New Rods

I've started working on the rod blanks I purchased at the ICRBE so thought I'd share some pictures. The pic quality is not good - sorry. One is a Heavy Flipping Stick 7', with Fuji Alconite Concept guides. The Blue/Silver one is a Med. Hvy. 6'10" Castaway Blank, split grip with the same Fuji Alconite Concept guides. I'm now working on 7'6" Med. Hvy. Rainshadow, split-grip casting rod and of course, Fuji Alconites guides. I install all the guides on casting rods in Spiral wrap style. On a spiral wrap (often called Acid wrap) the guides start out on top like a conventional casting rod, then spiral around the blank like a spinning guide wrap. This eliminates rod-torque when fighting fish.

While at the Expo, I met Denny Kaneoka of Seeker Rods - Seeker builds mostly high end S-Glass rods for salt-water but makes about 3-fresh water cranking rods - in fact, KVD won the 2010 Classic using the Seeker Blank - long story short, he is sending me two (one for me, one for Isaac) of those same rod blanks. He gave Isaac and me cool caps too. Turns out he has kids in Franklin, TN and travels here from Southern California 4-times a year - so I offered to take him fishing next time he's here. Free is Sweet!

ICRBE - High Point, NC

My Grandson, Isaac and I just returned from the International Custom Rod Building Exposition in High Point, NC. Several Thousand fishing rod builders were there from all over the world either giving seminars or selling their wares. We bought about 7-blanks and all the fixin's to finish them. Even though it was a 7.5 hour drive each way, it was worth it to see all the rod building equipment and Icons of the trade in one place. A great time.

Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 FCF

Went fishing today at Fall Creek Falls State Park - rented a jon boat, hooked up my trolling motor and went straight to the Rocks on the Dam - 3-casts later, I hooked this 6 lb 12oz large mouth. At least that's what my 15-year old scales say but I think it was closer to 8 -I'll check my scale with a 2-pound weight later today to see how close it really is. Either way, it's the only one I caught today. Water temperature was 41 - 43 degrees, wind out of the North at 5mpg, ambient temperature 59-degrees. Using at 3/4 oz. Black & Blue Football head jig made by Stan Sloan Zorro Bait. No one was around to take a picture so I had to do it with one hand on my cell phone camera. Wish I could have gotten more of the fish.

I inherited a fishing dog! His name is McBeal - I think I'll call him Mac. He's a paper carrying certified Yorkshire Terrier. He thinks he's 10-ft tall and bullet-proof but he's actually pocket sized and weighs 4-pounds! Cute guy and we're hitting it off very well.

Christmas wrapping

All my children and grand children came for lunch and gift exchange on the Sunday after Christmas. We had a wonderful time with great food and fellowship. Isaac stayed overnight on Sunday and Monday so he was able to assemble and start working with his new rod wrapper and accessories. He has caught on very quickly! He will be going with me to the International Custom Rod Building Expo February 25-27 in High Point, NC, and will learn a great deal there. I'm happy he is showing an interest in something I've enjoyed for many years! Happy New Year everyone!

Isaac's First Deer

My Grandson shot his first deer yesterday (12-19-2010) - from 185-yards! From a small child he's always been my main fishing buddy and enjoyed everything "outdoors." My son took him hunting yesterday out by Shelbyville. Congrats Bud - you da man!

The weather hasn't been cooperative for fishing but I have managed to tackle tinker and add some new reels to my stash! I got 2-each Citica and 2-each Symetre at my local hardware store. He added fishing supplies about a year ago and only buys what us locals like - makes it real handy. He also gave me a deal to match the lowest internet price I could find. In the near future, I'll also be changing all my mono to Silver Thread Copolymer and also my flourocarbon to Silver Thread. I used Silver Thread for years then drank the "try others" Kool aid and have now come to my senses - back to Silver Thread for me! I have 4-more older Quantum bait casters to replace with new reels but hoping to find some good deals after Christmas. Hopefully I'll have a nice commission check as November and December have seen increased sales...finally!

I do hope you and yours have a wonderful and blessed Christmas Season and a faithful, prosperous New Year!