-
I hesitated on the 6'6" 2wt for quite awhile. All the talk about the one weights made me think. So I looked at the 2wt at H&H and gave it a try.
Normally I might say 2wt is too light like you'd think. But after casting this H&H Forecast 6'6" 2wt the rod is a dream. It casts very well and yes I can get 40' easily. It throws a tight loop and handles quite well.
For the local ponds it is the ONLY rod I use any more.
-
:D
Ripper;
I also have built the H&H 2 wt. along with several other wt. and length Forecast rods. You'll get enough epoxies and thread with the kit to do several rods. One thing you won't get is cork sealer.
I build 4 pc rods as shorter pieces seem to make them easier to build, my first build was a 2 pc. 9' and swinging a 4 1/2' blank around can be a pain.
A tip on the cork grip reamer (its a tapered hole). Find an old rod, spinning, bait caster, etc. and remove the guides (good practice). Cut the rod into 15" sections. Pick up an 18" strip of 3M adhesive back stair tread non-skid. Cut a strip about a 1/4" wide and spiral it down the piece of rod that best fits the cork leaving an 1/8" gap to catch the cork dust. This reamer(s) will last forever just take it easy as it will cut quickly.
Have fun and welcome to the Dark Side.
-
That's the exact kit...
that I just received from H&H to build my first rod. I plan on waiting until after a rodbuilders show in February before I get started so if you start building it before then post back with some updates. I'd really like to hear how your doing with it.
-
-
OK Betty & Pan you talked me into it. I will give the 2 wt a try. It sounds like fun to have a rod that light.
-
I built that rod, too, and have really enjoyed it, but wonder if I couldn't find a line that would let it load at shorter distances - I can cast a long way, but not short. I can't remember now which line I put on it, but I think it was a dt3.
-
Herefishy,
I have built the 2 pc 662 and actually fish it with a WF4F since I fish out of a kayak and mostly make casts in the 25 to 40' range. THis little rod is a GEM and can easily handle 2, 3, and 4wt lines depending on your fishing needs. The Forecast blanks are my mainstays as they are all I need in a good quality blank.......and dirt cheap to boot.
The H&H IM6 blanks are also great and the 2wt in that line is even crisper and definitely requires a 3 or 4wt line to load in close.
EIther way, you'll love that little rod.
Lou
-
I havent posted anything in quite awhile. So I figured I'd see if I'm still able to and chime in here.
#1. Take your time
2. Read the articles on Rod building here.
3. Practice your wraps on an old rod or pained dowel stick before you venture to the new rod.
4. Keep in mind your thread color will change after you apply the finish epoxy. (refer to #3.)
5. I cant tell you how many forecast blanks I've made into beautiful fishable rods. They are good blanks.
6. Like jack said .welcome to the dark side and god forgive you for the addiction you are about to enter into.
7. Enjoy the building process,and ask questions as you proceed.
8.When your finished ,go fish that rod and when you catch the 1st fish on it, think back and be proud of your accomplishment. Best of luck!
-
Everyone had good advise! There are some real experts here!
I would just like to add that you never have to live with your first effort. When I made my 6'6" 2wt I decided to upgrade the guides on my 5wt, using two colors instead of one for the thread wraps. It now casts better and looks much better!
Also, to do the wrapping I made a couple of wooden blank holders, little more than 2 boards nailed together in an "L" shape with a "V" cut in one end to hold the blank. I glued felt to the "V" to protect the blank. (I found that I could control the wraps better by lifting the blank off the holder and wrapping with the blank in my hands. But the holders were convenient to hold the blank to pull the thread end under the wraps.)
I applied the rod finish to the wraps using the holders to hold the blank and putting a rubber-band around the blank and then around my electric drill. It took a little fiddling around to level everything to spin the blank without the band travelling on the blank or coming off the drill1 But not much. It actually worked great even though it sounds crazy!
It is MUCH easier to apply a finish to the wraps with a faster spinning blank. When the finish was applied I cut the rubber band and slipped a slow turning rod finisher motor to the end. (Couldn't find a used rotisserie.)
I got a little more long winded than I planned!
The point is, just have fun making your first rod. It is a real hoot to catch that first fish on a rod YOU made! In two years, maybe four, you might want to spruce up that 'old' rod! You can remake that rod and have twice the fun!!
Charlie
-
great replies guys....
at this point I have put the reel seat together, mounted it onto the blank,and also glued the cork grip on, so the whole handle is put together and on the blank. Next step is to place the guides! Its pretty exciting watching it come together litle by little.