Building a custom rod

fast14riot

fast14riot

Joined
Oct 27, 2010
Messages
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It's time I got another custom rod, this time I will be building it myself. My dad built custom rods so I have experienced help at hand, I will also be using his equipment. He hasn't built one in a while, so I figure this will be good to get him back into it.

First off is the goal, this will be a general purpose ultralight/light spinning rod between 72"-84", preferably 1 piece, fast action, good for throwing 1/32 oz jigs up to 5/16 oz spinners, floats, light drop shot rigs, and other light tackle gear. Target specie will be freshwater trout, panfish, shad, land locked kokane, etc. Line will be either 4# or 6# class.

I'm looking to have a reasonably priced blank, quality cork full grip (I'm not a fan of split grips), good guides, I may possibly turn a custom real seat on the lathe too.

Currently still in the shopping and research phase, but I have a couple blanks picked out. MHX brand 7' UL/Fast 1 piece weighing 1.05 oz http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/MHX-Spinning-Casting-Rod-Blanks/MHX-S841-MHX-Spinning-Rod-Blank

Or a Bushido 7'2" Light/Fast 1 piece weighing 1.56 oz http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/Bushido-Inshore-Freshwater/Bushido-Spin-Jig-Rod-Blank-SJ72-4-8

Next I'm undecided on guides. I've narrowed it down to single foot for sure, but either the new Microwave guides designed specifically for casting lighter lures farther, REC Recoil guides which are the lightest on the market and spring tempered so they don't bend easily, and lastly the PacBay Minima guides.

Does anyone here have any experience with either these blanks (even just the brands) or these guides? The rod builders I've spoken too have recommended these blanks but fishing here in CA is a bit different than what they do in the Midwest and South. Mainly, they're crappie fishermen working shallow lakes mostly from a boat. I also want this rod to be able to stream fish from the bank, pond fish or float tube as well.

I'm in no major rush to get this rod built, so I'm not hoping to buy the materials tomorrow.


-Xander
 
I'm going to follow this one closely! That's the type of rod that is good for my area and I have always wanted to build one.
 
I built my first rod at the ripe old age of 8!!! I didn't know anyplace to get a blank so I spent many years stripping old rods and redoing them with new guides and grips. Many have been made since then..... I used to make 6 to 8 per winter, sell some, keep some....

The blanks you describe (being one piece) will be difficult to transport but will feel better than a 2 piece rod (in my opinion) I shy away from Pac Bay stuff as the quality isn't up the Fuji level as far as guides and other components. Using single foot Fuji's will always get you a nice feeling rod,

Before you buy from Mudhole check Jann's Netcraft, I have found them to be a little less expensive in the past. Oh.... and listen to your father when you ask about something!!!
 
1 piece vs 2 or multi piece isn't an issue for me either fishing or transport. I have several 1 piece rods and it's fine. I appreciate the input on the PacBay guides, they were last on my short list.


-Xander
 
I think I have settled on a blank. S781-W-MHX 6'6" ultralight/fast 1 piece blank weighing .90 oz. I will need to go through my dad's supplies to see what's available before I order so I can just get everything at once.

I have already purchased a reel, Okuma SV-25 spinning reel. I also need to decide on what line, but that's coupled with the line guide decision. So, if my dad has reasonable guides already I'll just get an appropriate line, but I'm still trying to decide between the REC Recoil guides or Microwave guides. Microwave guides are mainly for mono, but have benefits with braid too.

Will update as I go along.


-X


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