I just started building this past November, and the knowledge I've gained from this forum has always been appreciated, but I was AMAZED by the difference a custom rod made this past weekend! I live in Ohio, and target flathead catfish in our rivers (the biggest fish I can catch here), and the season is just getting hot. I fished from the bank with two rods...my old favorite and the one I built this past winter. Both rods are similar in that they are 7', 20-40 lb. mod-fast spinning rods, and I was using identical reels, line, and rigs. The reels seats are within an inch of each other from the butt, but the type of guides and the placement by static load testing aren't even close. In addition to several channel cats and smaller flatties, I caught a 27 pounder, followed by a 24 pounder on my old go to rod. I finally hooked a good one on my rod, but after a few seconds, I figured him to be in the 15-20 lb range. He weighed in at just under 36!
The components for the rod I built (with the help from a few of the sponsors to right...thanks to them, too!) cost me $3 less than I spent for my old go to, less consumables. The time spent building and researching were among the most enjoyable I've spent in many moons (though I'd go broke if I ever thought about doing this for a living!) But the difference in feel from a custom rod, built the right way, using quality components, as well as the art and science I'm learning from everyone here, was shocking! I'm going to have to relearn how to fish!
Again, thanks to all!

Hi Paul,

Congrats on your new rod and successful fishing. Sounds like you're going to be in for a heck of a summer.

You're sure right about the great info you get on this forum. All my days start out the same; I check my email and then check this forum and I'm good to go.

Good luck on the rest of the season.

Bill