Tiger Eye Blank from MWCFR

[Lotech]

I've got a 6', 2 piece, 2/3 weight Tiger Eye blank with a reel seat and grip coming from Midwest Custom Fly Rods. I'm planning on using it on some of N/E Washington's smaller brookie streams. My question is; does anyone here use spar varnish with a turkey baster or dip tube on the entire length of the rod when building on graphite? I know it would add weight (not a concern here) and graphite already has a nice finish, but wouldn't it help add strength against any errant bead heads?
Mojo, what say ol' friend? What are your thoughts?

[JohnScott]

Joe -

That is a nice blank to build on. With the components coming from Steve, you're going to end up with a rod that you will really enjoy fishing those little creeks with.

As to your question - interesting. Looking forward to what others think about your idea.

John

P. S. My own sense, with nothing at all to base it on, is that putting varnish on the blank to protect it from a beadhead would be the same as putting a piece of paper in front of a deer to protect it from a 30-30 round.

[PanFisher]

I tend to agree with John "putting varnish on the blank to protect it from a bead head would be the same as putting a piece of paper in front of a deer to protect it from a 30-30 round."

I have completely finished a glass blank with varnish due to the fact it was a rebuild and the finish was just worn out and quite unpleasant to look at. I would not recommend for a new blank, but one that is old and being rebuilt can end up looking very nice with a full coat - if applied properly.

I wrapped the guides and finished the guides 2 coats first and then put the third coat on the entire rod - it turned out really nice.

Good Luck with the new build.

[Mojo]

Joe, for looks only- it'll look great. Give it a whirl. Let it dry completly before you fish it. In this weather, maybe a week or less. The varnish will harden as time goes by. Good luck.
(make Black Licorice jealous )

[Lotech]

Good luck.
(make Black Licorice jealous )[/quote]

That would be tough to do.
Thanks Mojo