So I finally finished it tonight. My first rod build.
What a pain!
I have a new found respect for the amazing rod builders on this forum and the talent they have. I also can't say enough about the amount of info a newbie, hobbyist, professional or who ever can glean on this site. So slow clap to this resource because it is just that, a very valuable resource with talented individuals.
I came across one of these blanks uncut and couldn't help but try to build it out myself. I own 4 of this rods now, 2 yellow 1 pc models, 1 brown 1 pc model and a 2 Pc brown (FL72-5). The 1 pc models just cast like a dream.
This rod took me 2 months to build, a bunch of research, then some more, then oh crap moments and more search bar functions. So I appreciate everything on this site. It's very valuable.
I should have taken more pics during the building process but I didn't. I apologize. It slipped my mind as I had to do this in pieces between work, raising kids, being a husband and serving God etc....
I know my kids are glad to regain their art table back, albeit with 5000 pieces of thread on it and spar varnish.
Here are the components used:
6' 1pc 72-6 Fenwick Blank
Fiberglass stent
Spalted Maple dual ring RL Reel Seat w blued hardware(love these reel seats)
H&H English Twist Guides in Black
Pac Bay black frame low profile agate stripping guide.
Pac Bay Black tip top
Fuji Back Nylon Thread size A NOCP
Fuji Golden Rod Nylon Thread size A NOCP
Black Ring hook keeper
Black Rubber winding check
Proof fly fishing blunt nose rod grip 6.5"
Mini Wax Spar Urethane
White Gorilla Glue
JB Weld
My intention was to extend the rod a few inches for better mending. I also know that this rod isn't exactly the classy simple build many do on here. It's a yellow fly rod, it's kind of obnoxious, and I like yellow fly rods that way, but while I wanted to do something obnoxious I wanted it to be traditional yet different.
Anyways without further ado....
How do you like that make shift set up?
Yes, the art table is in a kitchen. I live in a full farm house and have two kitchens. We don't cook in this one, could you imagine if you setup a fly rod station for two months in the kitchen the wife cooks in? I couldn't.
I don't own a rod turner, I made a make shift wrapping station, used a cup and heavy Bibles with a hook for tension, the Lord provides, it isn't always pretty but it works.
Thought I'd do a butt wrap in bee pattern
I know the wraps are long. It was on purpose, kind of like older rods, like Silaflex, traditional yet different.
As it works up the blank towards the tip, the bee pattern gets smaller until a single line at the tip top
I ended up applying spar vanish as a rod finish, then a light scotch bright on the rod sections between the wraps, then used 3 thin coats of white Gorilla glue wiped on to regain the shine. This really brought the action back to the rod but allows for some UV protection.
Perhaps the best part is what my daughter made me. I bought her a Cricut for her birthday in November, she has been learning how to use it. She is a big craft fanatic. She made me a black vinyl sticker of a honey bee to put on the rod. I applied it and vanished over it.
So there it is. It was an experience and I learned a great many things. Thankfully all my mistakes were able to be fixed before they became permanent
I had it out in the lawn this evening. It balances well with a CFOlll and casts a WF5 very well.
Christmas came early.
I look forward to using it this spring Lord willing, my kids look forward to having their craft table back for now.
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I have one more build. A 6'1" 3.5wt 2pc black Fibatube I acquired. Don't worry, it's going to be all black, not nearly as obnoxious. At least for you, the kids on the other hand are losing the table again for awhile come January