Thursday, May 3, 2018

Color-Coded Saltwater Reel Seats

Written by flyfishingunlimited on 7:14 PM in Handles, Reel Seats, Saltwater with No comments

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!

Comparison: Two Versions of Retrograph 904-4

Written by flyfishingunlimited on 5:48 PM in Graphite, Micarta, Retrograph with No comments

So how these two builds compare? They are built on two identical blanks, with slightly different components. There will always be some variation in blank weight, regardless of the manufacturer. However, the difference in components will make larger impact on the weight of the completed rod.

Retrograph 1: 904-4 glossy blank, uplock cork/micarta reel seat with mini butt and aluminum fittings, 6.25" cork grip, TiCH wire stripper, Snake Brand Original snakes and tip top.

Retrograph 2: 904-4 hand rubbed satin finish blank, downlock micarta reel seat with nickel silver cap and ring, 6" cork grip, agate/nickel silver frame stripper, Pac Bay light-wire snakes and tip top.

I used identical finish on both blanks, and guide wraps were kept as short as possible. Here are the results. No doubt, the extra weight of nickel silver contributed to the slightly heavier weight of certain rod sections.

rod model	butt section	3rd section	2nd section	tip section	total rod weight
Retrograph 1	724 grains	267 grains	140 grains	63 grains	1194 grains (2.72 oz or 77.36 grams)
Retrograph 2	788 grains	276 grains	135 grains	62 grains	1261 grains (2.88 oz or 81.37 grams)

Retrograph 904-4 #041518

Written by flyfishingunlimited on 10:01 AM in Graphite, Micarta, Retrograph with 2 comments

I like fishing 9' 4wt rods, and in that length, graphite is the only choice. Here's another Retrograph, just completed. Made on USA made blank, with moderate-fast action. The blank has a satin natural graphite finish. The rod features burnt orange micarta/oxidized nickel silver seat, oxidized guides and red agate stripper, flor grade Powell-inspired grip. Silk wraps are very dark, translucent burnt orange.

More Feedback

Written by flyfishingunlimited on 11:41 AM in Antiquary Edition, Customer Feedback, Reel Seats, Unstructured Glass with No comments

I just received these photos and an email from a customer:

Vlad, (sorry for my shaky focus)

A perfect, beautiful old Dingley reel w/a Pfoot reel foot. Notice how well it fits? Perfectly!!!! Perfect radius, perfect color being a brass foot and a damned perfect feel!

An SA WF4F line and Quiggs furled and it's wonderful on the cast!! Makes me wonder why I fish bamboo. The rod casts wondrously!!!!