SkinnyWaterBasser

I didn't even have to think about it. Lol I really hope that's not the case with the tip being too mushy for 1oz baits. Point blank specs puts that range easily Into the wheelhouse according to them. The 701mlf I built I tested the upper limit with a finesse jig and trailer that weighed about a gram under 3/8 oz and it seemed capable. Time will tell!

Not quite that warm in Wisconsin so boiling water might do it. That won't harm the blank? I'm leaning towards just finishing his build as long as that seat is aligned properly. I've built 2 so far. One on an NFC 722sb x-ray it's nice, also built a 701mlf point blank and it's AMAZING. I've caught fish on both but I feel the PB is superior. As far as frogging with it goes, I don't frog often but I feel like it would do it well when I do. Definitely heavy jigs will be the majority of what it does. I'm sure it will impress just asking for different opinions on them and what guys like to use them for.

Same could work with the cork grips that are on it too I imagine. Thanks for that tip!

So a friend shot me a message today, he knew someone with "a bunch of rod building stuff" for sale and sent me some pictures. Low and behold there is an untouched PB731mhxf and a what appears to be partial built pb691mf in the mix Along with a what looks to be a very nice set of I think batson dream reamers, a dryer, wrapping station, and a bunch of other stuff that I'll definitely use. So I ask " how much?" He says "200", I say "sold" So here I sit pondering some things. The 6'9" point blank looks like it's got a Fuji sk2 casting seat on it. Not sure if it's just dry fit or if it's tight. So I wonder ? if it's glued up, can that stuff be removed without damaging the blank? How do I go about that? I suppose if it's more work than it's worth it it may make a decent jerkbait stick? Thoughts on this blank? Second, the 7'3mhxf. I've been doing some checking around and I think I could purpose it as my big jigs, frogs in slop, and very occasionally small swimbait rod. Thoughts on this blank?

I have a ton of confidence in my Alberto knot. Never had a failure at the connection knots to this point. @MickD is the simple spiral the one that brings it underneath the blank in a very short distance? I watched the guys on a mudhole video do one with one double foot and micros from there on our that went to the bottom in a ( what seemed) very short distance.

I think I'm going to attempt a spiral wrap, I ordered an RV, 3 kb 5.5s and 7 kt 5.5s to work with. If there's an extra or two I'll use them in the future.

30lb braid to 20lb fluorocarbon won't have an issue passing through a 5? I don't fish a leader knot 80%of the time, this will see a connection knots every now and then

Awesome stuff guys, thanks for all the information! @MickD i see the RV only comes in a size 6 which makes sizing easy. 3 kbs and 7 kts sound about right?

So the kr GPS at angler's resource and some tips from others on static testing and placement of guides got me going with building spinning rods. I don't see anything here about that and anglers resource doesn't have software for the reduction layout. Ill run a Metanium on a 7'3" fast mag taper 3/8-1oz blank. What are your thoughts on guide placement and size? The Fuji video I watched about it showed a casting layout. How is that achieved? Also interested in people's thoughts on spiral wraps and possible layouts for that.

I wondered about them too. The apex 17 was considerably lighter than the very similar Fuji TVS 17 was I believe 5 grams heavier. They definitely don't APPEAR to be comfortable. Doesn't look like much to hold. ? I'd be interested in hearing about them.

I like that. Looks comfy ? SWEET STICKS. Are those acrylic hood sleeves?

That's a great idea too! Definitely didn't think to do that but it's easy to work with. I've cut threads off easily anyway. That sucker is one sweet looking rig! Did you get your crank and grips from hedgehog? Do you run size 16 or 17?

@MikeK that's awesome I didn't know they were compatible! I'm definiteley gonna try that one.

I've got pretty big hands, almost 10" span from thumb to pinky here's my thoughts on the sk2. I have a Fuji sk on 2 factory rods 1 spinning, 1 casting. The casting seat is comfortable for me ONLY with a three finger in front of the trigger semi palm position. When I palm it, it tends to cramp my hands, two fingers in front and it's no longer comfortable again because there's just not enough material there and it feels like a little stick in my hands. It works out though because that's how I fish twitch techniques, jerkbaits, poppers and the like. The spinning rod with the split Fuji I THOUGHT I liked until I put a fuji TVS In my hands. A buddy of mine has a TV's on his croix spinning rod and I loved it. It's one of the things that drove me to building. The apex is dangerously close to being a direct copy of a TVS. I just love how they seem to fall right into place when I tighten my grip. Interesting to me how many votes go to ECS. zero mention of PTS, or ACS (except for negative feedback). I wish the ecs could be had with hidden threads. Doesn't seem that configuration is available. Only time I have a finger on the blank is when twitching baits with three fingers forward, otherwise I palm and run the line across my finger. I find the bigger diameter hidden thread cover to just add to comfort since I'm of the mindset that bites aren't felt by fingers touching the blank rather they're felt in the hand in the form of a tap, or the tension of the line against my finger changing. I'll stop rambling. ?

I'm just curious on what everyone's favorite casting seat for bass fishing jig/worm is and what you like about it. I'm in the market for one or several and hoping to gain some subjective insight on any products out there and then do some experimenting.

As soon as the thread was locked I was already starting to pack against the feet. Some might have 1-2 more turns but the naked eye can barely register such difference. Really happy with how it looks, I settled a test wrap with alcohol and it really turned the thread a deep garnet color which is probably a lot like what finish will do to it. Not an EXACT match of the vanford red but in the sun it sure is close. Really excited to get the dryer and do some practice!

Ordered a dryer. While I'm waiting im wondering how far above and below the guides/ wraps I should finish? Maybe a detailed picture or two of reduction guides and micros so I have references?

Just thought I'd share a couple really nice catches today. 1 in particular SHe's not flat on the box so it's hard to see how long she was but you can definitely see the girth.

Well the guides are all on except the tip top. 3.51 oz for the point blank 701mlf, 20h, 10h, 5.5m, 2 kb4.5s, 4 kt4.5s all titanium torzite, American tackle CCT apex seat ran without insert, and American tackle cork grip, hood cover, and fighting butt. The only thing she's missing is the 4.5/4.5 kg torzite tip top and the finish. I think you hit the nail right on the head Mick when you said it'll go 3.5-3.6 finished. Looking pretty good too.

The angle makes the grip look longer than it really is. I shortened the grip length by close to 1¹/² compared to my current go-to spinning rod ( the grip length on that one is a whopping 12¹/⁴ inches and had the habit of catching the inside of my elbow on a regular basis. Drove me nuts. At 10¹/² inches it still allows for me to use the fighting butt against my forearm comfortably while fighting fish AND keeps it clear of the inner elbow for working baits and casting. I played with grip lengths from 8"-12" and found 10¹/² to be the overall best (for me) for balance and comfort. At least for my long arms. Moving the reel seat down also gives me as much useable rod on a 7 footer as I have on my 7'2" rod with the monster grip.

Here's the blank I initially wanted to work with first but I'm waiting on some things because I ordered a wrong size. The seat and arbors are dry fit, the fighting butt is glued up. This has been a lot of fun so far, I've really enjoyed being able to get EXACTLY what I want.

Thanks guys for the suggestions and for the few folks who did offer to do the work. right now I'm working with the first person who offered to help. If by chance things weren't to work out I will definitely reach out to the others! But thanks again!!

Can someone direct me to anyone who will do custom cork work for me? I don't have the means to turn my own.