I think that you are going at it right. You will like the graphite rods much more than the others. Add in the spiral wrap, eliminating reel torque, no problem fighting kings, just take your time and enjoy the fight. Good luck, let us know how they work out. eyefull
Forum: rodboard

Steve, I use the RDR86 for diver rods, and the RDR70 for riggers and walleye trollers. It is hard to find blanks designed or named as trolling blanks. I actually have four of each hitting Lake Michigan aboard two different charter boats this spring. I should get some good feedback on their reliability. The Gator Glass rods have been making them happy for a couple of years now, they are jus
Forum: rodboard

Steve, Didn't ever even get into comparison after my preaching. Many of the charter captains I build for are very stubborn about having fiberglass salmon rods. They won't even consider graphite because of the poor quality composites and e glass stuff that came out in the beginning. I have built some Gator Glass rods for some of them. They aren't pretty to look at, but I am confident that y
Forum: rodboard

Steve, I build rods here in Frankenmuth for the exact purpose as yourself. I fish Saginaw Bay May-July, then start heading west to Ludington for the Tuna wars (Kings). You can't really build a rod that will cover all the bases perfect. I have been using Batson Rainshadow trolling blanks with good success. A 7' rod is all you want for riggers (makes for easy manuevering when in battle). Th
Forum: rodboard

I have been building Great Lakes Salmon trolling rods using RDR blanks. They come black, not blue like in some catalogues. They are beautiful blanks at a great price. They are making believers out of the old school charter captains that insist that only 100% glass blanks will do. I havn't had a failure yet to date. I have used the RDR70 blank for downrigger rods and the RDR80?(8'6" two
Forum: rodboard

Contact Fishsticks and they can get you hooked up with someone that will make your favorite blank whatever color you want it. I have had several Salmon Trolling blanks colored by this individual and they are holding up as good or better than factory. Very reasonable price as well.
Forum: rodboard

That is the reason I asked. Most of the repair/replacement business I get is due to guide failure, especially on Dipsy rods. The factory guides get grooved out, usually from braids. Are the factory rods using that crappy of guides, or will the Fuji's, Pac Bay's, etc... ceramics fail as well? Maybe that is the same question, just more specific. I may try some Pac Bay Hialoy guides on my own r
Forum: rodboard

Here's a dumb question regarding the above information on guide material. Can the Hialoy/Hardloy guides handle superbraids in a Salmon/Walleye Diver rod trolling setup rod? Charter captains will beat you up on price all day long if necessary. I have been using SIC guides, but that leaves little for the piggy bank when you consider the hours invested in an 8.5' trolling rod. I don't want to ri
Forum: rodboard

Thought about that also. Heard that fish won't even eat the darn things, they bite back! Didn't want to jinx the rod.
Forum: rodboard

Thought about how to use him as an inlay!!
Forum: rodboard

This may prove Tim Badore's(Bob and Tom Show) theory about the animal conspiracy. The other day after laying down a nice coat of TM on an 8' trolling rod, I turned on the dryer and started admiring my work. I noticed some small bubbles on a couple of the wraps, so I grabbed my straw off the counter. I started blowing gently on the first bubble and began to feel a burning sensation on my tongue. Q
Forum: rodboard

Steve, I just picked up four Shakira 7'6" blanks from Mudhole for $27 each. They may be on the lighter side for salmon, but will make awesome walleye trolling rods. Still should work fine for salmon rigger rods, just won't be tournement jerking any salmon in the boat. These more than likely won't have the spine to handle large divers though. Worth a look anyways, don't wait too long,
Forum: rodboard

You won't be disappointed. I put a blue feather inlay on one of my first ones. In the shop you can't even see it, but when it is in the sunlight on the boat, it glows, almost holographic. People at the dock will notice your rods, maybe even get you some business. Post a picture when you get done with them. I would post, except dial up would take til next year. When AT&T makes their way
Forum: rodboard

Steve, One other note, if you get them from Fisticks, talk to Rob Tignor about getting them custom finished. The guy that I have been using can do any color you want at a pretty reasonable price. They come black, not blue as the website may indicate. I think they got that changed though. I have been getting mine painted cobalt blue, using NCP Navy Blue thread and metallic gold trim bands.
Forum: rodboard

I have used the Rainshadow in 8.5' for Diver rods and the 7' RDR70(I think) for the rigger rods. I am at work, so I can't check the number for exact, they only offer 6 models I believe. I also use the Fuji premium graphite seets. I have been using PAC Bay SIC guides, they are holding up well on everything from mono to wire. I am using what I believe to be the simple spiral. I basically run t
Forum: rodboard

I just finished building a local Salmon/Walleye guide 6 trolling rods. I am replacing his Talora rods. He has had an assortment of problems with the Telora rods ranging from broken guides, guide feet digging in(cutting the fibers), and reel seats coming loose. I believe that the blanks are ATC Matrix blanks, but not for sure on that. I used Batson Rainshadow Trolling blanks for his build. I
Forum: rodboard

I am assuming you are talking about a spinning rod? I build many salmon trolling rods with EVA straight rear grips. I usually use graphite gimbles on the butt end, however some boats don't have built in rod holders. For those, many times a rubber butt cap works. Be sure to scuff up the inside of the rubber butt cap, epoxy doesn'y readily adhere to the smooth rubber surface. I usually have to
Forum: rodboard

I also recieved a set of four of these black blanks. Robert at Fisticks got me hooked up with a guy that can make them any color you want at a great price. I have those four rods in action with a busy salmon charter captain, and so far they are holding up great. Kind of cool when it all works out, great service, great results.
Forum: rodboard