MarkVA

Awesome reply!! I'll post another pic (close up) soon.

Another rod I built a couple years ago. White 7'MHX Mag Taper blank, rear grip eventually received a Winn Rod Overwrap in grey camo. All the stripes are individually applied by hand.

The handle is a section of polymer, the blank is an IM6 5'6" UL...

IM6 blanks, custom polymer grips. Three baitcasters (7'), one spinning (6'6")

A friend of mine named it "Nemo"

Another thing you can do... If the graphite arbors are a tad too small in diameter, you can use vinyl electrical tape to fill the remaining gap between the arbor and reel seat. As we all know, vinyl will outlast most everything in existence.

Consider an MHX SJ812, or an SJ782 if you want something a tad bit shorter. Also look at the American Tackle CCT Aero reel seat.

The morning show host dubbed this one "Nemo"

Many thanks for the compliment! Once all the colors are laid down, just take the brush and swirl it around.

I put down a black base (black guide threads). As for the rear grip insert, I used (Honest!!) the inner plastic core found in a roll of a receipt paper! I reinforced it with epoxy poured down the little tiny shafts that circle around the main hole. Since it was already black, there was no need to paint it. Black, or another dark color makes the marbling colors pop!

Nine colors of metallic marbling pigment.

I've seen some of the same reel seats and kits offered on ebay as in Mudhole. The ones I've seen, you get better pricing at Mudhole, as some of the sellers on ebay have very high prices..

I cannot wait til someone requests that I build them a rod on a Point Blank!! I want that opportunity.

My bigger issue was the longer rear grip section of some of my current rods. I find with this new MHX rod, with a slightly shorter rear handle, works perfectly fine. I find shorter rods reduce casting distance, I fish a very clear 100 acre lake 4 minutes from my house, and the extra casting distance is a plus.

I would have to agree 100%. Addictive is, in my opinion, an understatement regarding building your own rods! Custom rods are not less costly, but, if you want cheap, why put the effort into building it yourself? By cheap, I mean low quality.

Well, I opted for the SJ833...and I could not be any happier with my decision! This blank has a bit more action in the tip than does the SJ843, but a very similar power rating in the midsection and butt. Patting myself on the back!

My intention is to build a compliment rod to a rod I built on a St. Croix 6'8" ex-fast SCIII blank.

Yeah, I hear ya! I realized I had forgotten to add the lure weight ratings.

I've been contemplating a new rod for kayak fishing (as if I really need another rod!). I'm looking at two MHX Spin Jig blanks. The SJ833-MHX and SJ843. I currently have a 6'8" St Croix Ex-Fast rod, but am looking for a fast action to add to my kayak arsenal. Am I splitting hairs in this comparison? SJ843...7', 8-15 LB rated, fast action, med power. SJ833-MHX...6'11", 8-12 LB rated, fast action, med power.

I'll start: Solar Bat! Specifically, the Mossback Green gradient lenses. It's like having 2 pair in one.