Saturday, June 27, 2009

Baitcasters In Da' House or Breaking Rank Part Duece

I've been doing some experimentation with baitcasting rods and it has worked out very well so far. I purchased an old fishing boat this past winter and it has allowed me to target some additional species. I built this musky rod on a 8-6 Lamiglas blank featuring a carbon fiber grip (of course) and spiral wrapped with #5 guides. Its a great rod to use for bucktails but a bit light for throwing the bull dawg shown in the photo.


The next one is a bass type rod built on a 7-6 Rogue blank. Also spiral wrapped with a matte carbon handle and again spiral wrapped this time with #3 guides. I really see no reason not to spiral wrap baitcasting rods. All rods in the future, including this one, with #4 or smaller guides will feature a single foot guide wrapped as a tip top. This has proven to be far more durable that the available micro tip tops. The micro tip tops are not braced and will need to be braced before I would consider using them on a rod.

This rod also features a full grip instead of the now common split grip. Why? When using carbon this grip still weighs less than a split cork grip. Also when tucked under the arm or pinched against the ribs the carbon really transmits the vibration from the blank, almost amplifying them. It really must be fished to be believed. Either a full or split grip is available, your choice.