S Hovanec

Best day we've ever had was on the lower Niagara River in May 2004. We caught fish on the first 25 casts and we both stopped counting after 25 each. Got tired of catching so we ate lunch...then did it all over again. all fish were over 2#, many at the 4# mark and a few over 5#. have no clue how many we boated, but it had to be over 100 for the day. A few weeks ago, we ventured on to Erie on a day that we shouldn't have. got to our spot and decided since we're here, we might as well fish. We boated 37 smallies in the 2 or so hours that we were tossed around. Seems they bite pretty good on the rough days!!

I recently spooled PowerPro on one of my DS rods. I couldn't believe what I was feeling. I got off the water that day and spooled up a second rod with it. Probably gonna do a tube rod with it next.

It depends on what series they are from. for example, a MH from the Mag Bass series does not equal a MH from Spin Jig series. From what I gather, Mag-Lite is between a light and a medium-light. I've never had any Loomis rods to compare, but my NFC mag-lite is quite a bit less powerful than my St. Croix ML, however, you can't compare powers across manufacturers. there is no set standard.

I'm fishing the North Fork Composites equivalent (DS 6107-1) of that rod. IMO, it's not enough rod for those weights. I dropshot it up to 30' with 3/16-3/8 weights. definitely not enough rod to drag tubes with....especially the hookset. The 822 would probably be a better option.

Broke-in the North Fork Saturday, on Erie. I think it needs calibrated.....It's a smallie rod, but it was catching sheephead . I'll post pics on the finished rod once I get my buddy with the good camera to come over.

60% off = dealer cost.

I'll keep you in mind, however I cannot fish through the week due to the 'work thing' interfering with my fishing career! Lodging would be covered cause I have a camp in Erie, and at times, my boat resides there. I have a 17' multi-species tin.

That's around wholesale cost on the blanks alone! Worth it just to re-sell them!

From my wholesale supplier: They are all made with the same SCII graphite, but the Premier blanks are rolled in the Wisconsin facility and the Mojo/Eyecon/Triumph blanks are rolled in Mexico.

Update on the North Fork. Finally got the rest of the parts. Want to try to knock it out this week so I can test drive it in Erie next weekend.

As much as I LOVE St. Croix, I'm not a big fan of the Triumph, Mojo or Premier lines. As stated, the Mojo is tip heavy. The Triumph and Premiers don't seem as bad due to the full cork. If you want to stay with St. Croix, look into an Avid. It's higher end than the rods you're looking at, but they are much better rods.

35fow off the cribs and the Dump also.

Every largie I've ever caught in the main lake has been over 4#. My theory on the main lake largies is this: Tourney guys whack a quick limit in the bay, then when they get the bigger smallies in the lake, cull the largies. The largies stay there because of all the food available.

That Caddy is rolling on steel wheels with hubcaps. Definitely time to upgrade.

Don't forget Woodcock. I've never caught a largemouth out of there......all smallies!

That reaper with the pin-tail would destroy smallies around here and on Erie.

While waiting for some parts for other rods to come in, I decided to sneak in some time for MY NFC. Here's the grip and reel seat assembly for your viewing pleasure.

Again, exactly what he said. NFC only has 3 series of blanks. All of which are made in the USA. Everything from NFC is made here, right down to the staple that holds the header card on the bag!

Exactly what J Francho said. Gary had a hand in the design of TFO rods, but NFC is Gary & co's newest endeavor.

Last weekend, I attended/worked a booth at the International Custom Rod Building Exposition (ICRBE) in High Point, NC. We sold Batson, St. Croix and North Fork blanks and various other rod building components. I currently fish St. Croix and Batson rods, but no North Fork. Since we sell 'em, I figured that I better acquire one so I can talk intelligently about them. My preferred method of fishing is dropshot, so I chose model DS 6107-1(IM). It is 6'10", 1pc Mag Light power, X-Fast action. Rated 4-8# line and 1/8-3/8 oz lure. The first thing I noticed when I picked it up was it's weight, or lack thereof. I had to throw it on a scale to see how light it was. It's 1.52oz. My favorite St. Croix blank (5S69MLXF) weighed in at 1.71oz., and I thought that was light. The St. Croix is rated at 6-10# line and 1/8-1/2oz. lure, so that probably explains the weight difference. Until I get them side by side, I won't know the power difference. First impressions: I like the feel of it. We'll let the Erie smallies make the final verdict. Stay tuned for updates and pics as I turn this blank in to a fishing tool.

This past weekend, Patty and I had the opportunity to attend the ICRBE at the Showplace in High Point, NC. 3 1/2 story flag located in the atrium of the Showplace Over the last few years, I have developed a great relationship with my component supplier, and she asked us if we would help with the booth again this year. This was our third show and the second that we worked at a vendor's booth. We left PA early Friday and drove all morning in rain and fog. We arrived around 8am and began setting up fixtures to display blanks and various components. Patty with her trusty pricing gun. After a few breaks to walk the dogs....... .....we had a finished display. Each year, Rodmaker Magazine holds a reception for it's subscribers and their guest. This year, the reception was held at the Centennial Station, a restored freight train depot located 2 blocks from the Showplace. Lots of people, lots of food and lots of door prizes. Patty won an epoxy and finish kit. Gary Loomis and Bill Batson at the reception. Patty and Gary On Saturday, North Fork Composites and our booth jointly sponsored an event where 10 builders got to have dinner with Gary Loomis. Since we worked the booth, we were also in attendance. It was an unforgettable evening, sitting around the dinner table, listening to Gary tell hunting and fishing stories, and telling about how he first got started in the rod industry. The crew from the 'Golden Ticket dinner' After the show was over and the truck was packed, Karen from Bingham (our employer for the weekend) asked us to meet her and Tom Kirkman from Rodmaker Magazine for dinner. We arrive at the restaurant early and get a table. Tom arrives a few minutes later, and with him is Jim Upton and Denny Kaneoka of Seeker Rods and Ralph O'Quinn of Trondak, Inc. (U-40). The weekend couldn't have ended any better! Looking forward to the 2012 ICRBE already.

The micros are only used as the running guides on spinning rods. You still have 2 or 3 high frame guides to 'tame' the line down to the micros.

I use both Threadmaster Lite and Regular. When using CP, I apply 2 light coats of TM regular. If no CP, I use TM Lite for the first coat to insure good penetration, then for the second coat, I use regular.

I'd eat them perch!...and so would every smallie in Erie!

As a rodbuilder, IMO, lifetime blank/rod warranties are a bad idea. It gives people the sense that the rods are indestructible. If a rod doesn't break the first couple times it's used, then there is no defect in material or workmanship. When I build a rod for someone, the blank gets tested before it's wrapped. I know that the rod is OK when it leaves my shop. High end stuff really is that fragile. Rap it on the gunnel of the boat or hit it with a lure....that rod will break at the point of impact sometime in the near future.