I'm new here - post #1 I think unless I managed to associate an old account I don't remember. In the process of doing some research I kept bumping into this place, the rod building section seems reasonably active, so figured I'd just join and ask a question. I've got a pair of Rainshadow 8480's, which are a new for '24 80-Unlimited blank that's 7 feet with a #18 tip, 1.1-something at the base (made for a #6 ferrule), are a little narrower at the tip but feel overall a little heavier than... Static load testing an 80-Unlimited blank ..read more

Hi ALL, I have been reading different post on different forums about this and of course I am getting mix answers. Double wrapping guide. So I “assumed” double wrap means one wrap and then epoxy. Guide go on top of 1st wrap after dry and wrap guide on it, epoxy again? so the purpose of doing that is to prevent the guide foot to crush into the blank when rod is loaded (parabolic bend)? have any member/s have the guide foot breaking the rod in this situation when using “single wrap ..read more

I’ll soon be starting some more tuna jigging rods on Thrasher TRJ 6’ 200-325 blanks. I’d like these to be able to use as a dead stick rod or light duty trolling. Would cork be a good choice for the butt material ..read more

Hi, I just got back from Oman and the lovely US TSA decided to rip my rod tube apart both going and coming. On the return leg they managed to destroy the bottom most guide on my Howk Big Blue PE10. I was hoping to sell the rod, but now I'll need to have it repaired first. TSA claims are a f'n joke. Does anyone on here offer rod repair services? I don't know what else to do ..read more

Hello all, I am looking to build a jigging rod for working 350-400g jigs but I plan to fly with it mostly. Does anyone know of any 2-pc blanks that I could build up? I know of the BH cape cod 2-pc that was recently released but that's all I've seen. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated ..read more

I’m going to build my first rod and it will be a conventional rod for yo-yo/ speed jigging rec size bluefin off New England. I’m thinking the blank will be a thrasher SPJ 6’8” 100-200 or a TRJ 6’0 100-250. A couple of questions, which of these rods might be more capable for fish 30 to 140 lbs and how long should I make the grips, butt and fore? I’ll probably be fishing jigs in the 100-250 gram range in 100-250 feet. these may be dumb questions but I’m new to both rod building and jigging tuna ..read more

Aloha, That Shimano rod seems to be the go to here in Hawaii for Kayakers targeting Mahi, Wahoo, smaller Yellowfin, Skipjack, etc with live bait. I'm wondering what blanks might be considered if I wanted to build something myself. I'll likely pair them with Avet MXL Raptors with 65# Sufix 832. That rod is 5'8", XXH, fast, 350g, 100# braid. For whatever it's worth, I'll be running them out of a 13'7" rib. Some live bait, some trolling, some jigging, some bottom fishing. A little bit of... Blank suggestions to consider, same realm as Trevala TVXFC58XXH ..read more

Hi guys, I have an old Lamiglas 527 rod that I love, but it needs a rebuild. I have stripped all the guides and thread off (what a p.i.t.a.), but I have the old epoxy on the rod that remains. What is the best way to get this old epoxy off? Sanding? Wet-sand? Popsickle stick? Obviously, I don't want to damage the blank... Thanks for your help. -Jon ..read more

So not exactly a slow pitch jigger but a jigging blank that bends all the way down at higher drag levels I'm simply looking for tips to minimize it breaking off right before the reel seat, which can be an issue with more flexible blanks I know aluminum reel seats are a no no because of the lack of flex And in the past Ive broken up the epoxy under the reel seat with lots of tape "arbors" to allow the blank to still flex a bit What other tips and tricks can I use to reduce risk of break off ..read more

Curious what everyone here is using on their popping /jigging rods I know there's been debates on Fuji kws but that's what I've been using on my spinning setups for popping/jigging without any issues so far Just trying to build a conventional spiral wrapped jigger and looking into guides Anyone use the Fuji hbs? Had a friend recommend the Alps heavy hxn which seems to be nearly identical Neve rusted alps before though ..read more