live 2 fish

One more thing. It may be pretty expensive to start, getting a wrapping station and all the tools needed, but it's definately worth it. -CFL

I've only built two rods, but my dad has been building them for years. 1. I'd stay away from kits from Cabela's. If you want a kit, get it from Jann's NetCraft. 2. My favorite blank, that is affordable, is Rain Shadow. T hey make a great blank, and most are under $70. You can also get then at netcraft. If money isn't an issue, G.Loomis all the way. 3. You can build a rod in a week or 2 months, depending on how fancy you get. With my first two rods, I've kept it simple. My dad is building himself a spinning rod right now and he's planning on doing a double chevron [sp?] butt wrap. That may take a lot longer, but I'd advise to stay simple for your first rod. 4. Yes, you can make it look good, but it does take practice and patience (that's why I've only built two...) Don't be afraid to cut off a wrap that doesn't look good and redo it. One thing I can't stress anough is have all the right equipment!! if you don't you'll make it harder than it needs to be, and it won't look as good. And some tips to keep the cost down and build a better rod: - If you're planning on using braided line on this rod and are worried about the guides, you don't have to go with all SIC guides. Go with Alconite guides, and use an SIC tip. That is the one that takes most of the pressure, and is at risk from braid the most. -Use Fuji guides. You can save a bit on money going with pac bay or whatever, but I really like fuji's guides and their concept guide system, which is what you see on most rods on the shelf now days. It keeps the line closer to the blank for better performance. - Take your time in learning what to do before you jump right in, it'll make it a lot easier. I'll get some pics of my flippin' stick that my dad built for me. If you have any other questions feel free to PM or email me, and I'll see what I can do to help. But check out Janns net craft. Great site, great products, and great staff. -CFL

I purchased a Berkley lipgrip with built in scale last year for Musky, but I've been using it to weight my bass too, although I don't catch many worth waying. It goes up to 30lbs and seems to be quite accurate. It's the $50.00 ones.

I've never used anything but their octupus hook for wacky rigging. It was the first time I used braid, about a year ago. I got caught on a stump and hear the braid would straighted out hooks. So I put the thumb on the spool and walked backwards. After a few steps, I hear a loud snap, Ithough it was my braid. It wasn't. It was the hook. It snapped in half. I've never used another BPS hook. I use Gamakatsu and Owner. I like Mustad for somethings, like on spinnerbaits and jigs. and I use Mustad on my jigs.

I use mostly BOOYAH spinnerbaits. I've got a maybe 25 of them with another 6 or so of other brands, and 2 or 3 home made spinnerbaits. I like the Booyah mostly because they're good quality and they don't break the bank. Those new Lucky Craft Redemption spinnerbaits Reese won the classic with are pretty nice, but I would not spend $14 on a spinnerbait.

I've fished with a couple higher end Daiwas, and a Skeet Reese Revo. I really love the Zillion I fished with, even if the handle was on the wrong side. If I had enough money to get one, that would probably be my first choice. That or a Shimano Curado, since I've never tried Shimano and would like to.

Hey man, I'm also fairly new here. Welcome. Where you fish for largemouths? We fish mostly out west of Toledo in the reservoirs of all the small towns out there. Wauseon, swanton, delta, metamora, etc.

Hey everyone, I'm new here. My name's Anthony, and I live near Toledo, OH. This winter, I've been trying to start my own small lure company. I make all the lures myself, and save the money I make to help me pay for college. I love to fish (obviously), and I'm always striving to get better. Can't wait to get to know everyone.