Kaneglass-Flavored Short S-Glass 6'6" 4wt Fly Rod

I just completed this build on an imported 6'6" S-glass blank, since I was looking for a fast tapered blank for fishing particular streams. The resulting rod is quite quick for fiberglass and is perfect for confined places which hold larger trout. It features bronzed nickel silver hardware and guides, phenolic-glass reel seat insert, rust wraps with chestnut accents and short, Powell-inspired grip. After finishing the rod, I realized that it's got a bit of a T&T Kaneglass vibe going, even though it wasn't my original intention (most likely a subconscious thing :-)).

 

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Milenkovic 813-5 DF: Phenolic/S-glass Hybrid 8'1" 3wt 5pc

 

This is my latest build, a Hybrid-construction 5pc pack rod, which utilizes phenolic fiberglass butt section and S-glass for the rest of the rod. Using this approach, I was able to significantly slim down the butt section (thicker walls), and achieve linear to regressive taper in the butt: something you don't see very often among contemporary glass rods. The rod has a very fine tip (under 4/64ths), while thin butt section transmits the feel into the casting hand really well. The color among blank sections was adjusted to achieve a flamed-cane look and blend well together.

The rods dampens as good as any glass of modern construction or better, as any "dry fly" designated taper should! I used the tip-over ferrules for lightest possible weight. Thin wire blued snakes, blued Mildrum Belmar-style stripper, Powell-inspired flor handle and reel seat w/figured maple spacer. The thread wraps are in brown silk with tan accents.

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Fiberglass and Serbian Brown Trout

I am back from my European journey...Some of the trip photos are posted here:
http://musicarskikafe.blogspot.com/2018/06/wild-brown-trout-serbia.html

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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! 

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Comparison: Two Versions of Retrograph 904-4

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)

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Retrograph 904-4 #041518

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.

 

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More Feedback

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!!!!

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