I have been making a rod for a family derby the last few years, the Babin Family Derby or BFD. I always use a Utmost closeout blank for these rods as they want a inexpensive but good quality rod to give away as the prize and they do not care about a warranty. I also try to build a rod that they probably do not have. This year it was a 8’6" 7wt streamer rod. The grip is chinese elm off of the family’s property with a moose antler winding check. Reel seat is a YFLY metal seat. Guides are Pacbay light wire in black with Fishawk varigated in wood w/CP.
Interesting wrap color. Where do you find the antler?
I get my antler from shed hunting in the winter and early spring. We pick up deer,elk and moose antler up here in northern Idaho.
Very nice job, I haven’t seen that flat gray before, the black single guides look good with it.