After the first few posts, I considered mentioning what was being missed - but decided to wait and see if others would shine a light on the subject. Glad I waited. First Alex posted, then Joe, then Alex again - not much to add when it's that well said. I agree with Steve.
Forum: rodboard

ricky - split grips - volume 4, # 4 - probably out of print by now - try the DVD from Tom.
Forum: rodboard

Alex - thanks. You may not see me - but I'm here - when I'm home - it's email, here, and Google. I don't post much - because I don't need to - you guys are good. Just look at Bill's second post - WOW! What could I possibly add to that! It's been over 35 years since I fished my first Bass tournament against Dee Thomas, Dave Gleibe, Gary Klein and the best in the West - I had about 3 bass rod
Forum: rodboard

Alex's first paragraph says it best, or just get the original RodMaker article on the split grip and read it closely. Commercial rod builders subscribe to RodMaker and paid attention - those that didn't, got left behind. We're all in this together - to improve the sport and improve the tools of the sport. Commercial rod companies are doing their part by following the better "tool" i
Forum: rodboard

I love the extremes in rod building, there is lots of room at both ends of the spectrum. In 1957 I built Herter's kits, only for myself - they were "pretty" and functional. I spent many years testing and thinking in the 80's and 90's before I started building "ugly" for myself and one Bass Pro. I never intended to build for any others - when I finally did - I did it for fun a
Forum: rodboard

Real names - real info, by those that actually have used what they type about and are willing to share their knowledge. No surprise to many of us for the success and importance of this site and RodMaker mag.
Forum: rodboard

I can't speak for all the blanks mentioned - have not used them - but I can say this. There are very few great Flip blanks - for high level anglers. The original was a saltwater blank - S-glass, stiff tip, flexible mid-section. Graphite copies have mostly fallen short for effective Flippin'/Pitchin' . On the other hand there are many blanks that can handle Frogs well - 3/8 to 1 1/2 oz range, 5
Forum: rodboard

Yes. recommend you use 25 or 30 lb. mono only (no spectra or Floro lines) and a quality reel without a line guide.
Forum: rodboard

Yes. recommend you use 25 or 30 lb. mono only (no spectra or Floro lines) and a quality reel without a line guide.
Forum: rodboard

Colin - if the "Mad Hatter" wants a "Robert's Roll" on a Spey fly rod - why not have some fun and build it - life's too short to not introduce some laughter when you can. I once built a "Robert's Roll" on a high end Bass casting rod to prove a point to some die hard tournament bass angler's - that the spiral wrap does not decrease or increase casting distance. As a
Forum: rodboard

Scott, you're in luck - the Seeker blank -Bass Spinning 706 in S-glass comes in a 7 1/2 ft. length as well. I'm sending 6 of my 706 blanks to a certain famous rod builder to build for an Elite angler - with eyes up. What's the world coming too? I gave this blank its start a long time ago - by asking Seeker to build the BS706 in S-glass not E-glass - for this Elite angler - they complied and t
Forum: rodboard

Bill - you've got it. It being where do you place your FOCUS? Sensitivity? Durability? Balance? Casting distance? Spine placement ? Lightest weight? Hook setting? Fish control? Guide spacing? Handle configuration? It's a loaded question - the answer is NONE of the above! !) FOCUS on the FISH! 2) Next the TECHNIQUES for the conditions. 3) Finally the best TOOLS for the techniques.
Forum: rodboard

I have a few ideas for you - all turned into articles by me for RodMaker mag. Get copies of my past articles and you'll have the blueprints for the Powell and Dobyn's bass rods (which are copies of my custom rods). Just pick the right technique specific blanks and follow the articles - you'll have a much better result than the Powell or Dobyn's rods - they are after all - copies of my high dol
Forum: rodboard

Bill, Money won - but you have a point - there does seem to be more replacements (not by me however) on higher modulas flip blanks. 2. You can't - build them one piece if you can get the right 8 ft. blank. An oversleeve of higher modulas would also work - but would be a bit of a nuisance to make the fit and overlap exact.
Forum: rodboard

Tom - I still use the same blank ( I have several) - but it is no longer available. (Shikari) However, you're in luck - if you want the same quality, only a higher modulas - there is only one I know of - Lamiglas, Certified Pro - Flip Blank - 8 ft. - I directed them how to build it - they did! Dee Thomas liked it so much he put his name on it. General rule of thumb for Flip/Pitch blanks -
Forum: rodboard

Start with 9" split grip on a 7 ft. batcasting crankbait rod - go up if you like better balance or longer handles - go shorter if you fish aggressively with short casts in the trees. Try 2 1/2 on the front and 2 1/2 on the back - forget the foregrip unless you actually grip there during the retreive - it's a relic from the past of following convention and not understanding that form should
Forum: rodboard

Tony, Read the article in RodMaker "to weight or not to weight " then decide what to do. If you're not sure of your Flip/Pitch technique - order my book "Powerhand Baitcasting" . What I know about Flippin' came from Dee Thomas - what I know about Pitchin' came from Gary Klein - all the key elements are in the book. There are over 20 Bass techniques I use and build rods f
Forum: rodboard

The best reference for split grips is the article in RodMaker - can't get your hands on that issue? Listen to Alex.
Forum: rodboard

The bottom line - lost fish. For the recreational angler - it's called an early release - and not that big of a deal. For the touring Pro - it's a disaster! If you or your customer is content with the number of lost fish - change nothing. However, I have never had a touring pro improve their catch ratio when cranking by going to a higher grade graphite - the solution has always been the very b
Forum: rodboard

John, there are major advantages to fiberglass over graphite - when it comes to crankbaits - but it depends greatly on the level of the angler. If you're building for a relative novice lean toward graphite - it will serve them well. If the angler is at the Pro level (or thinks he is) go with fiberglass. I get a few calls from the very best Elite anglers on tour that want to upgrade their
Forum: rodboard

I agree with Bill S. plus I agree with Fuji's own tests of their NGC (which I use in a round about way). Read their test data closely and see what you come up with. I also agree with those that liked Bill's test rod at the show. Is Bill a Cajun - cagey or both? I was impressed with the rod/guide set up - but the rest of the story was the reel he used and how it was set up and the line/lure he us
Forum: rodboard

Rubberized cork is tough - I use a 1 HP grinder (outside the shop) and grind it close (on the rod) - then file a little - then sandpaper - works well for me.
Forum: rodboard

Black. The new coating covers the entire blank - the old coating did not. I asked Seeker many times to coat the entire blank for the split grip - they finally have. I saw the new color at the show and liked it. That blank could be any color and it would be beautiful enough. There is no such thing as ugly when a blank performs like this one does.
Forum: rodboard

Jerry's notes are spot on.
Forum: rodboard

The Seeker Bass Spinning 706 S-glass blank will do everything you have in mind. Give Anglers Workshop a call - they will know this blank.
Forum: rodboard

They will move a little - easily - but not a lot. If they won't move at all for you - lighten up a little when wrapping - they are worth the extra trouble for a lot of reasons - you'll have your own list - it's the one that matters most.
Forum: rodboard

Seeker makes this S glass in 7 1/2 & 7 ft. They are as good as it gets for tight line moving lures. The new green is better looking than the old one and finished - tip to butt. The old one left the handle area unfinished - I complained for the sake of the split grip and no fore-grip - eventually, they listened.
Forum: rodboard

Jeff, Give Angler's Workshop a call - they know what you're talking about when you ask for the "green" - "S" glass blank by Seeker. They are a board sponsor.
Forum: rodboard

Full explanation of the "Power Guide" for flip stiks at the show - Sunday 2PM seminar. It's not in the book - came up with the solution after publication. When, where, how, why, etc., will be covered.
Forum: rodboard

Tony - any St. Croix 7 ft. ML will work well - pick any series that fits the budget - the series 4 & 5 are in a league of their own - but pricey.
Forum: rodboard