For me, the best of the best, at this point in time = Fuji Titanium Torzite.
Forum: rodboard

I believe that the best way to learn rod building is to do it the "old fashioned way" ... an apprenticeship. Find yourself a local rod builder with at least several years of experience. Ask them to teach you. Many will be willing and you will learn faster, smarter, better than you ever would on your own from a book and/or video.
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Jimi @ Southern Graffix does artwork, he is a sponsor here.
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I do not recommend Microwave guides on a tarpon rod, unless you like to catch and release ... quickly. Double-footed heavy duty guides such as Fuji's BMNAG, MNSG or ICMNSG would be ideal. Do you have a couple of blank manufacturers that you prefer? If so, I can point you in the right direction in respect to your blank choice.
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Spring arm tension is most definitely desirable. Wouldn't build a rod without it.
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G Loomis does not sell their blanks since 2009.
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Ron - Look at the St Croix 2SWS76MHF. Karen @ Bingham carries them. Get with me if you want help with the layout. Jim -
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Click on the link to the left. "A line of high performance fishing rod blanks designed by the experts at the St. Croix fishing rod company and sold factory direct to custom rod makers."
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Google doesn't fish for bones.. :-) My personal choice ... 7 weight, 9'6", fast action. An 8 weight is fine, but it isn't necessary AND it makes smaller fish less fun. What is necessary? A great reel, one with a fabulous drag system. A high quality fly line is important, too. Bones are very wary fish. You need distance, accuracy and stealth. St Croix has a nice choice, North F
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He must be chasing some REALLY big bones. St Croix would be my suggestion. You might want to make sure that he wants a rod that heavy, that's way more than I have ever used for that species.
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Brake fluid would do it.
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I also use the 3" drain pipe and caps. Lowe's has them in the plumbing section.
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One question to apply ... Do you sell the stainless cable as a separate item? If not, it is absolutely part of the finished product and it is subject to excise tax.
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No problems with Fuji gimbals. Might want to check with Billy Vivona, he has built/used a ton of heavy rods.
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Use silver mirrored Mylar film. It can be applied with spray adhesive. It is fairly quick to do and VERY effective. No bleed through and the colors will explode off the blank. A lifetime supply (2' x 10' roll) will cost about $25.
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Be careful, read the labels. Many polishes contain solvents, not good. Pledge is safe, but many other similar products aren't. My choice is Meguiar's Deep Crystal Liquid Carnauba Wax. $10 for a bottle that will last a LONG time.
Forum: rodboard

A mid-range flipping blank would likely fit your needs. Hydra offers a 5 power at both 7'6" and 7'11".
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Who We Are Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. is the world’s largest supplier of tackle crafting goods – rod building, fly tying and lure building. A leading e-retailer and mail order supplier, Mud Hole has become the “go-to” and TRUSTED SUPPLIER of hobbyists, small manufacturers and large OEM’s worldwide by offering superior shopping experience, rapid delivery and STELLAR CUSTOMER SERVICE. With
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St Croix 2S70MLF2 would be a nice option. They are a very high quality blank for the price. Glossy jet black as you desire, two-piece as well. On top of that, you can get a matching case for it ... St Croix Traveler RC45.
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The NFC blank that Karen referred to is absolutely the fastest HS9000 clone on the market, period. The only thing faster would be the real deal in a GLX version. There were a few here and there, old stock, available. You would need to just search for them.
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Import.
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Spinning/casting, fly or both?
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Ripples = Too much finish. Get some piece of practice blank and work on technique. Use less epoxy AND do it with a fresh batch.
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Do a search on "micro guides" and you will find all the information that you need. This isn't anything new, you just found a fresh marketing term.
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Why did you order stuff you didn't need?
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Definitely the SB720-4 ... great little pack rod.
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NFC and Hydra. Both offer unfinished high-modulus US produced popping blanks, among other models.
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Solid blanks, although I would recommend the XP903.
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Hydra for sure.
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Some wicked terrible things have been done to my personal Hercules rod and it has endured time after time. Ask the massive Mako that decided to eat my snapper. I set the hook really hard and cranked him up instead. A very prolific local guide is fishing a couple of builds and hasn't been able to do a thing to hurt them either ... and he constantly breaks anything else he is given. Trust me, t
Forum: rodboard