Team Eradication 2011: Brothers In Arms
Not making many rods at the moment, but I am having fun during the summer heat!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
... In the works!
At the moment there are several rods builds coming up.
There will be another CTS 11' 0' float rod, a St. Croix 10' 6" float rod, two 7' broomsticks for Musky, and another 13' 6" CTS float rod. The order has been placed for the components so it's just a matter of time before the dust flies!
Until next time... tight lines!
There will be another CTS 11' 0' float rod, a St. Croix 10' 6" float rod, two 7' broomsticks for Musky, and another 13' 6" CTS float rod. The order has been placed for the components so it's just a matter of time before the dust flies!
Until next time... tight lines!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The blank I chose to use was a CTS blank, from New Zealand. These blanks haven't become popular in the US yet, but their time is coming!I have fished with this model prior to building this one. I was very, VERY impressed with what I saw. It is by far the best rod for me, and my style of fishing. It's not for everyone though!
Components:
Blank:
CTS - FF1104-211' 0" 2pc.
Physical weight - 2.54 ounces (72.0 grams)
Retail cost $168Custom colors are available at an additional charge; per CTS.
Guides:
Flexilite’s - Ti Chrome.
Total Weight - 5.8 grams.
Handle:
Natural cork, Laguna Cork, and Burnt Cork.
Reel seat insert is natural cork.
Total weight of handle - 3.05 ounces (86.7 grams)
The weight of the finished rod is 6.34 ounces!
Short of removing the reel seat hardware and switching over to a Tennessee-style handle (sliding rings)... this is about as light as as it gets. I have not fished with this particular rod yet, but I have been outside playing with it a bit. This is my first time using the Flexilite’s and I wanted to get a "feel" for them. So far, they feel the same as Fuji's guides that I have used on previous builds.
Soon, I will be starting on another CTS build, but this time it will be on a 13' 6" 3pc model (FF1363-3). I have not had the opportunity to play with one yet, but the feedback and personal opinions of friends and cohorts - I have very confident that it will mirror the performance of its little brother.
Here's a little something to look at:
Tight Lines!
Brian
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Future Projects
In the next couple of weeks I will be starting on at least two (2) float rod builds.
These builds will be on CTS blanks from New Zealand: http://www.ctsfishing.com/
CTS blanks are not very popular in the United States yet, but that could be due to the fact that there is only one (1) US distributor, so exposure is at a minimum.
My take on the CTS blanks:
I have only fished with one of their float rods; the FF-1104-2. This blank is is designed for float fishing (Steelhead in the winter). It is an 11' 0" 6-10# 2 piece and it retails for $168.00 in the US.
It is by far the nicest float rod I have ever touched... period!
The blank has characteristics unlike any rod I have ever touched/seen/fished. They have a feeling all there own. Anyone who has fished with one, including myself says that the rod morphesizes while fishing. It sounds stupid to think that an inanimate object could change the way it does... but I am of sound mind and body, and I'm tellin' ya it does!
When the rod is static, or at rest it feels very stiff and has little movement at all if the tip of the rod is shaken. When casting a small float the tip remains "stiff" and doesn't show any change, but once you hook in to a fish the rod does it's magic and changes. With the pressure of the fish on the line the rod softens up and becomes more limber. It's the craziest thing I've ever seen in a fishing rod, and I have fished with hundreds of rods in my 30+ years of angling.
In the future I will be building myself an FF1104-2 and an FF1363-3. The 1363 is a 13' 6" three piece blank. I plan to build one of each for myself so that I can better educate myself with the offerings that are available to my customers. I plan to use natural cork and Flexilite guides to keep weight to a minimum; a 13' 6" rod can become over weighted rather quickly when you start adding up all the weight from materials).
That's what's going on in the shop... updates to follow.
These builds will be on CTS blanks from New Zealand: http://www.ctsfishing.com/
CTS blanks are not very popular in the United States yet, but that could be due to the fact that there is only one (1) US distributor, so exposure is at a minimum.
My take on the CTS blanks:
I have only fished with one of their float rods; the FF-1104-2. This blank is is designed for float fishing (Steelhead in the winter). It is an 11' 0" 6-10# 2 piece and it retails for $168.00 in the US.
It is by far the nicest float rod I have ever touched... period!
The blank has characteristics unlike any rod I have ever touched/seen/fished. They have a feeling all there own. Anyone who has fished with one, including myself says that the rod morphesizes while fishing. It sounds stupid to think that an inanimate object could change the way it does... but I am of sound mind and body, and I'm tellin' ya it does!
When the rod is static, or at rest it feels very stiff and has little movement at all if the tip of the rod is shaken. When casting a small float the tip remains "stiff" and doesn't show any change, but once you hook in to a fish the rod does it's magic and changes. With the pressure of the fish on the line the rod softens up and becomes more limber. It's the craziest thing I've ever seen in a fishing rod, and I have fished with hundreds of rods in my 30+ years of angling.
In the future I will be building myself an FF1104-2 and an FF1363-3. The 1363 is a 13' 6" three piece blank. I plan to build one of each for myself so that I can better educate myself with the offerings that are available to my customers. I plan to use natural cork and Flexilite guides to keep weight to a minimum; a 13' 6" rod can become over weighted rather quickly when you start adding up all the weight from materials).
That's what's going on in the shop... updates to follow.
Project - Ditch Stick
I built project Ditch Stick for myself because most of my float rods are between 11 feet and 13 feet long. The longer length makes these rods less desirable to fish with on smaller creeks and area's with overhanging trees and other obstacles are abundant.
The Ditch Stick was built on a 9ft 8wt. 4 piece blank. I decided to go with a beefier (8wt.) blank so that I could control the fish better in area's that have submerged timber and other obstructions. Normally a fly fisherman would opt for a 6 or 7 weight rod for Steelhead fishing. This rods has more nuts than I'll ever need on my smaller creeks. I have the power!
Here are a few pictures of my lil stick:
(The reel in these pictures is a Torrent from http://www.painefallscetnerpin.com)
The Ditch Stick was built on a 9ft 8wt. 4 piece blank. I decided to go with a beefier (8wt.) blank so that I could control the fish better in area's that have submerged timber and other obstructions. Normally a fly fisherman would opt for a 6 or 7 weight rod for Steelhead fishing. This rods has more nuts than I'll ever need on my smaller creeks. I have the power!
- The guides that were used for this build were Fuji Alconites in standard "float rod" sizes.
- The handle is custom made from individual cork rings (Natural burl and Burnt cork).
- The reel seat is also made from cork - warmer in the winter months!
- The reel seat hardware is an RA8L2 from Batson Enterprises.
Here are a few pictures of my lil stick:
(The reel in these pictures is a Torrent from http://www.painefallscetnerpin.com)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Project: Steelhead Seeker
Project Steelhead Seeker has been completed and delivered.
This build was on a St. Croix Wild River blank (2s116LM2).
The guides used were Fuji TYSG's which have Titanium frames and Silicon Carbide (SiC) inserts. These are the finest guides on the market in my opinion. They are extremely light, very corrosive resistant, and the SiC inserts are the best of the best - there is nothing better, period!
Here are a few pictures of the Steelhead Seeker with its new owner, Todd Smith.
(Click images to enlarge and/or open in a new window)
This is what Todd had to say about his new rod and the custom experience:
This build was on a St. Croix Wild River blank (2s116LM2).
The guides used were Fuji TYSG's which have Titanium frames and Silicon Carbide (SiC) inserts. These are the finest guides on the market in my opinion. They are extremely light, very corrosive resistant, and the SiC inserts are the best of the best - there is nothing better, period!
Here are a few pictures of the Steelhead Seeker with its new owner, Todd Smith.
(Click images to enlarge and/or open in a new window)
This is what Todd had to say about his new rod and the custom experience:
"Brian,
I wanted to let you know how happy I am about the custom St. Croix rod you crafted for me. The planning stages were fun and very educational. I learned a lot about the process of a custom build. Your knowledge and professionalism is tremendous. The entire process wasn’t rushed and the results were more than I expected. From the blank selection, guide selection, cork, handle design, weight considerations and all facets of the build went very well. I know I will be stopped many, many times and asked about the rod and I will proudly tell the tale of the “Steelhead Seeker” by “Way Wicked Rods”. I have caught a Pike and some smallmouth bass on the rod and cannot wait to start landing the “infamous” steelhead. I look forward to the next build with Christmas like anticipation. Thanks for a great experience and a one of a kind “Steelhead Seeker”".
Sincerely,
Todd Smith
I wanted to let you know how happy I am about the custom St. Croix rod you crafted for me. The planning stages were fun and very educational. I learned a lot about the process of a custom build. Your knowledge and professionalism is tremendous. The entire process wasn’t rushed and the results were more than I expected. From the blank selection, guide selection, cork, handle design, weight considerations and all facets of the build went very well. I know I will be stopped many, many times and asked about the rod and I will proudly tell the tale of the “Steelhead Seeker” by “Way Wicked Rods”. I have caught a Pike and some smallmouth bass on the rod and cannot wait to start landing the “infamous” steelhead. I look forward to the next build with Christmas like anticipation. Thanks for a great experience and a one of a kind “Steelhead Seeker”".
Sincerely,
Todd Smith
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Customer Testimonials...
Here are a few recent testimonials that I received from customers.
The proof is in the pudding, so to speak:
Donna Godfrey: Belle Vernon, PA.
“The rod I received from Brian at Way Wicked Rods was a complete surprise. I knew that Brian was building a commemorative rod for my Husband Jeff, but I had no idea that I too was getting one. The rod is absolutely beautiful, and is extremely comfortable. I could not ask for anything more!”
Jeff Godfrey: Belle Vernon, PA.
“While I was in Afghanistan on active duty for the U.S Air Force, Brian built a commemorative rod for me. Brian gave me the rod when my wife and I went to Ohio for a visit and to fish with Brian. I was flabbergasted when I was handed the rod. I had no idea whatsoever that I was getting a rod, and the rod I was given was absolutely gorgeous! Brian used military decals and custom labels to make the rod unique. It is truly one-of-a-kind and I will cherish it for life!”
Fred Brown: Grand Blanc, MI
"I have had three custom rods built. My latest was a Rainshadow XST1562-3 float rod built by Way Wicked Rods. The first two were obviously by another builder and there is no comparison between the experiences. Brian and I literally spent hours discussing options for every component (reel seats, guides, wraps, cork, etc.) for the rod. His product knowledge of rod building components is outstanding and his suggestions usually caused me to ask many more questions, all of which he answered. The time spent up front was well worth the effort. We nailed down every detail and then he went to work.
"Building went much faster than planning and the results are superb. When I'm out fishing with it, it's a given that passersby ask about the "unique" rod. I proudly tell them it's a custom build by Way Wicked Rods. I'll proudly use this rod for years to come!!"
I have to be honest; it feels great to have things like this said about something that I built with my own two hands.
It is also a great feeling to know that someone is on the water fishing with rods that I made from them, and that they (my rods) are bringing enjoyment and creating memories to someone else!
Fish on!
Brian
The proof is in the pudding, so to speak:
Donna Godfrey: Belle Vernon, PA.
“The rod I received from Brian at Way Wicked Rods was a complete surprise. I knew that Brian was building a commemorative rod for my Husband Jeff, but I had no idea that I too was getting one. The rod is absolutely beautiful, and is extremely comfortable. I could not ask for anything more!”
Jeff Godfrey: Belle Vernon, PA.
“While I was in Afghanistan on active duty for the U.S Air Force, Brian built a commemorative rod for me. Brian gave me the rod when my wife and I went to Ohio for a visit and to fish with Brian. I was flabbergasted when I was handed the rod. I had no idea whatsoever that I was getting a rod, and the rod I was given was absolutely gorgeous! Brian used military decals and custom labels to make the rod unique. It is truly one-of-a-kind and I will cherish it for life!”
Fred Brown: Grand Blanc, MI
"I have had three custom rods built. My latest was a Rainshadow XST1562-3 float rod built by Way Wicked Rods. The first two were obviously by another builder and there is no comparison between the experiences. Brian and I literally spent hours discussing options for every component (reel seats, guides, wraps, cork, etc.) for the rod. His product knowledge of rod building components is outstanding and his suggestions usually caused me to ask many more questions, all of which he answered. The time spent up front was well worth the effort. We nailed down every detail and then he went to work.
"Building went much faster than planning and the results are superb. When I'm out fishing with it, it's a given that passersby ask about the "unique" rod. I proudly tell them it's a custom build by Way Wicked Rods. I'll proudly use this rod for years to come!!"
I have to be honest; it feels great to have things like this said about something that I built with my own two hands.
It is also a great feeling to know that someone is on the water fishing with rods that I made from them, and that they (my rods) are bringing enjoyment and creating memories to someone else!
Fish on!
Brian
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)