Lyman X

So, how did you change the color?

I sometimes use rubber tubing That came from on of those expanding garden hoses that died, as they do. You can roll sections of it down over a blank to protect areas of the blank from paint removal.( Of course the blank has to be of sufficient dia.) Its hard to pet a precise edge though. If the edge isn't clean enough you can wrap over it. It's the only way I know.

Well we have something in common. We're both from PA, other than that... Seriously though, beautiful job!

You live in Wash. St. and order from Mudhole? For real? I would ask Mudhole.

It's beautiful, I've been lost from the first post.

Paul, love your outlook. (on rebuilds) Some older blanks really spring to life with a little modern thinking and some TLC. I think that's more rewarding sometimes than a new build. Your new build sounds great also.

It's probably not soft anymore! It was right on the edge yesterday.

Saw a guy fishing from his Skeeter this morning at Beltzville Lake (N.E. PA). That's dedication or something! 9 degrees F

If you ever fished a Zara Spook on a spinning rod.... Each has it's place.

Chance, check out Utmost Enterprises some time as a source of components.

Try to avoid steelwool if at all possible, scotchbrite is what you want. Sorry for the late reply.

For some reason I'm not able to see the results of the tips contest on youtube. I can post a comment and view it, but not the announced winner. What might I be doing wrong? Thanks, Lynn

Welcome Jason . Saw your custom rod on the rodbuilding page, that's where I mostly hang out. Lots of top notch info on here. Enjoy!

My son used my Rick Clunn casting reel which had recently been cleaned and lubed (no parts) by DVT and he told me it works better than his identical reel did when it was new. His is about 2 years newer. So thanks Mike! Lynn

Be careful if using a Zara Puppy big fish can pull the hooks right off the body.

Technique specificity reaches new heights!

Thanks Scott, I left it sit with Citri-strip on it for 18 hrs. and it softened it enough that I could get at the thread and get it off, but just barely! This stuff is way stronger than the guides are. Thankfully he only broke one. With any luck he'll break the blank next time!

I have a Dobyns Savvy with micros that needs a guide replaced. This is the hardest finish I've ever come across. I have the top of the foot totally exposed and can't budge the foot. (guide's broken off, only foot remains) finish is so hard I'm afraid of bank damage in removing it. I put Citri-strip on guide wrap for 4 hrs. today and it didn't even phase it. Anyone who has changed one of these please chime in! Thanks, Lynn

I just made a post on this topic in Tournament talk, shoulda read this first!

Jason Christie put a big treble hook in his palm at bass fest and Shaw Grigsby removed it. (video on B.A.S.S. home page) Shaw was chosen because his wife's a nurse. My wife is also. That qualifies me as not a nurse. If you are an Elite pro at an event of that size, is there no one there who can numb your thumb and remove a hook without a pocket knife and a dirty sidecutters? I've never been to a high school football game that didn't have some type of medical aid available. Making anglers into millionaires and can't afford a paramedic! Maybe it makes good copy.

Look at home made wrappers others have made you might be able to save yourself some money. The wrapper and the thread carriage need not be integral. (Rod Building.org has many such photos.)

I've seen rats drinking milk from the kiddie's supply in films shot in India.

I use the size 4 widefoot all the time. I don't see how you could go wrong with them.

No offense, but you used impatient kids and crankbaits in the same sentence!

What Uncustered said is why I build rods at all!