Congratulations on planning/starting your first rod build. Lots of fine rod builders here, feel free to ask questions about the process.

Jeff

Congrats on the purchase and the dive into this end of the fly fishing pool!
I really like building rods. Hope you do as well.

Good on you.
Please ask lots of questions- this is the place to do it. I’m still fairly new to this building aspect and this forum is a tremendous wealth of information and generous folks.

BTW, I couldn’t resist and bit on one of those trout smith blanks too - excited to see how it turns out. I’ve only read positive things about it.

I also fell victim to Shane’s yard sale, but I went on the opposite end of the spectrum as you, Brookie. I ordered the 7’6” 4/5 blank. Should make a nice rod for our redeye bass streams. I’ve been looking for something with a little more oomph than my Steffen 7’6” 3/4 for the small poppers, hopper droppers, and buggers I fish for redeye bass.

This will be my first rod build. Looking forward to see how this group of Trout Smith E/S rod builds turn out from the people in this thread.

+2 on what Duderino asked earlier, I'd be interested in what you guys come up with for thread color schemes on these rods. I'm leaning towards a light color yellow or green thread. I'll also probably use a cork reel seat with rings, I like the simplistic traditional look.

I think I’ll use clear/translucent thread wraps or gray translucent wraps. I know translucent wraps are not the easiest option for a novice rod builder, but it’s what I prefer on a white/natural blank. Hopefully I’m up for the challenge.

I’ll probably use a sliding band reel seat with wood spacer from Ray Lee. I’m thinking no winding check or hook keeper because I like the minimalist style. I generally only use a hook keeper on my streamer rods where the leader is shorter than the rod length.

Brookie, that is a nice looking redeye. Here are a few more to give everyone an idea of my target with the Trout Smith 4/5. The first picture is a Bartram’s bass and second is a Coosa bass - both fall under the redeye bass umbrella.

For those outside of the southeastern US who aren’t familiar, the fish below were both known as redeye bass in the past, but fisheries biologists have confirmed in the past 10-20 years that these are distinct species, as you can tell by the photos.

Clayton, can’t wait to see your build - 7’6” 3/4 is a versatile configuration. As you implied, I expect to fish my 4/5 with the higher line weight, based on the description on Shane’s website that the Trout Smith E/S is on the fast side for glass.

Nice little thread here. Regarding thread color, I saw a pic on instagram from mbcustomrods of a build on a white/clear blank. He used teriyaki and buttercup silk thread. Both are in the brown/beige color family. They were subtle colors, but they were really classy. It had it's own unique pop to it.

very nice color combo.

Looking good, Clayton! I like the thread colors and the walnut burl seat. I’m hoping to get started on my build soon. The only component I’m missing is the Mildrum stripping guide from REC. I’m also planning to go with the Morgan guide spacing, per Shane’s recommendation.

Very nice looking rod Glacier, if mine comes out half that well I'll be pleased. Looking forward to your report on how if fishes.

Great work Glacier. cant wait for a casting/fishing report!

I just got done ordering the components for my 6023. Im going for a simple look. Teriyaki silk with spar, a RL slide band reel seat, Ill plan to turn a grip with a shape reminiscent of the Douglas upstream rods, no hook keeper or winding check, rec ultralight guides. I ordered one of the flor cork rings with bark from proof, Im contemplating using it as the front ring on the grip. Ill have to mull that over while I wait on parts. Im looking for a good stent material in .375 diameter for the reel seat. If all else fails Ill do it with a hardwood dowel but Id like to find something that wont swell.