vtbassin

Buzz-Bait Scum Frog Ribbit

I searched for the data that dodgeguy posted about line stretch and could not find it but I did fine this with google http://www.shallowwaterangler.com/features/line_stretch_test/ It looks like everything stretches but braid. So I guess I would recomend you reel up the slack and set that hook like you mean it

Castaway, I bought a new scorpion on e-bay for $119 from ginrinpech with free shipping. It is a sweet reel. I am not familiar with the Mentanium but if it is the same as a scorpion I would say you are paying about $100 too much for a used reel George

I checked Proline on your poll but I really use the Proline co-polymer. ;D I have been using this line for several years and it works great for me. I like the fact that I do not seem to need to change the co-poly as often as mono. 15 lb for spinnerbaits & rat-l-traps and 8 lb or 6 lb on my spinning rods ;D A 1/4 pound spool for less than $10 seems like a good deal to me. ;D

Yes spiral wrap and split grips are going on this rod. I started with spiral wraps and split grips last winter and as the old saying goes ;D Once you go spiral wrap you don't go back ;D

Thanks for the input everyone. I decided to get the Shikari IMB704 from Andy Dear @ Lamar. ;D At $35 I thought it was bargin and worth a try ;D and for insurance I ordered 2 I also ordered some some burl cork rings in a couple of different styles (Copano, Laguna and a few 1/4" Burnt) Andy said he will get it in the mail by tomorrow. Now to plan the rest of the project. ;D ;D Thanks Again George

DodgeGuy hit it on the head - keep your tag ends short

I will be using 1/2 oz baits the most and may go down to 3/8 or a little less but usually not much heaver. I have been using 50 lb braid on a flipping stick but it is a little heavy/awkward for casting all day. I will probably stick with 50 lb braid but I want a lighter rod and will make the handle more suited for me to cast with. Thanks for the feedback so far ;D Maybe I am just over thinking this but half the fun of building a rod is having options that are not availvble on the shelf. ;D

Thanks ReelMech, Got any suggestions for a frog rod? George

I found the IMB 794f blank at Bingham and it is listed at $105. You got a gerat sale at $40 ;D Was it last years model?

GMAN, I have not ordered a blank yet. I have had some great days using a bass rat and even with a little lead wrapped aroung the hooks I doubt it weighs more that 1/2 oz. So I am a little concerned with going Xhvy and still being able to cast any distance. I think the MHF will have enough tip to cast it with but you may be right I may be giving up some power. I guess that is why I asked here to see what you guys thought and/or used for froggin. Justtrying I have been trying to get in contact with Andy at Lamar but our timing must be off and we seem to be leaving messages to each other. I have talked with him in the past when ordering some of his burl cork and he was great to talk with. I sent an e-mail to the Lamar web page yesterday. I am not familiar with Shikari but I will check out the Bingham web page. Have you used Rainshadow blanks??

I am going to build a new Frog Rod. I am thinking of using a St Croix SC3 7' MHF. I want some tip to cast a long way and the backbone to get the fish out. Any suggestions? Thanks George

Nice looking rod ;D When you hook into that LM that is in there eating the BGills it should be interesting ;D

Jim, I like braid for frogs and flipping. I have also found it gives me better hooksets from my kayak. I was missing more fish than I usually do when I first started fishing from the yak. It must have something to do with being close to the water and the angle of the rod. 15/4 powerpro fixed that problem for me. now just a quick wrist snap and fish on!! ;D I do not use it for everything. copoly on my spinnerbaits and traps and any light weight stuff from the boat. But it all boils down to what you like If you want to use copoly go for it. You will be a better fisherman if you feel comfortable with what you are using. Tight lines

I also agree with K_Mac. I haven't purchased any rods from ReelMech but he was so very helpful when I decided to try building my own. I am sure you wouldn't go wrong commissioning him to build you a rod.

;D You still have 22 days til Christmas ;D :

I use a small hand file on all of my guides to get a smooth/flat transition from the rod blank onto the guide. You can use a dremel but go slowly. Do not disreguard the bottom of the guide as you do not want any burrs digging into your rod blank. Over time a burr can cause a failure. :'( George

Hi Terri, I use the thin cut strips of blue masking tape as Alpster suggested or I tie the guides on with a rubber band. I have been unable to find very small rubber bands so I just cut a longer one and tie the Guide in place. The rubber band method I find it easier to move the guides around as needed. Tight Wraps George

Nice Frogs ;D

I think 12 lb would be enough for any minnow type stick bait. I have landed 3 foot long stripers on 10 lb. Check your line and retie often.

I don't think "rules" is the right word. You can catch large fish on very light line. I like to pick line by what type of cover I am fishing and what bait I am using. I don't ever worry about catching too big a fish for the line I am using ;D Open clear water I use 6 or 8 lb copoly. Fishing frogs on top of thick weeds I use 20 or 50 lb braid. I actually just started using the 50 lb this past year and it may be a little over kill for my type of fishing. I never had any trouble witht the 20. I will use 15 lb copoly for spinner baits or rat-l-traps. I hope this helps Tight lines

:oWOW That boat looks great! ;D

Nice ;D Does she go out fishing with grandad? ;D

That must be nice ;D You can fish all year up here but it will involve chopping some ice I store my batteries in the basement and charge them a couple of times over the winter. I also put my trolling motor in the basement after seeing one that cracked open after freezing. It must of had some water in it.

I do not fish a jitter bug much but if I am fishing the river and the smallies are just jumping over my top-water bait or near it without actually hitting it I take it off and try something else. I have had this happen at times with a spook and a torpedo. I usually switch to something very different like a jig or a spinnerbait. When they are jumping near your bait you know where the fish are ;D switch off to something else and catch them ;D