Flechero and Alpster are right.....

[ejtaylor822]

It is addicting......

Been away for a while - work and spending my evenings trying to satisfy my addiction. After PM'ing and discussing with flechero and Alpster decided to give rod making a shot.

The one on the right (above) was built on a Shikari II blank for the wife. It's a 5'6" blank. Know that the split grip is not that practical, but just love the way split grips look. Also, I was using this as one as practice -- for the one on the left.

I built the one on the left for me. The blank is a 7'0" Lamiglass CCB 854 MF that I picked up at the Rod expo along with a custom fuji reel seat. The guides are Fuji titanium.

Finished the rod two weeks ago but had yet to make the first cast with it. Had some time yesterday afternoon, and even though it was100 deg. here, tied on my favorite Rattlin' Rapala baby bass and headed down to the pond. It absolutely casts a mile and I love the feel of this rod - it is now my favorite and will get a lot of use.

And, here is the end result of this rod.....

Hooked a small one on the 4th cast that threw the hook and pulled this one in two casts later.

Working on another right now for my Dad for Father's day. Using a Lamiglass blank to make him a 6'0" lite setup.  Got a few more in the pipe after that.  Yes, I am now hopelessly addicted.

Eddie

[guitarkid]

So uuuuhhhh when you going to send me one?  Just kidding.

                   

                                   -searoach

[islandbass]

Goodness gracious, they look fantastic!! They look like they've been done by a seasoned rod maker!

Hats off to you and kudos. If and when I go down this road, I'm going to PM you if you don't mind.

-Alex

[Alpster]

Very nice work Eddie! You can certainly be proud of those rods. Keep up the good work and keep posting those pictures. It's a wonderful addiction.

Ronnie

[Siebert Outdoors]

Nice work dude.

[flechero]

Well done, Eddie!  The rods look great!  It adds another sense of satisfaction when you catch 'em on a rod you built!  Congrats!

Are they spiral wrapped or conventional?  

-keith

[Glenn]

WOW!! Absolutely beautiful!  But don't take my word for it.  Alpster and Fletchero are extremely talented rod builders.  You heard it from tow of the best!

[NorDoor]

Those are awsome! Nice photography too.

[daviscw]

Sharp rods man!

[ejtaylor822]

Thanks, guys. Appreciate the kind words and feedback.  Flechero, is right - great satisfaction in catching one on a rod made by yourself.  It also means a lot to have kind words and encouragement from you guys who know.  Thanks.

IB/Alex, will be happy to help anyway that I can. I can give you a newbie/beginner's perspective how not to do things - ie, when creating decorative wraps be sure to trim by cutting AWAY from the wrap ;^). Happy too help anyway, anytime I can, just let me know. But, you also need to talk to some of the more seasoned guys like Alpster and Flechero. Also David G's (reelmech) website and information in the sticky's above is among the best there is. However, I will give you the same warning I was given IT IS ADDICTING! (and a blast!)

Ronnie, so true. I just love being down in my room working on my rods. As I tell people: no computer, no boss, no deadlines, no meetings. Just me and the rod, some string and a little glue my happy place. Rod making reminds me of what I heard John Montgomery (a world class violin craftsman here in Raleigh) said once. Went something like you spend hours and hours pouring your heart and soul into a violin but you never know how it will sound until the first time you pull the bow across the strings. Rod making is a lot like that too. Just never know until that first cast is made.

Flechero, it's a standard wrap.  Going to give spirals a try one day, but just sticking with the regular for now.

Thanks again, guys.

[islandbass]

Eddie,

Thanks for the great advice. Oh boy.  Some time this year it is going to happen.