If I had to choose only one rod to fish freshwater where I live in central AL, I would pick a SJ703 (ML-F) spinning. Aside from pike I have caught all those fish on it. I even hauled in a 7lb White Buffalo carp fishing a 1/10oz ned rig. I can fish shallow and weedles with a weedless ned or wacky worm. I use it for underspins with small swimbaits for Alabama spotted bass. It is also my go to for
Forum: rodboard

I ordered a large batch after the great results from the test sized bottles. I noticed that it looked slightly tinted in my clear mix cup. I always leave the excess in the cup when I finish so I can quality inspect the cure. I found that once cured the tint was gone. Do you find that to be the case as well or is yours staying tinted even after cure?
Forum: rodboard

A MB736 x-ray cut to 6'10" with soft touch splits, VSS16 with hidden thread and the aluminum trim CF nut assembly (for looks), same guide train but in CC Alconite guides weighed at 3.9oz The blank at full size is listed as 2oz. This is what my estimate is based from with the lighter rod and lighter guides. Norman, I need to start being more precise and measuring everything. I think t
Forum: rodboard

Dee, I will be surprised if your rod ends up at more than 3.5oz without reel.
Forum: rodboard

Static guide spacing method here---> For guide placement setup your reduction train with the fuji gps tool. It is here--> for runners use the static guide placement method. You won't look back I promise. Edit: Additionally when you place your reduction train, know that it is not perfect because of the limited inputs into the calculator. Read the entire instruction section and mak
Forum: rodboard

All kinds of loaded questions in this post. I love it. Spine: If you aren't a "spine finder" do "outside of curve" where rod bend on straightest axis is tip up and guides underneath. If you want to roll your blank around then you can do it that way too. I personally do straightest axis tip up. They look better and there is published data showing the benefits of this method.
Forum: rodboard

Spencer Phipps Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Did anyone see the Mudhole vid on BFS rods last > night? We certainly don't need to use their > components if we choice not to, but there was some > information there that may help clarify things > from using actual examples of line and lures used, > etc. that can be carried over and thought a
Forum: rodboard

Derick Jahnke Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I dont even know what makes a Delta a Delta vs > SM/IM. The difference is in the raw material the blank is made from.
Forum: rodboard

If you really wanted to stick to X-ray the SJ703 is worth a look. It is my favorite "finesse" rod. I have one that keeps a ned rig on. Usually 1/16 to 1/8oz which is in range of the rod after plastics are added. Another I use for light movers like underspins or Okashira heads with finesse swimmers. What is your application specifically?
Forum: rodboard

Spencer Phipps Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Still trying to wrap my mind around what BFS > really is, the rod spectrum seems to be all over > the place, with the power ratings going up weekly. > Seems like it will soon be any rod you put one of > those little reels on. Pretty much where I figured it would go in traditional fishing. Basic
Forum: rodboard

The reality of the change is that it is far more than just weight of a static object. Think more in how little tension effects the output of a guitar string. As you allow more of the strings mass to modulate it vibrates wider and slower producing a lower frequency. Similar principal in added weight in a rod tip regardless of how little. We know we have to add weight. So my goal is to add as litt
Forum: rodboard

Assuming you don't follow the CCS numbers, The MB706-1 is listed as a GLX2 remaster. It is listed as a Medium Heavy and a fast action. It is perfect for pitching light plastics at docks and wood. 84" length and has a strong taper. Whacky, Texas rig, shaky head... that is the wheel house. The SJ736 is my workhorse on the Coosa chain where we don't have the heaviest of cover. Mostly r
Forum: rodboard

My personal favorite for what you describe is an NFC SJ736 for the heavier end of that and a MB 706-1(HM) for the lighter side.
Forum: rodboard

There is an article on laser printing images to cork an a 2021 issue of Rod Maker. Can't remember the exact issue off the top of my head. Anyone know the issue #?
Forum: rodboard

I fish the back of the boat when out with my Father in Law. He needs hearing aids but will tell you he hears fine after asking you to repeat yourself. This leads to situations where I lose some tackle. I too point straight at it to remove the rod from the equation. Yes I lose tackle, but even a $25 lure is better to lose than to break a rod. I caught my Father in Law trying to retrieve a squa
Forum: rodboard

David/Nick My smaller finesse jerkbaits I fish on a x-ray SJ703 spinning paired with 8lb or 6lb straight flc. I am tall enough a 7' rod doesn't slap the water when I work it. Plus the smaller jerkbaits don't require the big yank a larger full size bait does. PB on it is a 3.5lb Alabama spotted bass. It keeps bass pinned well. Even the feisty spots.
Forum: rodboard

David, You said it for me. With hard jerkbaits I classify mine into three classes; full size (110s/RipStop/Stunna...), mid size (110 jr and alike), and finesse which is like small Raps and X-80 or X-75s. I have not found a perfect rod for each application because there is always one thing they just aren't perfect at. I was tasked with producing a more powerful drop shot rod and started that
Forum: rodboard

SJ736 is my favorite pitching jig blank for 1/2 to 3/8oz casting and grass jigs.
Forum: rodboard

I second the SJ703. I use them for finesse underspins and swimbaits and for ned rigs under 1/8 oz.
Forum: rodboard

I measure from wrist to elbow. I personally like the butt to be right at the first crease of the inside of my elbow on most bass and light freshwater rods. This allows me to work a bait without interference on clothes or body. Fighting fish it is long enough to hold under my forearm for leverage. Long casting rods like deep cranking rods in bass fishing I make longer because the way I fish th
Forum: rodboard

Try pulling your starter tag through to where it lays in the guide foot tunnel. It takes practice getting your tag to lay in the spot you want but it is easily repeated. I cut with thread scissors close to the wraps and the 16th of an inch or so lays right beside the guide. It is nice because with thread large and small is light colors it is easy to see (with good youthful eyes) where the thread
Forum: rodboard

I like to start close enough to the guide that the starter "nub" lays beside the guide foot after 4-5 wraps. It hides neatly there and anything that would normally try to sneak between wraps is usually in the tunnel and cant make it up between wraps.
Forum: rodboard

My personal preference is to not have a keeper unless it is a fly rod or a drop shot rod. I only put keepers on by request otherwise. This is just my personal preference. Casting rods I hook to the reel. Spinning I hook to the butt guide. Spin cast I hook to butt guide. The best place to put a keeper is on the same side of the blank as the reel and close enough to the reel face that
Forum: rodboard

Ordered! It was unfortunate I could not make the expo as planned. I am very excited for this literature.
Forum: rodboard

David, I have noticed an issue sometimes on mobile and desktop versions where the very bottom "upload" button does not seem to upload the photo. In this image I have given an example from desktop. Use the first "upload" button and see if it posts. Make sure all necessary fields are populated and a category has been chosen.
Forum: rodboard

Almost anything you see on the wraps will be visible when finished. This includes dust, pet hair, china marker picked up from wrapping over it, etc...
Forum: rodboard

Forum: rodboard

I just finished building one of these. Spine: Roll each section on a flat surface to find the position it is "tip up" and mark them as the top. This is how I do what Tom mentions about straightest axis. Guide spacing: Two line static test. Guide size: I went 16, 3, 2 with 1 runners. They were REC Recoil and I sized based off the REC recommendations for their guides. Thread
Forum: rodboard

Dave, Main color is ProWrap colorfast Maui Surf. Color # 434 Trim bands are ProWrap metallic Turquoise. Color # 9440 Thank you all for the kind words.
Forum: rodboard

Awhile ago I made a post asking for assistance with my first fly rod build. Thanks to all of you I have finally completed the build. I could not have been successful without the input from this amazing community! It is a NFC IG 805-4 in natural color. I used REC titanium guides. The handle is a Soft Touch full wells with an American Tackle Infinity Window reel seat.
Forum: rodboard