Last weekend, I attended/worked a booth at the International Custom Rod Building Exposition (ICRBE) in High Point, NC. We sold Batson, St. Croix and North Fork blanks and various other rod building components. I currently fish St. Croix and Batson rods, but no North Fork. Since we sell 'em, I figured that I better acquire one so I can talk intelligently about them.

My preferred method of fishing is dropshot, so I chose model DS 6107-1(IM). It is 6'10", 1pc Mag Light power, X-Fast action. Rated 4-8# line and 1/8-3/8 oz lure. The first thing I noticed when I picked it up was it's weight, or lack thereof. I had to throw it on a scale to see how light it was. It's 1.52oz. My favorite St. Croix blank (5S69MLXF) weighed in at 1.71oz., and I thought that was light. The St. Croix is rated at 6-10# line and 1/8-1/2oz. lure, so that probably explains the weight difference. Until I get them side by side, I won't know the power difference.

First impressions: I like the feel of it. We'll let the Erie smallies make the final verdict.

Stay tuned for updates and pics as I turn this blank in to a fishing tool.

I'll be interested in hearing your feedback on that NFC blank when you get it done. I've heard some very good things on the NFC blanks... especially given the price.

BTW, as we speak, I'm having a custom St. Croix built on an XS blank ( your favorite... the 5S66MLXF) with the new 3M nano technology. Hopefully, it will become my "favorite".

Temple Fork Outfitters and North Fork Composites are two COMPLETELY different companies.  TFO sells finished rods, and has a bass series designed with the help of Gary Loomis.  NFC sells blanks made by Gary Loomis.

Exactly what J Francho said. Gary had a hand in the design of TFO rods, but NFC is Gary & co's  newest endeavor.

I got the same blank a month or so ago.  I have yet to build on it.  But to me it feels like it holds a bunch of power.  Extremely light.  Good luck with the build.

Temple Fork Outfitters and North Fork Composites are two COMPLETELY different companies. TFO sells finished rods, and has a bass series designed with the help of Gary Loomis. NFC sells blanks made by Gary Loomis.

Thanks... I get them mixed up all the time, and corrected my post.

Anybody know if the NFC blanks are made in the USA like the St. Croix's?

Again, exactly what he said.  NFC only has 3 series of blanks.  All of which are made in the USA.  Everything from NFC is made here, right down to the staple that holds the header card on the bag!

While waiting for some parts for other rods to come in, I decided to sneak in some time for MY NFC. Here's the grip and reel seat assembly for your viewing pleasure.

I did a build when Gary made his first run of MB blanks (MB 705-1 (IM), it was the #15 blank of his grand opening blank run.

I wrapped it split gripped, and spiraled w/alconites.

The rods finished weight is 3.5oz.

Probably one of my most sensitive and lightest pitch'n sticks I own.

You will truly enjoy the rod..Well worth the blank price.

Tight Wraps!

Update on the North Fork. Finally got the rest of the parts. Want to try to knock it out this week so I can test drive it in Erie next weekend.

Sweet lookin' rod. I like the matching handle on the reel! I have a NFC rod built by Tigerodz and it is awesome to say the least. Give us a fish whoopin' update and how it handled.

Very nice looking rod wish I had the time and patience to do this

Broke-in the North Fork Saturday, on Erie. I think it needs calibrated.....It's a smallie rod, but it was catching sheephead . I'll post pics on the finished rod once I get my buddy with the good camera to come over.

I finished the NFC a while ago and have had a chance to field test it on some Erie smallies in June. My initial impression was correct. This rod is lighter in power than rods I typically dropshot with, but it did not lack the power to boat some 4# and 5# smallies. Overall finished weight of the rod is 2.94 oz. Couple that with the 7oz CI-4 and the combo comes in under 10oz....a touch over 10 oz with the composite cork reel handle and line.

Blank: NFC DS 6107-1(IM)

Guides: Fuji TYSG 25, 16, 8, TLSG 4 & MCAT4.5-4.5

Hook Keep: Pac Bay Ti/Ch hooklatch

Reel Seat: Fuji 17mm Skeleton (Cobra finish)

Grips: CG-1 Natural & light & burnt burl composite

Thread: Gudebrod nylon Charcoal with Pewter metallic inlays and red metallic trim

Finish: Threadmaster Light and Threadmaster Hi

Decal: Decal Connection peel & stick

Sweet looking rod!!

Based on your comments, I assume the blank has less power than the 69MLXF St Croixs. How does the action compare?

I like the action of the 69MLXF St Croixs, but would like something with less power for fishing 4 or 6# test for smaller fish on inland lakes.

thanks

Beauiful work!

That is correct, the power is less than the St Croix 69mlxf. Action seems the same to me. It would be a great inland rod and that's what I plan to use it for.

Nice! Any comments on is sensitivity relative to other rods you've fished?

I haven't noticed it to be any more or less sensitive than any of my Croix's.

Thanks! Which model of Croix rods? Sorry to be so inquisitive. I actually spoke to the man himself when I found the number to NFC. I was expecting and answering machine it is was GL himself. I felt like I was talking to a rock star.

5S69MLXF

4C69MLXF

Gary is just a "normal guy". We had dinner with him at the rod show in High Point in February.

Yeah, he sure is. His demeanor on the phone was very pleasant and although his comments about the graphite were a bit beyond my noggin's comprehension, you could tell he really knew his stuff.

When I do get into rod building someday, I will definitely make one from an NFC blank.