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McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 13 Nov 2022, 21:30 • #1 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Finished my second build this weekend, a McFarland GTX 8’6” 8wt. Intended use: freshwater stripers, redfish, and bonefish. The wraps are an interesting color - they look gray in low light, but in brighter light they turn a subtle shade of green.

Specs:
Pac Bay A8L reel seat
Alps XN titanium stripping guide (size 16)
Snake ECOating guides
Kimono silk thread (sensei color)
Threadmaster epoxy









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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 13 Nov 2022, 22:09 • #2 
Guide
Joined: 04/18/20
Posts: 169
Location: Far Western 'burbs of Chicago
Really nice! Truly a classy looking build.

Let us know how it casts and fishes when you can.


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 13 Nov 2022, 22:23 • #3 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Thanks! I’ll be sure to post a report when I get it on the water. If it’s anything like the 7wt GTX, I think I’ll enjoy it. My initial impression based on the wiggle test is the 8wt feels like a significant step up in power from the 7wt GTX.


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 13 Nov 2022, 23:09 • #4 
Master Guide
Joined: 11/11/13
Posts: 774
Location: US-CA
Seth, very nice work on your build. I like the thread color you have really taken to rod building. Your work is top notch well done!!!


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 14 Nov 2022, 00:04 • #5 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Thanks, Lanny! Your rod building advice has flattened the learning curve for me as I get started with my first few builds.


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 14 Nov 2022, 01:51 • #6 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 12/31/15
Posts: 1238
Location: Northern Rockies
Great build! I really like the thread choice. I’m enjoying my 6wt. GTX and trying to consider (or not) another. Your great work continues to tempt me. I’m looking forward to some fishing reports.


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 14 Nov 2022, 07:41 • #7 
Guide
Joined: 07/22/20
Posts: 175
Location: Ancient City, Florida
Very nice build


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 14 Nov 2022, 11:53 • #8 
Guide
Joined: 11/23/17
Posts: 314
Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Hello Seth, glad to see your GTX blank made it to Georgia safely.

Jeff


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 14 Nov 2022, 12:01 • #9 
Sport
Joined: 10/27/21
Posts: 88
Location: Georgia
Looks like it will be at home in the marsh. Enjoy.


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 14 Nov 2022, 13:34 • #10 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/12/16
Posts: 4093
Location: USA-CO
Beautiful build! Color and part selections are well made and your workmanship is excellent. Enjoy!


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 14 Nov 2022, 16:08 • #11 
Master Guide
Joined: 09/26/10
Posts: 547
Location: Montana
Nice looking rod!


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 14 Nov 2022, 16:26 • #12 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Thanks for the compliments! Can’t wait to get the first fish on the GTX 8wt, but if I’m being honest, I’m already planning my next build. I did not expect to enjoy rod building this much.

PENZZZ wrote:
Hello Seth, glad to see your GTX blank made it to Georgia safely.

Jeff


Jeff, thanks for getting the blank to me quickly after the mix up. I hope the brown blank made it to you safely. I added the wood trim piece to your shipment as a precaution after I saw the rough condition of the USPS box.


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 14 Nov 2022, 16:47 • #13 
Guide
Joined: 11/23/17
Posts: 314
Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Thank you for doing that Seth, I’d assumed Mike packed it that way. The blank was a custom order, and based on the condition of the box, I’m sure you saved the blank.


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 16 Nov 2022, 20:46 • #14 
Guide
Joined: 02/07/12
Posts: 197
Location: US-NM
Very nice build!


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 16 Nov 2022, 22:13 • #15 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 12/31/15
Posts: 1238
Location: Northern Rockies
El Duderino wrote:
Can’t wait to get the first fish on the GTX 8wt, but if I’m being honest, I’m already planning my next build.

This is what I love about rod building, and what drives me crazy about it at the same time. I am so excited to get every new rod on the water, but since I don't have an excess of leisure time, I'm already half-thinking about the next build before I can fish what I just finished.

Seriously, though—I really am looking forward to your report about how it handles on the water. I like fishing vicariously through everyone here, and my experiences with the 6-weight GTX have me thinking about another rod from this line-up, especially in the heavier line-weights.


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 12 Jan 2023, 18:02 • #16 
Master Guide
Joined: 09/28/13
Posts: 467
Location: Boston MA
I thought I already commented on this build but maybe never hit submit? That is a nice build. I really like the wrap color. Curious what like you like casting with it. I have a 6wt GTX that comfortably handles a large variety of lines but normally throws a Orvis 6wt Int (6.5-6.75wt line) or an Orvis 6wt Bass taper (also a 6+ wt line).


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 12 Jan 2023, 22:17 • #17 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Mass, I agree the GTX taper excels with a heavy line designed for fast graphite rods like the Orvis lines you mentioned. I’ve only fished the rod once so far and got skunked, so I haven’t posted a proper fishing report yet.

I used an overweight Rio Outbound Short 8 intermediate, and it was a great match. I was blown away by how much line I could shoot with little effort and only 2-3 backcasts, which is exactly what I was looking for in a lake/marsh/flats rod that needs to handle some headwinds.

Glacier, I’ll be the devil on your shoulder and say it’s a safe bet that you won’t regret building a heavier GTX to pair with your 6wt. Wish I could let you cast the 7 and 8wt side by side. Let me know I can help with any questions.


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Re: McFarland GTX 8wt
Post 13 Jan 2023, 08:22 • #18 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 12/31/15
Posts: 1238
Location: Northern Rockies
Thanks. It is certainly on the list. I have a number of projects on my bench, so I need to clear those out first. But I’m excited to hear more about what you think of the rod’s performance. I can always find room to build one more rod.


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