Unplanned

[skeetbum]

After many favors were done for me by a friend, I asked what I could do in return. I was told “Aaaahh, just build me somethin “. Well the problem is that he likes Japanese rods and I’m not Japanese. This went on for a while with no pressure from him but it kinda nags at me, I don’t like owing anyone. So he has a son that is coming into his own at four years old and likes catching fish while fishing with dad. Knowing how frustrating a Snoopy poles can be I suggested that I build something for him. An enthusiastic yes was the response. Now this presented me as to what to build that’s suitable. HHHMMMMMMM. I suggested my little toy rod that I’ve caught so many fish on that is already tied in his favorite color, red. So he will be the new owner of my little rod famous from so many pictures.
So this left me with a void in my stable. Only thing to do is build another. Not quite just like it but built on the same blank. A Fenwick 5’6” rated 2-6lb that has served me so well. Having found the comfort in the IPS grip and reel seat combo I used another on this one. Didn’t round this one off as much as the other and used some Fuji alconite guides this time. It has a first coat on it and it’ll be done very soon.
However, there’s always one of those things that you just can’t pass on when I go to Mudhole. Getting the materials to replace the little rod I was shown another unfinished project rod that someone had abandoned. The blank is a Fenwick 7’2” MHXF that would do very well in my inshore endeavors. A few bucks later it came along home also. Now dressed with high framed Fuji guides down to low framed runners it’s looking like a contender for pitching topwater in the early mornings at Mosquito Lagoon. I’ve done well lately but noticed the rod I was using was a bit heavy and soft, this is just what I had in mind. The reel seat was off spline and had to be removed and I used two tone black and gray EVA grips. Sharp looking and so much lighter than any other beefy rod so far. Time for work and I’ll post pics of both when I get them finished and dressed to use. I’m thinking a 3000 Shimano Sahara should balance nicely and put enough drag for my shoulders to handle. Look back soon and I’ll have the pics. Thanks for looking in on me and riding along. Til next time……Skeet

[BuckeyeCrappie]

You certainly can build some nice rods Tim. Kudos for providing the young feller with ole faithful. Hopefully he has many successful adventures like you did.

[SuperDave336]

Awesome. Looking forward to seeing them.

[skeetbum]

I finally got some pics of the two most recent. One is a 5’6” Fenwick rated 2-6 lb and done in a deep burgundy color. Started out as cranberry but it’s nylon and no color preserver in the the thread or used on the wraps. This made it deepen in color and I like it a lot. I used Alconite guides this time and like em a little better. Real comfortable and well balanced.

The other is a broomstick by my standards. A Fenwick 7’2” MHXF and cuz it’ll see a lot of salt water I kept this one basic. For a stiff rod it’s very light in hand. Small hits really make it jump in your hand. It also got Fuji Alconite guides that were as big as I could get in that style. Casting is ridiculous compared to my others, much better. The few fish I’ve caught on it so far let me know it’ll handle bigger with no problem. Anyway, here’s the pics and thanks for following along.

[skeetbum]

Even better, the black rod does the job very well. This was my first Tarpon and hopefully not my last.