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Post 23 Oct 2022, 17:37 • #1 
Sport
Joined: 10/27/21
Posts: 88
Location: Georgia
GB 703 5 piece. Built as budget as possible; a little over $100 with all components. The white silk and components came from Proof. This is only my second rod so far from perfect, but better than the first one. I was hoping to get away with a simple hand written label but I can't get any marker I've tried to not wipe off the blank. (India ink and permanent) So I think I'll do a small clear trim wrap on the other side of the writing and varnish over it. The wraps have 3 coats of varnish on them but I may do one more. Other than that she's ready to go. I was thinking it felt stiff for a 3 weight but with a cortland DT peach it casts quite nice. I wish the varnish job looked better, but regardless it should make a fine budget small stream rod.





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Post 23 Oct 2022, 22:17 • #2 
Guide
Joined: 03/02/14
Posts: 144
Location: US-peripatetic
Your build looks great in the pics. I think it's inspiring to see that a decent rod can still be acquired on a friendly budget. Have you had a chance to fish it yet-if so, how does it fish?


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Post 24 Oct 2022, 13:07 • #3 
Sport
Joined: 10/27/21
Posts: 88
Location: Georgia
I’ve not fished it yet. I don’t live close to any small stream trout which was my intended use for this rod. I do however think it will be nice for smaller bluegill flies. I’ll definitely report back.


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Post 24 Oct 2022, 13:33 • #4 
Master Guide
Joined: 12/19/07
Posts: 393
Location: US-MI
I’m almost done building on that same blank. I’m doing the rod as a auction item for a charity fund raiser next month.
I may pick up a second one and keep it to toss in the camper.
I’ll post pics next week


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Post 24 Oct 2022, 13:36 • #5 
Sport
Joined: 10/27/21
Posts: 88
Location: Georgia
That’s cool man. I look forward to your post.


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Post 04 Nov 2022, 22:00 • #6 
Guide
Joined: 03/02/14
Posts: 144
Location: US-peripatetic
Well, when you do get a chance to fish it—maybe you could report back on your thoughts of how it fishes. I’m curious.


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Post 05 Nov 2022, 09:59 • #7 
Guide
Joined: 01/25/13
Posts: 338
Location: Avondale Az
We are actually getting ready to build on that same blank


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Post 06 Nov 2022, 20:03 • #8 
Sport
Joined: 10/27/21
Posts: 88
Location: Georgia
Rod casts well with a DT peach #3. It's got some backbone. it could probably handle a #4 line. I look it to a local park pond last night and was catching small bass and bluegills on a betts popper. It does the job. As a side point, this pre fab grip from proof is pretty nice. Quality is better than expected and the shape is really pleasant. It's fatter than it looks, but in a good way. very comfortable to cast.


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Post 07 Nov 2022, 19:27 • #9 
Master Guide
Joined: 12/19/07
Posts: 393
Location: US-MI
Finally got this finished up. I’m pretty happy with it.
I even had an old Cabelas stowaway 7 rod tube that it just fits in.




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Post 07 Nov 2022, 19:42 • #10 
Sport
Joined: 10/27/21
Posts: 88
Location: Georgia
that looks great! It'll make someone a fine rod.


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Post 08 Nov 2022, 21:16 • #11 
Guide
Joined: 03/02/14
Posts: 144
Location: US-peripatetic
Awesome-thanks for the info on those blanks & your thoughts on how it casts/fishes.


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Post 09 Nov 2022, 12:09 • #12 
Guide
Joined: 06/15/20
Posts: 260
Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA.
I've built several of these blanks... usually as a low-cost investment to get some more practice. All-in-all, I've found them to be very serviceable blanks. However, I too find that they need a heavier line, usually about one line-weight over.


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