.ghoti.

When I get a new reel, I “ride it like I stole it” for a while. Just to test for defects. When I’m satisfied nothing is amiss, it gets a complete tear down, clean, and lube to my specs. When i get a used reel, it gets the tear down, clean and lube as soon as I get it.

A master at work

I tried raising chickens for the Colonel a couple of decades back. Initial order of 5000 chicks all died within a few days. Three more identical orders produced the same results. Turns out I was planting them upside down.

Ever see an old cartoon of a guy catching a boot?. One of the old style 4-buckle galoshes?. Got one of those several years ago on my local lake. Almost fell out of my yak laughing. For anybody interested in targeting such a trophy it was caught post spawn, water temp 70°, at the base of riprap on the dam, in 14’ if water on a DD22. Sorry, do not remember what color. Also, got a nice 6’ folding aluminum ladder on Lake of the Ozarks. Nailed that beauty on a black/blue 3/8oz jig with a chigger craw trailer.

Don’t care whose cousin they are. I would like to catch one.

Keep in mind epoxy does not dry. It cures via an exothermic chemical reaction. Thus it’s reaction to temperature changes.

Your problem is likely the temperature. Epoxy will cure to a non-sticky state in about 24 hours at 72°F. For every ten degree difference, the cure time changes by a factor of 2. Ten degrees warmer, cure in half the time. Ten degrees colder, cure in twice the time. 10° C = 18°F. You are very close to that

I also like both kinds of music. jazz and classical

Chiming in again, because I just finished a build for my brother. He asked for a 7’, two piece, 5wt, fiberglass fly rod. I asked, why?. He said because I don’t have one, and nobody makes one. Fair enough, so I stated looking for blanks. He was right. Nobody makes one. I should qualify that. They are out there, but the couple I found were from low volume custom fab shops, and were way too expensive. I tested a lot of blanks, looking for an alternative. And found one. Seeker s-glas two piece fiberglass UL spinning rod blank. CCS tested right in the middle of the 5wt range. Faster in action than a conventional glass fly rod, but still what I would call moderate action. It is extremely light weight for a glass blank. Under load, it flexes a long way down the blank. It casts a weight forward 5wt line nicely. I took it out in the gravel road in front of my cabin with a spinning reel mounted and tested it out. Used an 1/8oz jighead and drug it through the rocks and gravel. Surprisingly sensitive for a glass rod. This one was an UL, but it is not the only model they make. I can do a little more research and see what they have that would fit your needs. Give me a weight range you would cast.

You can no longer buy St Croix blanks. You can buy Rodgeeks blanks, but they are not always the same thing. Paul, you have posed an intriguing question. Wish I had an answer for you. The rainshadow blank you mentioned may come close. I have built quite a few rainshadow blanks, and, in my opinion, they are under-rated, in terms of power. There medium power blanks are a lot closer the MH. You might consider posting the question here https://www.rodbuilding.org/list.php?2 A whole bunch of very experienced rod builders hang out there.

Technically speaking, trimming a fast action blank, from either end, will result in a slower action. But, you are never going to start with a fast blank and end up with a moderate blank. Trimming slows the action, but it can be difficult to really discern the change. You can always get away with trimming from the butt end. You end up with a shorter, lighter, and very slightly slower blank. I would never recommend trimming the tip end. Unless, of course, you have a heavy power blank, and would like to have a pool cue in it’s place. Tell us what you want, specifically. I recently built a crankbait rod, on an MHX blank. 6’6” medium power, mod-fast action, 3/16 - 5/8oz lure weight. It would easily cast a 1/8oz bait. The blank weighs 1.4oz there will be other options available.

I have two rods built on NFC blanks. Not the X-rays, so I can’t comment on those. I bought blanks which were a lot more expensive that X-ray blanks. Got them for 65% off during a sale last year from Get Bit. They made a couple of nice rods; for the price I paid. If I had paid full price for them, I would be seriously disappointed. They are not all that and a bag of chips. I will not be buying any more of them. And I will not be building any more, no matter who buys them.

The variety of creatures living in our oceans is truly amazing. And occasionally disgusting.

Ok there once was a fisherman named Kelly who sported a very hairy belly till once, in his haste he used epoxy paste instead of petroleum jelly

Ok, there once was a fisherman named Kelly .......

Who is going. My room is booked.

We call it the flea market

I use an Alps power wrapper with five support stands. When I get within about a foot of the tip, I move the supports every time I move to the next guide. Basically, I have a support on each side of the guide I’m wrapping. Finish that one, move the supports, and start on the next.

It is known as the Epley Maneuver

What do you mean, placing the rod through the guides? I do a final alignment check before applying CP. simple process. Just sight down the blank, in very bright light. The chopped off reel foot provides an alignment point for the sight picture.

I do not know if bass have any idea what day it is. I do know they do not read the same books, articles, and forums we read.

Joe, I’ve built on several MHX blanks, and all have had the right feel for their power ratings. To my hands, at least. Have no experience with the shooter blanks.

Sounds like you had a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks for sharing

Here you go. MHX shooter blanks. All 6’. https://www.mudhole.com/custom-rod-building-blanks/mhx-rod-building-blanks/MHX-Freshwater-Rod-Blanks/MHX-Shooter-Series-Rod-Blanks

You forgot something. Don’t chew your fingernails.