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Post 15 Aug 2022, 22:29 • #1 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Finally finished my first rod build on the Trout Smiths 7’6” 4/5 wt blank that I picked up from Shane Gray back in May. The blank is a blend of E and S glass and has a similar feel as the McFarland GTX, which is also a blend of E and S. I briefly casted it with an Orvis Superfine WF5 line in the yard this evening. Looking forward to testing the Trout Smiths rod on the water when I have time to fish again.

I wanted to keep the build simple with no tipping on the wraps and no hook keeper. The silk thread turned out semi-translucent, which was my goal. The wraps also happened to be a nice match for the dark hardware on the RL seat. I didn’t want to detract from the build with my poor handwriting so there’s no inscription. I added one extra trim band at the 12” mark from the butt of the reel seat, as 12” is the ballpark measurement of a decent redeye bass. The rod feels like it will be perfect as a redeye bass specialist - small poppers, foam hoppers, and buggers in small/medium size moving water. Thanks to all the members here who helped me with rod building advice over the past few months.

Components: Ray Lee reel seat, bullet nose grip from Proof, REC winding check, Mildrum stripping guide, Snake brand guides with Ecoating, Snake brand tip top, Kimono silk thread in Castle Grey, Threadmaster epoxy.







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Post 15 Aug 2022, 23:37 • #2 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/21/06
Posts: 3081
Location: Orygun
outstanding....hopefully this will be enough to get me off my arse to finish up my 8wt IG.


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Post 15 Aug 2022, 23:48 • #3 
Master Guide
Joined: 01/11/17
Posts: 436
Location: Missouri Ozarks
Classy! Love the reel seat and grip. Nothing like a CFO reel to dress up a rod.


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 04:51 • #4 
Master Guide
Joined: 07/26/21
Posts: 383
Location: North West Georgia
Woah! Your thread work looks super clean! I cant wait for a fishing report!


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 06:23 • #5 
Guide
Joined: 06/15/20
Posts: 260
Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Excellent work, especially for your first built. Impressive. My first build was not that nice.


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 07:44 • #6 
Master Guide
Joined: 03/20/07
Posts: 849
Location: US-TX
Very nice!


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 08:39 • #7 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/26/14
Posts: 3578
Location: US-MN
Love it!


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 09:07 • #8 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/12/16
Posts: 4093
Location: USA-CO
Outstanding work!


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 09:39 • #9 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 11/30/10
Posts: 1847
Location: Michigan
That is outstanding! Nicely done!


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 14:08 • #10 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/07/18
Posts: 428
Location: US-MA
Very nice work. Rod looks fantastic and nice choice of grip style and reel seat.


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 16:01 • #11 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Thanks guys! I’m already making plans for my next rod build because I enjoyed the building process so much. I’ll be sure to post a fishing report when I get the rod out for the first time.

In addition to being a great rod for redeye bass, I think the Trout Smiths 4/5 will be fun for casting foam flies to alpine lake cutthroat when I get back to Colorado eventually. A 4 piece 7’6” rod will definitely be convenient for hike in fishing.


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 17:05 • #12 
Sport
Joined: 05/14/18
Posts: 75
Location: FT Irwin CA
Wow! That looks classy in an understated way. Very nice. Really like your thread work and that reel seat really make it all work.


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 17:22 • #13 
Sport
Joined: 08/04/18
Posts: 77
Location: US-CT
Very nice looking rod El Duderino, excellent work!


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Post 16 Aug 2022, 19:25 • #14 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 12/31/15
Posts: 1238
Location: Northern Rockies
That looks really great. The whole thing is tied together really nicely, and the work is top notch. I love the Ray Lee reel seat you chose too.


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Post 17 Aug 2022, 00:16 • #15 
Guide
Joined: 02/13/16
Posts: 326
Location: US-TX
Great looking build. Agreed that is some very nice burl, and the depth is really popping in those pics. Very nice!


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Post 17 Aug 2022, 10:11 • #16 
Master Guide
Joined: 11/11/13
Posts: 774
Location: US-CA
Seth, the rod looks great for a first build you can’t do any bette well done


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Post 23 Aug 2022, 09:42 • #17 
Guide
Joined: 02/07/12
Posts: 197
Location: US-NM
Very nice work!


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Post 23 Aug 2022, 14:49 • #18 
Master Guide
Joined: 03/09/15
Posts: 684
Location: Arkansas
Wow. Just wow. So nice.


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