the minimas are lighter than the original M frame and the titanium minimas are very light. I haven't weighed them, but Vic Cutter handed me a set at the ICRBE and I could tell immediately the difference in my hand
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Bob, If you want to wait a little while longer we can do it at my house. There is room to cast, even surf rods(in my neighbors yard). I would be happy to do it, just have too much going on right now. Maybe june or later
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Take a look at popping rods. 3 power for specks, 4 or 5 power for drum. You won't go wrong with any of the blanks found on the left. If you are close to me(Clemmons) give me a shout and you can stop by sometime. I will try to help
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I have built some 6ft6" from the crb line. Make sure of the tip action he likes. The rod has to have plenty of power as the fish can range from 5-60+lb, but a soft enough tip to lob the bait. If he really likes a soft tip then take a look at a live bait blank. Just don't ask for his "recipe." those carp guys are really obsessive and secretive lol
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the st croix 68mxf is a favorite of mine. The batson 822.5 is also a good one
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There are all the "standard" shapes or you can make anything you want. Whatever is comfortable to you is what will work best.
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I have to agree. The colors are fantastic and the blanks are first rate. I bought several and cannot wait to build on them. The folks there are really great people and i look forward to seeing them again.
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You can also build a fly rod with a detachable butt that is used when in spinning mode. There are several ways to accomplish a combo rod. there was an article in rodmaker a few years back that showed how to do it with a reversible handle.
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I have also seen some older rods that used ash and oak. You can use all kinds of wood. a walnut with checkering would be nice
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Have you tried fishhawk?
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Have you tried fishhawk?
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If you can make it to the ICRBE you will get the chance and hold many different blanks and pick for yourself. You will also be able to talk to people that use, make, and build them.
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I think the lathe is the way to go if you are wanting to make grips. You will find you want to do other things on the lathe as it can be addictive. I would recommend a lathe with a longer bed. take a look at the Jet,delta,penn state ind, or Rikon. You will pay more, but get a lathe you can expand your work with by adding accessories. One thing to consider is the lathe is only about half the c
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One thing on reel seats. Consider a size 16 graphite skeleton or not. Many will chime in and say they do not like the graphite seats on a fly rod. No it will not look traditional. However, the graphite seat will fit ANY fly reel foot, is very light, and very durable. While there are many many beautiful fly reel seats and hardware, many will not accommodate the reel foot. Reel feet are not
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Each person has their favorite. I like the fenwick grip personally and use it on most of my personal rods. A thought is when you make your own, no matter what style, a slightly larger diameter makes it more comfortable to use(especially for long periods). I have fairly large hands. I have also found it helps to have a larger grip for arthritic anglers and is easier for them to use. If you ma
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Robert it depends on what i am throwing, where, and how i am fishing. I primarily use popping rods unless i am throwing topwater, then go to something a little faster in the tip. I like 8ft if i am wading or really need to get distance(963 castaway is a nice blank). I like the st croix 68mxf alot for a fast blank. of course that is my personal preference. I am sure others will chime in.
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It all depends on what you are applying it to. I like it on corks and put a flood coat then wipe off the excess after a few minutes. It will bring out the grain and soak in while still leaving a cork feel. That is my preference as i don't like glossy cork. I think there are better finishes for woods, though tru oil will work fine.
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The virtus from amtak are good. I am sure the other manufacturers equivalent are just as good
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In flyfishing the line is weighted. As you get higher in number it weighs more. Thus a 5wt line weighs more than a 4wt. You need a line heavy enough to throw the flies you are using. You could probably get by with a 5wt for the trout and panfish depending on the flies(maybe the bass too). You may need a different rod for the bass depending on what flies you are using and fishing conditions.
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I designed and made the SBSS. It stands for Sticks N Bones spinning seat. The Aero seat by Amtak was an inspiration. If you read the article in rodmaker it spells out how to make them. If you come to the ICRBE come to my table and I will walk you through it.
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maybe get billy vivona to make an eva batman handle
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the article tells how to make them. You can make it in 3 sizes and any type of material.
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try cork 4u. they had some cork sheets for other than rodbuilding at previous shows. They even had some cork cloth used in making clothing. I would start there.
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The only thing you might have issue with is if you topcoat with permagloss. It can get hot and melt some paints, but if your paint is underneath your sleeve then it would be no problem. I use fiberglass sleeving when i hydrodip handles or paint them. Just sand smooth for the best results or the paint will show any imperfections.
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The paint doesn't matter as long as you let it dry. Atleast i have never found any problem. Just use a can of spray
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the natural fiberglass will get mostly clear when you wet it. If you want a white grip then paint your core as Robert suggested or paint the handle after you sleeve it.
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I have used them. There was an article in rodmaker about using them and attaching them to tubing using cord. You can certainly use thread. I like the using cord. It can be decorative as well as very durable. they would work well on a surf rod by incorporating them into a corded handle.
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Take a look at the M frame guide for your butt guides. You can get the height and use a 20 or maybe 16. Otherwise the 25 sounds a bit large, but set it up. It may be the better choice. I would probably set it up 20M-20V then whatever size transitions best to my running guides. Then do the same with size 16 and compare the 2 setups. I often use the same size 2 butt guides but different heig
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the SBSS is designed after the aero seat. You can make it in 3 sizes and any material. there is an article on how to make it in the 13th aniversary of rodmaker. cant remember which # issue that was
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