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Post by Ditchrat on Feb 23, 2008 1:06:07 GMT -1
I know this isnt exactly a seatrout topic, but since it is a migratory brown trout tool I guess its going to have to be close enough. Some where around may out 2007 I approach a spey rod manufacture about making a float rod for steelhead. Well it seems that they already had that idea in mind and I happened to ask the right question at the right time. Several months later and some phone calls talking about float fishing a prototype float rod in 5 pc showed up. After almost 9 months of testing a second prototype was ready. This time it came as a blank. Seeing that I am a builder tying up a float rod to my specs was a nice thing to be able to do. This time it was in a 4pc configuration. My package with the blank arrived on tuesday, I just placed a coat of epoxy on the bottom two sections. Anyway the project isnt a secret or anything but it is slightly hushed. And I wanted to share the result with someone. So I figure of the boards I post at this board seems to use the most discretion when it comes to fishing. So here is my new toy matched up with my Bob James. All that is left is some final weight adjustments to balance it out and put the butt cap on.
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Post by Paul Dunstan on Feb 23, 2008 7:01:30 GMT -1
Some very neat work there Ditchrat, neat thread work and a very exotic grip! I build quite a few rods myself and more often than not get my blanks and other supplies from the US - rod building is not pursued with the same interest and enthusiasm in the UK or the rest of Europe for that matter. I've always found the use of wood/ plastic/ burl cork inserts on US custom rods interesting as I doubt it would have any appeal in the European market where a ring of burl cork at the top and or bottom of a cork grip with a couple of contrasting thread wrap bands on the butt ring would be considered 'fancy'! I'd be interested to hear other peoples views on 'rod cosmetics' and to give an idea of the sort of thing I mean, I've put a link to the R B Meiser site - scroll down and have a look at the handles and the inlaid feather work. www.meiserflyrods.com/components.htmlWhat do you think - beautiful example of the rod builder's 'art'? - or 'Tart's Handbag' you wouldn't want your mates to see you on the bank with? Fancy this on your rod butt? www.rodbuildingforum.com/index.php?act=galleryviewlarge&showid=6069
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Post by tuniwes on Feb 23, 2008 9:33:27 GMT -1
"Tarts handbag", like fishing with a pool que ;D
Although I can appreciate the finishing skill involved
Ian
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Post by dai on Feb 23, 2008 9:57:57 GMT -1
As Ian said, very tarty, but very good workmanship. And those rods on links Paul, i do think the hackle and jungle cock is nice looking. Dai..
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Post by sewinfly on Feb 23, 2008 17:15:22 GMT -1
Ditchrat nice BJ centrepin, I use a Bill Swallow for worming with a 1,25 Ib 11ft avon rod for mullet & salmon fishing on the Ogmore. sewinfly
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Post by Simon, SJF or Otter Startler on Feb 28, 2008 21:56:30 GMT -1
I'm sorry, I think the handle is horrific, and shiny wood makes an awful grip with wet hands.
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Post by wlogan on Feb 28, 2008 22:12:52 GMT -1
Seeing that I am a builder tying up a float rod to my specs was a nice thing to be able to do.
Ditchrat, great build project, and an ideal float rod for the purpose that it was made. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Post by Ditchrat on Feb 29, 2008 2:44:23 GMT -1
I'm sorry, I think the handle is horrific, and shiny wood makes an awful grip with wet hands. Wow that was terribly rude. I love it! Nothing like a person who speaks their mind. Dont forget I am a brash american, a sailor at one point to. So I could mix words, but I won't However it is always good to know what your talking about before you open it What you fail to understand is at no point in a days fishing will my hands ever actually touch the wood. Here is a picture of how we generally hold our pins, maybe that will lead some understanding of design. Never mind the little rod
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Post by plotter on Feb 29, 2008 7:13:25 GMT -1
i think its lovely mate...i would even go so far as to say very classy. hope you have some good fun with it.. ;D
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Post by Simon, SJF or Otter Startler on Feb 29, 2008 7:59:00 GMT -1
I'm sorry, I think the handle is horrific, and shiny wood makes an awful grip with wet hands. Wow that was terribly rude. I love it! Nothing like a person who speaks their mind. Dont forget I am a brash american, a sailor at one point to. So I could mix words, but I won't However it is always good to know what your talking about before you open it What you fail to understand is at no point in a days fishing will my hands ever actually touch the wood. Here is a picture of how we generally hold our pins, maybe that will lead some understanding of design. Never mind the little rod Ah! A Colonial, well we have to make some allowances, another 1300 years and you may reach our cultural heights. Which as a hairy arsed salior ( on board at present, ) for me are quite low!
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Post by swimswim on Feb 29, 2008 9:08:05 GMT -1
Great looking rod mate nice workmanship
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Post by Hoppy on Feb 29, 2008 21:18:47 GMT -1
Regardless or not of taste - and im in favour of the rod - The craftsmanship is brilliant and a credit to you Ditchrat. Im very impressed indeed.
Hoppy
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Post by Ditchrat on Mar 1, 2008 1:13:29 GMT -1
Thanks gents.
Its very understandable that peoples taste differ. But am I to understand tardy means like a lady of the night? If so thats some funny stuff ;D
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Post by Ditchrat on Mar 1, 2008 1:17:23 GMT -1
Thanks gents. Its very understandable that peoples taste differ. I have built extremely plain rods for clients and I have built very decorated. Thats the business I am in. But am I to understand tardy means like a lady of the night? If so thats some funny stuff ;D
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Post by crockski on Mar 1, 2008 20:22:09 GMT -1
I hope i'm not being too finickity DR, but if you hold your new rod in the same grip as in picture 2, then your hand would actually be touching wood. But apart from that mate, that looks like some very tidy workmanship. How much would you sell a rod like that for??
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Post by Ditchrat on Mar 1, 2008 23:34:04 GMT -1
Hard to say. $400. to $700 depending on the blank. As for the grip, well not actually. I hold it like the image, but what it doesnt show is the palm of my hand is on the side of the and not actually the wood insert.
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