It is currently 29 Mar 2024, 01:50


New Topic Add Reply
Author Message
Post 20 Jun 2013, 14:29 • #1 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/07/11
Posts: 750
Location: US-IL
So the title may be overly bombastic, especially since I haven't even cast the rod yet, but the aesthetics in combination with the men who are responsible for this rod's existence is enough to give this rod a very high status. I have been recently trying out several different 6/7wt. rods in search of MY ultimate smallmouth rod. I spent substantial time comparing a McFarland 8'3" 6wt. 3pc. with a Steffen 8'6" 6/7wt. 4pc. rod. Since then I have also built a Kenney 8'0" 5/6wt. 5pc., McFarland 8'3" 7wt. 3pc., Steffen 5/6wt. 8'0" 4pc., and I have a McFarland "Juniata" 8'4" 7wt. 4pc. on the way. These are all fantastic rods, but I kept searching.

When I was lucky enough to get another Kenney blank, this one being the 8'6" 6wt. 3pc., that Larry indicated had a slightly stronger tip, I knew it was going to be a special rod. Wiggling the blank, it felt powerful enough to possibly handle a 7wt. line, but exhibited a deep flexing, slower action. I quickly decided that I wanted this rod built to perfection, so I forwent trying to build it myself. : ) Rather, I contacted my favorite rod builder of all time, George Minculete, of Tightloops fly rods.

George and I went back and forth on some of the details and components. I compiled most of the components and I left the thread color, grip shape, and scripting to his discretion. We also had a theme for the rod: "Bronzeback" ... nick-naming the rod after the intended species.

Here is what George put together (photos were taken from the Tightloop's Facebook page):

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

George did such a great job on this. I am extremely pleased. And I must say that George is a pleasure to deal with. I would highly recommend him for those looking for a custom build. The rod was shipped out via express mail today; so once I receive it I will update this post with some action shots and a review of the rod on the water.

Thanks George.
Colt


Last edited by sagebass on 30 Aug 2013, 10:59, edited 2 times in total.

Top
  
Quote
Post 20 Jun 2013, 14:38 • #2 
Master Guide
Joined: 05/01/10
Posts: 364
Location: Pleasant Plains, Il
Wow, that is stunning! Love it!

J


Top
  
Quote
Post 20 Jun 2013, 15:00 • #3 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 10/30/09
Posts: 2527
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
I could look at that thing all day long! That's a truly amazing rod and yes, George is quite an artisan. Can't wait to hear how she fishes and see those smallies you catch with her!


Top
  
Quote
Post 20 Jun 2013, 15:08 • #4 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/08
Posts: 902
Location: Salisbury, England
Like that a lot, very nicely composed and assembled.
And that's quite a list of contenders you've cycled through


Top
  
Quote
Post 20 Jun 2013, 16:48 • #5 
Guide
Joined: 04/13/11
Posts: 226
Location: US-TN
I bet you don't part with this one anytime soon!

What reel are you going to grace it with? A Hardy Sunbeam (agate ring) comes to mind.


Top
  
Quote
Post 20 Jun 2013, 20:09 • #6 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/07/11
Posts: 750
Location: US-IL
CBarclay wrote:
I could look at that thing all day long! That's a truly amazing rod and yes, George is quite an artisan. Can't wait to hear how she fishes and see those smallies you catch with her!

I hear you Chris. I keep looking at it over and over.

Colt


Top
  
Quote
Post 20 Jun 2013, 20:11 • #7 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/07/11
Posts: 750
Location: US-IL
taniwha2 wrote:
Like that a lot, very nicely composed and assembled.
And that's quite a list of contenders you've cycled through

I'll try to do a comparison once the Kenney arrives.


Top
  
Quote
Post 20 Jun 2013, 22:08 • #8 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 07/22/11
Posts: 1720
Location: US-TX
Nice ... very nice.


Top
  
Quote
Post 20 Jun 2013, 22:22 • #9 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/07/11
Posts: 750
Location: US-IL
gray wrote:
I bet you don't part with this one anytime soon!

What reel are you going to grace it with? A Hardy Sunbeam (agate ring) comes to mind.

I'm not sure yet. But for now, I am probably going to pair it with a black Abel Classic with a solid spool. I have it lined with a 7wt. Rio Power Fly Line that I was using on this 8'3" 7wt. McFarland ... but I have a few 6wt. lines I would like to try on the rod as well.

Image


Top
  
Quote
Post 21 Jun 2013, 01:27 • #10 
Sport
Joined: 04/25/13
Posts: 80
Location: Northern California
Wow, that is a thing of beauty, look forward to seeing action pics.
Congrats,
Nick


Top
  
Quote
Post 21 Jun 2013, 11:11 • #11 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/21/06
Posts: 3081
Location: Orygun
That is a thing of beauty!


Top
  
Quote
Post 21 Jun 2013, 16:51 • #12 
Guide
Joined: 04/17/13
Posts: 202
Location: US-CT
Very nice build but where's the keeper? I find a keeper way too useful to be without. All of my rods including bamboo are so equipped. The occasional hook injury is far more likely without a keeper, in my view. Also, that's why I smash down the barbs. Its safer for the fish and the fisherman.


Top
  
Quote
Post 21 Jun 2013, 20:37 • #13 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 07/22/11
Posts: 1720
Location: US-TX
klingon1539 wrote:
Very nice build but where's the keeper? I find a keeper way too useful to be without. All of my rods including bamboo are so equipped. The occasional hook injury is far more likely without a keeper, in my view. Also, that's why I smash down the barbs. Its safer for the fish and the fisherman.

I hate the hook keeper. It interrupts my finger placement sometimes and I have actually gotten hooked more when carrying a rod with a hook keeper than placing the hook in one of the stripper guides.

Colt, that rod would look good with one of chform's reels. Very classy looking rod.


Top
  
Quote
Post 21 Jun 2013, 21:10 • #14 
Guide
Joined: 02/23/12
Posts: 226
Location: Lawrenceburg, TN
Beautiful! Whoever says rod building isn't an art (i.e. the wife), is just plain blind!


Top
  
Quote
Post 22 Jun 2013, 06:06 • #15 
Sport
Joined: 09/11/12
Posts: 37
Location: Australia
Boy that is a sweet looking rod. Lovely build, enjoy.


Top
  
Quote
Post 22 Jun 2013, 13:11 • #16 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/11/06
Posts: 2516
Location: Nature Coast Florida
If it casts half as good as it looks your a lucky man. Beautiful rod.


Top
  
Quote
Post 26 Jun 2013, 16:16 • #17 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 04/02/13
Posts: 1173
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Beautiful stick! Great color selections, and I always thought George's grips were the perfect shape.


Top
  
Quote
Post 04 Jul 2013, 13:41 • #18 
Guide
Joined: 07/24/12
Posts: 144
Location: Transylvania
Colt,

Thanks so much for the beautiful words! Thanks everyone for their comments!

Have fun on those "bronzebacks" :)

Best,

George


Top
  
Quote
Post 04 Jul 2013, 15:08 • #19 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 10/20/11
Posts: 1880
Location: US-MD
Super-tight build ... and yeah, no hook keepers for me either.


Top
  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  

New Topic Add Reply



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 12 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Jump to:  
Google
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group