps so I can compare colors side by side. Having done a few different colored rods does have some impact on color choice.
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Yes
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I've built rods now with the Winn Grips. I love mine and the other two guys love theirs as well. Just fish a tournament last weekend were it rained all day and the rod and grips were awesome. Have not had in hot weather yet. I think they look great! Lots of other colors as well. Will be making more with the Winn's for sure!
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I'm also new to the sight and have done 3 rods with Winn grips and I and everyone else love them. I've gone back and put the Winn tape on most of the worn cork grips that I have and really like the look and feel of tape. I would like to try the carbon soon though.
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It's not aluminum but maybe? The Get Bit add has a red handle but not a fly rod handle.
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May want to look at this system might work very well with a lighter rod blank.
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My want to look at these rods as well.
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Thanks Buzz!
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I thought about the Expo. The idea of a cross country journey in February from WY spooks me. I still my try. My wife has family in Florida so it's and easier "sell" LOL, plus I can fish in my flip flop down there.
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As would I. I would travel a ways for that class.
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I took a Mudhole Class this last October in Denver, CO. It was a goal I had after I retired the year before. I had a blast and learned a lot. One of the instructors recommended this web sight and I've been absorbing ever since. I would highly recommend this class to anyone that is wanting to get started.
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