RobE

Would you guys please be quiet?! I've gotta get up in .......1:47 minutes. > You can - I'm gonna - roll back over and dream. Hooker girls in *** t-shirts or...stuff I need at Home Depot. Sheeesh!

Yes, a lighter should provide enough heat to soften the adhesive. Just be sure to pull the tip off straight, though. Don't try to twist it off. I would forego the use of superglue. If you or a buddy don't have any tip glue, an archery shop should have nock glue in a stick by Bohning (?) that is roughly the same thing. About $2, I think.

Hey guys - if anyone plans a build on a Rainshadow or Forecast blank, Batson has a really cool section in thier Tech Forum called 'Recipeits'. A good starting point for a lot of other brands, too, I'm sure.

That ia a really cool looking rock! I don't know if this qualifies as 'off-the-wall' but, I learned to build rods in 2009. Here is a pic of my second build that was a Christmas present for the wife.

Who says the old gal has to know? : Who said she was old? Oh man... t r o u b l e is right around the corner. :-X

Re-up my SCUBA cert, have tank filled and sell used lures to my friends.

I'll echo what Brian said and add some. Carbon fiber (or graphite) blanks will tend to loose a bit of stiffness over a long period of repeated flex but, not to the extent that you would notice it. As Brian said, it's the "little things" that generally cause a rod to fail. Beyond the common nicks and scrapes, you would be surprised at what can cause breakage - particularly on a factory-built rod. If the guide feet don't mate perfectly with the blank when it's wrapped, thread tension will exert more force on the part of the foot that isn't true and result in a dimple in the laminate. A stress riser is born. Same goes for a foot that isn't properly deburred after grinding or filing the ramp. Even custom builders (occasionally) commit these errors. With QC being what it is, though, and the warranties as written, you would just have to be plain unlucky to have a $250 rod give you problems. Companies often do replace breaks that are not mfg flaws just to keep customers happy. In that price range, though - have you considered a custom or perhaps even taking up rodbuilding yourself? Happy New Year!

Well, barron. I got some new thermals that... oh. Louisiana, huh? Nevermind. I did by myself a spool of Gudebrod, though.

6mile. You're someone I can relate to! I was wondering about all these folks talking about 'stink' and room deposits, etc.

On occasion with a craw tube but never have used one with a worm.

Of course you can. The same advice for the rod itself will apply to the wraps. Scuff up the epoxy first and paint away!

I don't blame you for wanting to change the color of that Carrot! While it's possible to paint without stripping off the guides (no need to remove anything else), you'll have much better results if you do. You may even find that rod building is addictive! Start by scuffing the surface (no need to remove existing finish) with a green scuff pad. Make sure to clean it very well with something that leaves no residue. I recommend denatured alcohol. The paint that you will want to use can be found at an automotive paint supplier. It's intended for non-metal body parts that flex. Your guy might call it Bumper Paint. Two light coats, with the second applied while the first is still slightly tacky, will give good coverage. Don't try to get complete coverage with the first coat. After the paint is cured (give it a min of 72 hours at 70 degrees, I prefer a week), you can use either a matte or gloss clear coat over it after slightly scuffing with a white (extra fine) pad. Don't use the alcohol here, but a tac rag made for painting. Scoot on over to rodbuildingforum.com if you want/need more info!

To sorta echo what Jimmy said.. I prefer mono in that situation and will tend to keep it at the lighter end of the scale, even with a Revo S.

Thanks. Sometimes my transmission slips. :-[

Catt, as I'm a fan of the Little George, this is interesting. In your opinion, is there an advantage to the lure 'floating' on the line?

Tina Turner??

brushhoggin - that's what my ol' 5000 is mounted on! A #4-16HSML to be exact. Oh the memories.

I have an old ABU (pre-Garcia) red 5000 that I remember drooling over when I was 5 or 6. My dad taught me baitcasting on that old reel. Only once did I sneak it out of his shop to practice in the yard and put it back with a birdsnest. My whoopin' put a stop to that! Now, I get to use it whenever I want. Just don't get to fish with Dad much. Maybe my Dad means the most...

Since you didn't limit us to ONE species, I'd have to go with a spinning rig... Sahara 2000 on a 6'6" Compre MH with 8 lb Stren. Will work for everything from crappie to walleye.

I hear ya, panseco. I can tolerate the temp, it's just these dang 30 mph winds! >

I would say that if he enjoys building or tinkering with things, that would be a great gift idea. I would enjoy one!

A red DuPont stickbait with a 10" leader.

Awesome!!! You think like me!!! Eviel (like Vincent Price would say it), pure unadulterated eviel.

*Hi-fives Tim* Right-on, bro! Did you leave any for us?

The Lord knows I love a well-constructed run-on sentence! ;D What did you hook on the backcast that caused your whole treble to break?? To replace that hook, you'll want to invest about $5-7 in a pair of splitring pliers. Use whatever brand of aftermarket hooks that suit your fancy.