The turnkey kits are a good way to start and understand what parts and equipment you'll need and to practice techniques without going in too deep. You won't have to worry about compatibility of parts, sizes, etc. and you'll come out with a very fine fishing rod. I built a couple of the mudhole kits and still enjoy and use those rods...BUT, to me the real fun in custom rod building is getting to a
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First you need to choose a guide layout format for your spinning setup - cone of flight, 27x, new guide concept, KR concept, microwave system, etc. Unfortunately, because you don't want to work with micro guides you have removed probably the best layout options for the type of rod you are building. I think you should reconsider. Other than seeing the tiny things after you drop them, the only t
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Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll take a look at these options.
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I'll be headed to Reno, NV for an 8 week assignment and while there I want to take advantage of the local fishing. Based on my research it appears fishing the Truckee River is mostly tightline nymphing. Anyone have good suggestions for a 9-10' 4wt blank? I'm looking for a 4 piece blank to make travel easier. Probably mod-fast action. Also, I'm seeking more affordable options (without giving
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Yes, reel seat placement can have an impact on rod action. I.e. longer handle = slower, shorter = faster. I still say the Rainshadow is the blank you seek. Fit it with a VSS spinning reel seat in down locking with a hidden hood. Build it KR concept. Use Fuji KLH guides 16H, 8H, 5.5m and 4.5 or 5.0 micro running guides. Or, use PacBay Minimas. All this can be found from Git Bit Outd
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The Rainshadow Immortal IMMWS62MXF builds an excellent rod for this purpose. Build it KR concept spinning, or simple spiral casting. I built one a few years back and use it jigging Erie, DR, and Sag River. It is slightly better in my mind with the heavier jigs (5/8 - 1oz), but still suitable for the lighter jigs in the Saginaw system.
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I noticed that the KR GPS, with all things equal other than line type, the stripper guide moves out/in an inch (e.g., 19in for braid and 20in for 10lb mono). Jim/Norm based on your "simplification" process above, should line type be ignored in the stripper distance? I'm guessing the one inch doesn't have a major impact, but I haven't tested enough setups to make a real judgement.
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Perhaps you could get the folks at Rodgeeks to work something up for you. They have copper and burnt orange in metallic...you're earthtone threads would probably work well. They also have brick red, maroon, dark green, blues, etc.
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The Immortal is a very light weight and sensitive blank. It will load up a bit with 1oz. but not too much in my opinion (I also rarely fish 1oz...mostly 3/4 oz and under). If too much flex is a concern the MHX blank appears to be slightly "beefier"...not by much though. I've been very impressed with all the MHX blanks I've built on and use them often. I'd like to try a Rod Geeks
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Another blank to consider would be an Rainshadow Immortal IMMWS62MXF. While the weight rating doesn't go up to 1oz it handles a 1oz jig just fine in a vertical jigging situation. I wouldn't cut it though. How do you like to hold the rod? Do you like to hold in front of the reel or have the reel stem between your fingers? When vertical jigging I hold in front of the reel. I use the FUJI
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It stretches a good amount. Use the adhesive as a lubricant to slide it in place.
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Based on details here: they reference a Fuji real seat. It looks like an Fuji ACS trigger seat with a slot/material removed from the trigger. I don't believe the "carbon wrapping" is referencing the guides, but the way the carbon blank is laid up. The guide wraps look like normal thread wraps. Good luck. Edit. I was looking at the Villian 2.0. The original version is here:
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Thanks for sharing the database. Nice job.
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Tucker mentioned it was for deep water 15' - 25' vertical jigging. I agree the long rod is great for probing brush piles, but for deep open water I'd pick the shorter rod every time. Maybe this is deep brush? We don't have that type of cover where I fish...only shallow brush.
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If looking for a long rod, the blank roger suggested looks really good, but why so long for vertical jigging? Unless he is concerned about spooking the fish with the boat, I wouldn't think a 8 - 9' rod would be ideal for this application. A light power fast action 6'6" to 7' blank (you could even go shorter yet) would be easier to handle for longer periods, have better control (e.g., wind
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something purple would really pop.
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