Here’s another Forecast 6’6" 2wt, but a 2-piece this time. These are such sweet casting little rods and I’m really enjoying building them. I tried a different thread on this one and would like your opinions. It’s Gudebrod Candy Apple Red w/o color preserver. I think it looks just like a candy apple when the light hits it, and it seems to go well with the blue blank.
Also shown is my first attempt to make a bag. Someone gave me an old (60’s) Sears portable that weighs about 387 pounds (it just seems that way cuz it’s so heavy), so I cleaned and oiled it, bought some felt from the fabric store, and done learnt me how to sew all by myself. I have never sewed in my 56 years, so I have a ways to go, but rod bags aint rocket science. For $2 per yard, I can make four bags from one yeard of material for these short rods(first one’s in the trash already, but that’s how I learn). Thanks to Judy next door for showing me how that bobbin really works. The direction leave much to be desired, and it sure could use a light. I think this was the “economy” model, so I brought up my fly tying light to see what I was doing.
Joe
Will this be your signature stripe? Is it red with a silver wrap, or silver with a red wrap over it? I like it!
Betty,
Yes, I’ve chosen to do a signature wrap, which will be (is) the thread color for the guide wraps with silver or gold overwrap, depending on the rod’s color scheme. It’s simple, yet adds a little glitz to the rod.
This rod is not yet complete. I will be adding the nomenclature as well as a feather inlay of grizzly or cree variant hackle. Both look nice on the dark blank,
Joe
Will the inlay be in addition to, or instead of, the “line-up” dots? Just use the very tip top of the feather? More pictures!!
Joe,
Lookin’ good! When you come up for air, let’s go grab a big ol’ breakfast & do some fishin’. I have a couple ponds I’d like to get you & your new lightweights on. You’ll have a ball.
Mike
Hey Mikey,
How do you like the signature panel?
Yep. This Bud’s for you! Just cuz you’re a nice guy!
Joe
:shock: :shock: :shock: holy schmazoly!! Didn’t see that one coming!!! Mikey, you lucky dawg!!!
Hungry Slovenian will build rods for food. LOL
Joe
Joe,
As I told you over the phone a little bit ago, I don’t know what to say, other than THANKS…a bunch of times!
Betty & others…Lucky dawg describes it! I am truly blessed with wonderful friends…an almost unbelievable number of which I have been graced with through this wonderful site.
Joe, again, THANK YOU buddy!
Mike
Betty,
I haven’t decided yet. Probably won’t do lineup feathers cuz I don’t have any Jungle C0ck feathers, and that’s where they look best. I’ll just play with it till I figure something out. Kind of like tying a new fly, just use what’s available. It will be a surprise (even to me). LOL
Joe
Now that the rod is completed, I decided to take it out today for a test run before delivering it to Mikey. I attached a Ross Flycaster I reel with a #3WFF line, 7 1/2" leader with 5X tippet and a #14 Zug Bug on the business end of the line. and headed to Mentor Lagoons. Here are the results:
This little guy got snagged by the fly while lifting the line for my backcast. The lagoon was filled today with these little minnows, which is why the gills are so nice & chunky and why the crappies would not hit the Zug Bug.
This is really a sweet little gill rod, but I think it will need a 4wt line to load better for any distance casting. I think I might need to go back tomorrow to fill a stringer of these gills for dinner.
Joe
Joe, beautiful rod! Could you tell me what guides and seat were used on this rod?
Thanks,
jman
jman,
I used a Pac Bay A7 Up-Lock reel seat in black with rosewood insert (PBRA8JB). The guides are traditional snake guide set in black (FRGS401). All components came from Hook & Hackle, and these are their part numbers. If you order the reel seat, be sure to match to a flush mount cork handle. If you get/have a handle with a mortised end, you’ll need the A5 recessed reel seat. There are many choices in reel seats and inserts, so i would suggest ordering their catalog or viewing it online at http://www.hookhack.com/Rcat.PDF before simply choosing one. If you have questions about matching parts, call H&H and they will walk you through any questions.
Joe
Joe,
We’ll have to set up a time soon, & we’ll get into some really nice sized Ohio pond gills & redear! Good “test run”.
Mike