flechero

For the first few, they look very good! Congrats! You didn't leave much room to critique. You will develop a steadier hand with the finish as you get experience. smooth edges and even finish is what most people struggle with at first. It's not difficult, just takes practice. Little details like cork that matches the seat so well that you can't feel the transition and areas of finish or epoxy that has been wiped (leaving that shine) are some other things to shoot for down the road. You will see a big difference in fit and finish as you build more... and you will see 10x the improvement than we will pick up in photos. I applaud your work thus far... keep posting pics as you build more!!

So here is my question... with all that talent, couldn't he find something better than an old piece of chewed gum to hold the needles? ;D ;D

If it's a real good one, I'll ask "How about an assist?" That usually draws a grumble or two. ;D

I don't have the pic at work so I'll have to email it from home tonight. If able to help, PM your email address and I'll send it. thanks!

It's taken care of now... thanks for the offers and messages, I really appreciate them!

Preach, That's more open ended than what rod should I buy!! ;D Having said that, of all the weapons I have owned, the 2 I keep coming back to for concealed carry are a Kimber Ultra CDP in .45 and a Taurus titanium protector- which is a 5 shot .38/357 revolver the size of a J-framed Smith & Wesson. Either carries easily (concealed) under a t-shirt and there are hundreds of holster options out there for either. The J-frames can also be easily pocket carried in a pocket holster. I do occasionally carry a Colt Pony Pocketlite or a Kel-tec (both .380acp) when dress requires extreme discretion, but I can tell you that as a primary, they fall into the "better than nothing" category. (at least in my mind) Every one of my carry weapons is the "light weight" version of another (except the Kel-tec which is plastic framed). Although many people carry all steel versions comfortably... I could never get comfortable with 2 lbs of steel on my belt. Just remember this as you shop... for concealed carry, you only have to hide the grip. And lastly, spend the money for a good belt and holster... it makes the difference between all day comfort with your weapon versus a gun left at home where is does you no good.

Of those 3 I only have experience with the viento. Well, kind of.. my partner had 3 of them. and the twitchin bar broke on all 3. And since I know he's not rough on reels, I'd say avoid that one. I have only heard good things around here about the Zillion, try a quick search and see if some reviews come up. I don't know anything on the Tierra.

Like any brand, they have a selection of low, mid and high end reels... too much info to blindly discuss. Why don't you mention a model ot two that interest you and get specific info.

No worries guys... she is my true love and is always well taken care of first! She's now wearing a couple of rocks on her ears. The baby and I are just trying to catch up a little! ...lol

BM, you misread it... the baby bought the reel for dad, as a Christmas gift! Here is the mad shopper (at 2 days old) in sleep mode. ...lol

Thanks for the heads up, Raul. My 10 day old son was asking for Christmas ideas over lunch... I helped him place the order!

I don't think there is a right answer here... for some yes and others no. For me, fishing tournaments only made me less patient on the water, running back to the smaller easier to find and catch bass. That strategy may add more numbers of smaller keepers to my livewell but did not make me a better angler. Although, one could argue the time spent pre-fishing (if more than you would have in fun fishing) could improve your skills.

Some people enjoy the craft, other just want a serviceable rod. If he's already turning on a lathe, he'll probably enjoy the craft. But a kit will have a premade grip (which would be turned on a lathe) so the kit idea may potentially eliminate his most enjoyable step. ? I'm big on surprises but I agree with above, you might ask him about his potential interest in rod building. (maybe buy him Kirkman's book as the first gift in this area)

The reason ice rods are so short is that you don't need leverage to guide a fish when the line goes through a hole in the ice. And it's not like you need to worry about keeping them from jumping! ...lol As for the dinks comment... I completely disagree. Big fish are routinely caught through the ice.

Thanks again everyone! I am really excited! The more I think about that one, I think I'll keep it, to use in the sig line.

To see if it's balanced, put the reel you plan to use on it, loaded with line and put a fulcrum under the reel seat. Properly balanced is a matter of preference, not right or wrong.

That will work just fine! Looks nicer than mine. ...lol If the cord isn't stable, you can cut a small slot in the drill box for a dryer hose clamp. That will hold it nicely and can be adjusted easily if needed. ReelMech- on occasions I need a rest, I have a hardwood block with a clip on it. For most of the split grips of cork, I don't use a rest since I'm using a sureform and then sanding screens to shape. and its a small grip...pretty easy to keep centered.

another...

Pardon my "out of it" look, 3 days of nearly no sleep will do that to a guy! Here he is...

Hard to argue against the custom rod.

Can't thank you guys enough for the well wishes!! We named him Jack, after his great grandfather. I'll have pics in a day or so. (no SDcard slot on this laptop) -keith

Well, the big day came a little early, and Mrs. flechero gave birth to a 7 lb. 7oz., 19.75" baby boy!!!! What an incredible few days it's been. He was born Sat evening 10/25. We will not actually be released until tomorrow but I had to come home to get some clothes since we hadn't planned the extra long stay or the cold front. (which gives me a chance to make my first post about him!!) Mother and baby are both fine, they were kept longer than normal so they could get some IV meds. (nothing serious) I'll post a pic when i download them to the computer. Grandpa (my father) shook his head and said "I can see it now, he'll be the first 5 year old in history that can back a trailer down the ramp" ;D ;D

What makes it so funny is that you see most of those on every trip. ...lol

Oh geeze, I guess it's time for the other can of worms. ;D many of the rods in top pro's boats are either labeled as the sponsor's own or just not labeled at all. And it's a well documented fact that a good number of the reels are not what you and I buy off the rack.

Very true, which is why even the cheapest of reels have a drag.