SDoolittle

I've given it a lot of thought, and I've decided once and for all that I have to give it a shot. I've had success at the club and Federation levels, and I've put myself in the position to take the leap. I'm retiring from the Army in October, and I'm ready to start chasing the dream that I put on hold for the past 20 years. I've registered to fish a Bassmaster Open this summer as a coangler in order to get a feel for the format. Next year, I will fish all three of the Central Opens and all three of the Southern Opens as a pro. I'd like to fish the Northern Opens as well, so I can maximize my opportunities to qualify for the Classic/Elites, but I'm not sure that I have the budget for it.

Where are you in Kansas?

Looks good!

It looks a whole lot better than my first build!

Thanks, guys. I'll try the Krylon.

Does anyone have experience painting a rod blank? I'm just wanting to paint a few inches at the bottom of the rod, so the exposed blank between the handle and butt is a different color. What kind of paint would you use, and how would you apply it?

"Mongo only pawn in game of life." ~ Mongo

They look great, FD! Those two tone EVA handles and SK2 reel seats are my favorite! Here's my version.

I think it will look great when you're finished! When using a combination of regular cork and rubberized cork, how do you smooth them out? It seems like the rubberized cork would be much more difficult to sand.

Did anyone else notice that all the fish in the livewell were belly up?

Definitely better organized than my rod shop.

Toxic Custom Rods JWD Series

It should be on the decal sticker that came with the blank.

The old, round Black Max was a great reel. I have one that's probably about 20 years old, and it still works great. I can't comment on the low profile version because I've never used one, but I haven't heard many good reviews.

I looked on Mudhole. All I see are the blanks.

My cousin has asked me to build her husband a 10' crappie rod for a birthday gift. I know exactly jack squat about crappie rods, so I thought I would just use a kit. The problem is that can't find one. I've found kits for bass rods, fly rods, saltwater rods, etc., but I can't find a crappie rod kit anywhere. Can someone point me in the right direction? If not, has anyone built a crappie rod? I have found numerous blanks, but I'm clueless as to guides, handles, reals seats, etc. Thanks in advance!

Can someone order directly from your website, or do they have to go through a supplier? I've looked at www.alpsforecast.com, www.rainshadowrodblanks.com, and www.batsonenterprises.com, and I don't see any way to place an order. Maybe I'm blind.

I have an Ardent Edge Pro 5.1:1, and I really like it. I'll admit that it feels a little clunky, but I can sling crankbaits a mile with it, and reeling in a DD-22 is like cutting through butter.

Is anyone making their own rod decals? If so, what are you using? I'm tired of paying to have them made, and I would prefer to just print them myself. Thanks in advance!

That's my favorite too.

Jackall Crosstail Shad and Zoom Meathead

Welcome aboard! Where in the Ozarks did you grow up?

Saban was 4-1 vs Bama when he was at LSU.

How is 3-3 more successful than 4-1? Also, are you actually saying that it is possible to have a weak strength of schedule in the SEC? Are you ready to admit that the SEC is top heavy? Be careful how you answer.