Had a brainstorm today......

[Fish Chris]

first off, this will probably be most interesting for guys who use mostly, or "nothing but" spinning gear.

Okay, so this is kind of a "two part" idea.

In case any of you haven't heard me say this before, I'm lousy with a baitcaster. Therefore, I rarely use them, except for Sturgeon fishing, where I might battle a big one litterally, for hours..... and I need something that won't build up twists, over time.

So today it dawned on me.... A big part of why a "typical" right handed retrieve bait caster feels so awkward for me, is that I have used almost nothing but a left handed retrieve spinning reel for nearly my whole life ! So, I pick up my Okuma catalog, and find that they just came out with a couple of left hand retrieve baitcasters ! Cool ! I'm sure those will feel WAY better / more natural to me.

So, I'll just make a call tomorrow, and have them send me a couple. That's the easy part.

But now here's the other half of my brainstorm; I've been using this bait casting rod designed for Kokanee trout. Lightest BC rod I have ever seen. But recently, I have been very intrigued by the spiral wrapped BC rods, which, when loaded up with a big fish on, force the reel to the top !

So how cool would it be, for me to have a bait casting setup which not only is a left handed retrieve, but also, a set up in which (at least with a fish on) the reel will "want to stay on top" without me having to keep it there ! Only thing is, this rod is odd-ball enough, as it is, let alone finding one like it, that was spiral wrapped ! So, I guess I need to have one built for me, huh ?

I can't see this idea replacing my spinning reels, but for certain applications (like the Sturgies on the micro-light BC setup) I think this could be awesome !

What do you guys think ???

Peace,

Fish

[Top]

Fish your onto something there I SOOOOOOOO want a spiral wrap rod... I will have one before spring... going to Georgia is a good enough excuse don't you think?

AL

[paparock]

Fish Chris you are way outside my frame of reference but I have thought about spiral wrap rods for years. I would like to try one before making the plunge. Let us know what you think if you get one.

I had one of those brainstorms recently as I am coming at my fishing problems from the reverse of you. I learned on baitcasters as a kid and until just a few years ago never used a spinning rig. Now that I have to fish light line in ultra-clear water, I am learning more all the time. I saw a St. Croix Legend Tournament TWS70MHM / Deep cranker. Designed for casting or trolling crankbaits including medium- to large-size minnow baits, jerkbaits and rattlers. Ideal for deep water. http://www.stcroixrods.com/rods/default2.asp?rodname=53&section=spin My brain said hey with those specs why can't you use that rod for bass plus walleye in the lake? I ran out and purchased one and it is now my favorite crankbait rod for 8lb. and under line. I hope your idea works out just as well!

[Guest DavidGreen]

I have been building spiral wrapped rods for years (since 1995).

The Birth Of A Custom Fishing Rod Spiral

The problem with them is that the majority of anglers, that have seen a spiral wrap, think it is to odd ball to work (or they don't like the look).

The whole idea of a spiral wrap is to give baitcasting the stability of spinning.

I have posted many times the facts of spiral wrap stability, but it is not the norm yet. Even though it was first done in 1902, then again in 1920 by Richard Roberts out of KC.

Tight Lines!!!

[Alpster]

I am on the verge of selling all my high end G-loomis BC rods in favor of spiral wrapped rods. I spiral wrapped myself a G-Loomis 7' 6" 'flippin stick' and a Lamiglas 5' 6" heavy stick and I am so impressed with their performance I will transition all my rods to spirals soon. You have to fish with it to appreciate it. JMHO

Ronnie

[flechero]

I am on the verge of selling all my high end G-loomis BC rods in favor of spiral wrapped rods.

I sold all my factory rods (including all the IMX's and GLX's) for the very reasons you mentioned.  You have to fish with them (spiral wrap) to fully appreciate the benefits.  I fished with a spiral wrap one day before deciding to sell all the factory rods.  You can buy a bunch of blanks and components when you sell off the Loomis inventory!   ;D

[volpster31]

this is a very interesting thread...i had no idea what a spiral wrap was, so i looked it up & it seems very logical...i wonder why the big rod manufacturers dont have these readily available or mass marketed?

i found this link if anyones interested:

http://www.acidrod.com/acidrods.html

[Guest DavidGreen]

volpster31,

Because they aren't the norm. Like I stated most anglers don't like the look of the Spiral, Acid, Roberts wrapped rods. As far as the manufacturers "mass marketing" them, it takes to much time to set one up. Plus until you see a pro hyping one, the manufacturers won't touch them.

The manufacturers are just getting in touch with split grips, that the custom builders have been doing for years...

I first saw one in 1994 from a production rod builder out of Harrison Ark. (Bobby Lowe), and my first thought was it would never fly...

But that is all my customers request now and all I own...

Tight Lines!!!  

[Raul]

I 'd rather not begin brainstorming, everytime I have brainstorm I end up spending a lot more than I have to spend. :

[paparock]

ReelMech, how does the pricing compare between a regular custom wrap and a spiral wrap rod? I have never been put off by the looks of spiral wrap. I am one of those, if it makes the rod work better great but I do not care about a bunch of fancy threads, colors, or designs on the rod. You know what I mean. I have always wanted to try one but have never even had the chance to hold one in my hands.

[BassnJoe]

The only other production rod that I know of that has the spiral guides (besides the Mega-Bass) is Quantum's Signature Series flipping stick.  It's the Gary Klein model # PTC808FGK.

Joe   8-)

[Guest DavidGreen]

Paparock,

how does the pricing compare between a regular custom wrap and a spiral wrap rod?

To quickly answer and not hijack this thread. The number of guides used and style of the transition.

Tight Lines!!!

[justtrying]

just to add a "me too" to this thread

i began changing the grips on my high end rods last  year ...and that led to spiral wrapping ...and, now, ALL of my rods have split grip and are spiral wrapped.  

we discussed this in a thread a week or so ago, but, the torque of the rod trying to twist in your hand when you're cranking a big bait, for example, is completely gone.

if you'll be honest with yourself, if you try one for a day, you'll want all of yours to be spiral wrapped, too. IMHO

ronnie

[Raul]

Muahahahahahaha ( evil laff )

Don 't know 'bout you guyz, but ........ got that feeling that laff is a pretty vicious primate gettin ready to pounce on you from the dark.  

[sodaksker]

Raul,

I hear the laughter and feel the monkey right over my shoulder.  Perfect timing for me too.  I was just about to start replacing most of my rods and now it looks like I can get the latest technology

[Raul]

Absolute insainety !

When will the madness end ? ........ hopefully never !  8-)