vtbassin

I finally finished the frog rod I have been working on. ;D Not quite as fancy as some of the art work you guys are posting pictures of but it casts very nicely. There are a couple of blemishes but I am happy with it. ;D Now all I need is for all the ice and snow to melt and the weeds to start growing : Come on spring

I never unplug and I have not had a problem. I do get some corrosion behind the bulbs and need to clean them now and then but AI think tha twould happen anyway.

I do not have one of the new Curados yet. I don't know if it would fit like the old model. I guess you are right opportunity is knocking. ;D

ReelMech, Your use of the different burl rings makes a great looking handle :exclamation I think I see another new rod on the horizon George

;D Fixed it ;D I really didn't like the idea of modifying the rod I built last winter. It turned out nice and I like fishing it ;D After I get more builds under my belt I may think differently but for now the rod is special. The Scorpion on the other hand is just another reel : After measuring the Curado and Scorpion reel feet the Scorpion is about 2.5/100 thicker and 1.5/100 longer. You wouldn't think that little bit would make a big difference but it did. So after about 5 minutes work with a small flat file the Scorpion fits and the reel seat tightens down flush. ;D ;D Come on spring :exclamation :exclamation

I was afraid that is what the answers would be. Oh well - live and learn I am not ready to start giving away rods just yet : and using it as is will not be the end of the world. I will give this some thought and maybe try some creative fix. Maybe a ramp as you suggested Flechero. ReelMech when you build a casting rod without a forgrip do you install a one ring button at the end of the reel seat threads? I have done that on a spinning rod maybe I will try it on a casting rod. Thanks George

In the river a small 1/4 oz buzzbait in any color as long as it is white ;D

I have decided to change reels I use on the rod I built last year for spinnerbaits. I built a no forgrip, split grip, spiral wrapped rod with the reelseat threads cut to fit a Curado. I bought a Scorpion to use on that rod because I plan on moving the Curado to the frog rod I am now building. The hood on the reelseat does not tighten down flush to the end of the reelseat with the Scorpion on the rod. I guess I can use it as is but I was wondering if anyone has run into this issue and what did you do about it?? Any suggestions?? George

I have had good luck with Mud Hole http://shop.mudhole.com/ There are many other places to purchase components. Look on rodbuilding.org for more ideas.

Not trying to put words in your mouth ReelMech I laughed when I saw that because I get the title from the kids because they think I do not want to ever spend on the things they think are important. : Go figure. Only one more to finish college and then the wife and I will be a little more free spending

I used the alconites on the few rods I have put together and they are great. On the spirals I used CLNAG10J, CLNAG7J bumper, CLNAG8J, and CLAG6 to the tip CFAT6. I will probably do something similar on the next rod. I like the looks of the Baston guides with the different color rings but I join ReelMech in the tight wad catagory and haven't gone with them yet.

:oVery nice That camo blank looks great ;D

Ronnie, Condolences for the loss of your Mom. George

The new combo sounds great! ;D I have a couple of extremes and I don't think you will be disapointed with yours. Do not be too quick to dis the Pfluger. I read a lot of good things on the board about them. I have a Pfluger fly reel that I have had for a lot of years (about 35 but I hate to admit it ) and it still works like a charm.

I would consider it a good all round ratio that you could do about any technique you wanted to with. Fast enough to burn a spinnerbait and all you need to do to slow it down is crank a little slower.

I bought the Cabels's Dry Plus signiture series rain gear. They are great and not quite as expensive as the gortex. I have some Frogtogs I keep in the boat just is case I get caught without my other gear. The Frogtogs will keep you dry but IMO can't compete with the real deal.

Supermat rather than covering them up why not tie on something bizarre : Like a beer can popper ;D or a helicopter lure That would keep the snoops guessing ;D To answer the poll I do not use them and agree with bass109 when finished put the lure back in the box.

Sounds like it may have an internal circuit breaker. I would look for that or a fuse.

To get your best bang for your buck wait for a BPS sale!!! Don't pay full price for a BPS rod ;D another sale is always on the way ;D I have Bionic Blades and Extremes both are good rods for the SALE $$$.

Theoretically the split grip is better for an accurate two hand cast. When you grab the end of a split grip rod you automatically grip it the same way every time. The rear grip should just fit in your hand. Having the same grip on the rod every time makes casting more consistant. I am slowly working to all split grips. ;D

I really like the St Croixs I built for myself. ;D If you just want to purchase why not talk with ReelMech and get a rod custom made for whatever technique you choose. ;D If money is no object custom is the way to go.

Thanks for the interesting weight information Keith. The first rod I re-built I took off the factory guides and replaced them with Alconites. I also removed the front grip. The rod felt much lighter in hand when finished. I did not weigh it. I have used Alconites on all of the rods I have built. (5 total :) big deal right? Now I think I will give some thought to the Titainium guides for my next project. Flechero's physics lesson is right on. The more weight you put out at the end of that 7 foot lever arm the more counter weight needs to be added at the end of the handle if you want to balance. ;D "How much am I willing to spend?" ;D is something we must decide for ourselves. ;D But all of the different points of view I get to see here make it a good place to spend some time. ;D :)Merry Christmas George

Both places are good for actually holding a rod or reel in your hands ;D I usually have a good time at shows seeing all the equipment and talking with people but have not purchased much at them. I have been to a BPS a few times and always spend more than I planned : I think BPS is easier to get back to if there are any issues.

;D ;D ;D ;D Merry Christmas

I have a question about this tip? What gage should we be looking for? Does a smaller or larger gage make assembly easier? Is the bait more durable with a larger gage? Do the blades spin the same if they are attached with a large or small gage ring? ;DI appreciate the tip but when I read it all of these questions came to mind ;D Thanks George