NorDoor

Thanks. I build strictly for a hobby. ;DIf you're looking for a custom get ahold of DG Rod works. He'll do a fine job for ya.

In my neck of the woods I hook'em tail down on a plain colored round,long shank jig head.Cast it out,let it hit bottom and try to maintain bottom with a constant retrieve.Sometimes they may like it a tad bit higher so I just raise my rod tip higher during the retrieve.It's a deadly tactic on springtime smallies here.

I'm sure I'll get into other finishes as time goes by.Flex coat from what I've read is a very popular choice. I've had good luck so far except screwing up my mix ratio this last time.

For this rod I cheated and actually used 2 pre made fore grips and fighting butt EJ.Still had to do some custom turning on them to fit the reel seat and such. He is, just my brother in-law. ;DMy personal rods I'll laminate all my own though. Then dangle them in their faces when we're on the water 8-) I bought two 2 1/2" fore grips for the upper rear grip and fore grip.I cut those down to meet my requirements.And One 3" fore grip for the butt.Mounted the 3" one with the rubberized cork pointing towards the fore grip.Then added a rubberized butt cap on the end.. Here's a link to what they looked like before I turned them down. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0003566315302a&navCount=4&podId=0003566&parentId=cat20366&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20366&catalogCode=IJ&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20366&hasJS=true

Flechero, It's a Matrix reel seat.The rod blank is a Cabelas Fish Eagle II.Sweet little blank for the money.Very stunning in direct sunlight.It has a spiral wrapped butt section.I'll post a better pic of it when I get a chance.

It's a 6' jigging stick for my brother-inlaws birthday.I'll have pics of the finished threads as soon as they are dry.They're nothing fancy. I had to strip the wraps on the first attempt on this rod. Here's the grip section.

I just finished stripping rod build #2 which was epoxied > I re wrapped it yesterday and applied a finish on it this morning. Still learning the nuances of thie finish I work with. Lesson learned?Don't apply a second coat of Diamondite over a tacky 1st coat to try and get the first coat to kick! The Diamondite is actually an adhesive NOT an epoxy.

I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to post their ideas.I did think of using NorDoor. It's the area I'm from.Northern part of Door County,Wisconsin.So it could be "Nordor" or "NorDoor" or "Helios"

Good point, don't want to step on toes that will sue you,lol. How about ............................Helios Kustom I like it!

If I called it that,they might confuse it with a Ugly Stick. ;D ;D

8-)I won't live long enough to build 100 rods.My wife would kill me first.This is strictly hobby time for me.But, like decorative wraps,matching colors to your blank or even marblizing. A Rod to me, just does'nt seem custom finished without giving it a custom name.You gave me an idea though. "N.N. CUSTOM RODS" Which stands for "No Name Custom Rods" ;D

Someone looking for sponsorship already ;D

I'm a rookie builder.I would like to have a catchy name to put on the rods I build for a finishing touch to make them look professional.I'm afraid I'm not very creative,and totally stumped.Anyone willing to share some creative ideas.Right now the only one that I've come up with that I like is "Helios Custom Rods"Does it suck? Thanks in advance. Scott

Here's a couple epoxy pics.I opted against the locking thread wrap.Never had eye come loose on a production rod.We'll see if mine hold up.I'm sure they will.

Started working on my wraps.This is gonna take forever ::)Actually now that I found a color combo and pattern I like for this color blank I'm very happy with it.More pics after I epoxy the threads.

"Sally's hard as nails" nail polish is what I use.

I owe a boat load of thanks to all the rod makers out there that shared their vast knowledge via the internet. The amount of information is actually staggering if you spend the time searching for it. I also appreciate everyones opinions also. Scott

The blank is a 7' Lamiglas XMG-LSJ842.Instead of winding checks I'm going to spin some colored epoxy on the ends of the cork ;D

Its got a ways to go.Few little things I'd like to tweak with the cork.I'd appreciate any and all critques.This is just a dry fit-up of the handle assembly.It will also have a rubberized butt cap so that'll add another 1/2 inch to the butt.I'll be cutting some of the threads back on the reel seat.Plan on spinning on some epoxy at the end of the cork. Thanks, Scott

Here's some I've tied.They are tied with bucktail.Rabbit fur.And Maribou.I have'nt fished with these yet to know which ones will produce and I'm iced in so it will be awhile.

The mandrel was an old carbon hunting arrow.It flexed too much so I ditched it in favor of a steel rod.It spins extremely true.I'm just gonna use good old duct tape to hold the trigger back.I also drilled a 1 1/2" hole through my work bench and through the middle of the foundation of the jig and ramed the end of my shopvac hose up about 3'' away from where I'm sanding my handle.Works slick!

Well here's what I came up with from Flechero's lathe pics.

Thanks. My stuff arrived today so I'll be laminating the cork rings.Already found and marked the spine on my blank and prepped the guides. ;D

Anyone besides the commercial builders put decals on for a personalized touch. From what I have been reading water slides are a good choice in that they are easy to position. I've also read some fellas having issues with them.Not opaque enough.Waves in the finish applied over the decal. I myself would like to be able to put my name or names of my friends and family when I build a rod for them. Maybe even a fish decal.Any advice would be appreciated. Thanx, Scott