Just taken off the bench for a quick photo. My latest graphite 8wt is in the works! Guide wrapping and finishing to follow. (My older 10wt is on the right, for comparison).
Showing posts with label Handles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Handles. Show all posts
Friday, November 29, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Almost There...
Handles are completed with reel seats attached. Rods are almost completely wrapped and ready for the signature and the finish!
Saturday, February 10, 2024
Old rods revisited: HarborSky saltwater camo fly rods
I built these rods in 2012 and still use them regularly. They are 9' for #6 and #7 lines. Graphite blanks were made by G. Loomis, painted by myself with a non-gloss paint, for the stealthy camo look. Their moderate action is well suited for precise shots on the flats. I use the #6 most often for my local sight-casting. It loads quickly for shorter casts. The #7 (fishes like a #8) has more power...I like it for longer casts on pale bottom flats.
They are still fun rods to fish today, and they have held up very well, after many days in the saltwater environment! You can read about them in my original post.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Unstructured Glass Handle
I am working on a special project Unstructured Glass rod build after a long time. The Garrison-style handle and reel seat were completed last night. The pics of the finished rod coming up soon!
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Parabolic Fiberglass Fly Rod Handle
Parabolic light-line fiberglass fly rod handle, featuring Powell-style grip, and the original aluminum Pezon et Michel hardware. Zebrawood insert and flor cork. Stay tuned for the completed rod photos!
Friday, May 29, 2020
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Syncork Grip Completed
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Syncork Grip
Laying out a grip to be turned out of Syncork rings. This is an interesting material I obtained and used way back, while living in St. Paul, MN. I still have few rings left and will be using them for the upcoming Retrograph "Sightcast" 9' 6wt.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Trout Glass Rods or "The Magnificent Seven"
My personal collection of currently used trout glass or hybrid glass/bamboo rods, L to R:
6'6" orange S-glass 3/4wt 3pc, quick dry fly
7'3" Paradox Hybrid phenolic glass/bamboo 4wt 2/2, parabolic
7'4" Unstructured Prototype E-glass 3/4wt 3pc, med-fast progressive
7'6" orange S-glass 4/5wt 3pc, quick dry fly and streamer
7'6" Unstructured "Old Empire" E-glass 3wt 4pc, semi-parabolic
8'1" Hybrid phenolic/S-glass 3wt 5pc, dry fly fast parabolic, regressive butt taper
8'2" (250cm) Unstructured Prototype E-glass 4.5wt 4pc, dry fly progressive
Friday, January 18, 2019
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Color-Coded Saltwater Reel Seats
I'm getting ready to start some serious saltwater fly rod builds, each specifically designed for the particular purpose. As you can see, the reel seats will be color-coded. My preference for the salt will always be a Fuji seat, even though many fly anglers despise the looks of it. These modern versions have anodized barrels and ultra-slim machined, color-coded inserts. However, the locking nuts are classic Fuji, and that is what makes the difference! You just can't beat the Fuji holding power, light weight, the cushion effect on your expensive saltwater reel seat feet, and the corrosion resistance. They "mold" around your reel feet, and protect them better than any full-metal seat. I also like the very modern, yet the utilitarian look!
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Big Guns-Conquistador Glass Fly Rods
The saltwater season in New England is under full swing and it is time to dust off the big guns. Conquistador Glass tapers (L to R): 9' 10wt, 9' 9wt, 8'6" 8/9wt. I am contemplating building another batch of Conquistadors, so stay tuned. Photos of striped bass (top) and myself courtesy of Dave Skok. Dave took those during the prototype rod-testing, in Fall 2015.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Work in Progress...Paradox Revisited!
I am finally having little time for rod building. I am working on a longer Paradox 8'2" 3/4wt. The blank has very unique casting properties due to its solid bamboo tip, fiberglass ferrule and woven tobacco-glass butt section. Next post will feature completed rod, so stay tuned...
Monday, June 13, 2016
Off to Driftless...
For some testing of Paradox 734. Will pack a couple of more 4wt rods for comparison and change of pace. L to R: Paradox 734, Retrograph 904-4 and DF 250-4.5-4
