Friends: I've been invited to fish the Tee with a gent in Scotland. Unfortunately, I know little about spey rods, as they are not my erea of expertise. I am told that he uses a three piece 15 footer, but that's all. I suppose I could ask him the AFTMA line weight class, but I'm not even sure they use that there as the last time I fished over there they were using the older letter nomenclatu
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After the first time I did that, I made sure to wear a mask - just a simple painters type mask. Little plastic koodies floating around your air intake just can't be good........
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And the question is? Whit
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That's way better than a second hand one! :) LOL Whit
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I would also look at the Calstar E-Glass rods, rather than the composite, if you're over about 45 years old. They are just a little easier on the back. The e-glass can take more abuse as well.
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The AFCTO's are fine. I've used them for 25 years or more. And they handle the spectra just fine. They are all I use. If you want confirmation of this go to the long range landings in San Diego where spectra ranging from 20 - 200 lb test is the standard spool filling, and do a little survey. Here's what you will find for roller rods: 95 plus percent are AFTCO's, Some of the hot sticks
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I detect the derision that some have on this board for the ugly stick, yet there are a ton of the out there, and they have helped many a person get into and enjoy the sport. That makes for a good start in my book. For example while ruggedness, heavy weight and clunkiness may not be a desirable quality in, say, a fly rod designed for trout, or an ultralight spinning rod, these qualities are ac
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I use the 7' Mudhole value e-glass blanks for this application. They work great.
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Another option is to doublewrap the black. It does not materially bulk up the wrap, and the effect is nice. I do it all the time. Whit
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Assuming you are talking about metal framed rollers vs the graphite model ALWR guides on roller rods tailored for line weight of, say 20 lb through unlimited, I recommend as a basic rule of thumb a minimum of 4 roller guides plus a roller tip for rods up to 4'6", and then add one for the first foot of length thereafter (i.e up to 5'6") then one for each 6 inches of length thereafter.
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I get plugs from the hardware store all the time. Made of nylon, they grip the inside of the blank once they are inserted, tho I add a dab of epoxy if the fit is not tight. They are a thin nylon though, and I remember the Mudhole ones being a lot better for the job.
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Phil: Your best bet is all rollers for a trolling rod. It will handle braid and mono equally. And will not wear the line down nearly as fast as a ringed guide (remember the adage: "the wheel is better than the sled"). Little is saved by doing a hybrid system, with a roller and tip, with ring guides in the middle, a concept which started to come in in the mid 1970's. One p
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What Jocko said. In addition, I put mine in the shower, with a nice drizzle of warm water (not a powerful blast which will drive the salt into nooks and crevices, which converts later into trouble). It also helps to use Salt-X to spray the rods down before doing the shower thing. I think your friend will be fine..... Whit
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There are some 3pc 7' lamiglas blanks out there that would fit the bill. I recently bought a couple from Angler's workshop. You could discard the butt piece and be in the money, length and powerwise. Whit
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I'd sand it down, then make my next batch of epoxy making really sure the mix ratios are exactly right. Before applying it I would warm it up a bit with a heat gun or hair dryer. It goes on thin, this way, so you may have to repeat several times. Others may have more refined recommendations..... Whit
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Wiltz: Did you get the guides I sent? Whit
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I think it depends on where you fish and what you are fishing for. Extreme examples of this are flipping, where you need to get a gnarly looking something within an inch or two of a target (some folks may also remember the old "skittering a perch belly" technique as well, still effective I might add!), and longcasting in the ocean surf where you need to get your lure 160 plus yards
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An artist supply store may have it as well
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Alconites are an excellent choice. If he is fishing in the surf for the brutes, I have gone on a couple of my rods to the tiops with the inserts of titanium or zirconium just for that extra measure of toughness. American Tackle makes them, and they are quite reasonably priced.
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Bill: I use it more for the 1-3 oz range, but I push a rod pretty hard "longcaster" style, so lean toward the lighter sizes of lures. Mostly I use it to throw the "iron" or diamond jigs. if you are throwing 4-8 n bait range this is not the blank for you, They have an 11 footer in that international series I use for 4-5 n bait which is a dream. It will handle the big
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I use this one for that exact application, which is an Lamiglas "International" series I bought at Mudhole: ISU120-2M 10' 2 14-30 lb. 2-4 oz. 11 .76 4 3/8 oz. Really lightweight and casts a mile. And it is well below your budgeted amount. This is my latest choice and current favorite, I have built a number for this application over the years, running the gamut from no-nam
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Try Mudhole. I'd look at their E-Glass or the Gator Glass Blanks. Whit
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Wiltz: I might have a few from about 50-60 years ago in the smaller sizes, but if I remember right they are neither stainless nor chromed. They are new, however - or at least never used. I would call them metal. If you are looking for something which would be close to "original equipment" . I would be happy to send some to you gratis. If you are interested please pm me at &
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James: I've been doing business with Mudhole for years, from the days they operated out of little more than a storage area. Let me assure you these friendly and knowledgeable folks have always offered the utmost in hospitality and courtesy. This is not to mention the incredible variety of the merchandise, which beats any other place that I have ever visited, which I try to do wherever I go
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I'm with Bill. But buy my brushes at the Dollar Store at 24 for a dollar. I also use the break-off-the-tip method for my subsequent stirrer, or did until about six months ago when I found some wood lollipop sticks at 300 for $1.00 which work great. (Quantum leap in technology). Other dollar store items are the foam paint brushes at about 12 for a buck which work well for recoating or p
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I have used all flavors, tho my experience is to the south of you in Sebastian Inlet area and also the St Lucie inlet areas. For rods you will cast with: Underwrap - not really needed for most but the heaviest applications Overwrap - just one layer needed, even with doublefoot guides. I use size D mostly. For trolling: When bridge trolling especially, and you use a rod rated for
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Get the 11/16 ID, it will make your life much easier....... If someone knows where a person can get a larger ID Hypalon than that, I'd appreciate knowing where
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I like hypalon for heavier saltwater rods where there is a tendency to have a death grip on the rod fighting a big fish. It is much easier on your hands than EVA which is less forgiving. I like EVA for fresh water applications as it is light and easy to work with. It's in the middle that things get interesting. I surf fish a bit, where there is a good chance the grip will get wet, as well
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To prevent rubbing., Works especially well for me in situations where I stress the blank - i.e. in longcasting. Whit
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A technique that I use is to cut off a tiny sliver of electrical tape, only slightly larger than the shape of the guide feet, and then stick it ont to the bottom of the feet. Works like a charm.
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