This light jigging rod built from CRB blank 14-18lb. A very forgiving blank with mod-fast action which I think it suits for light jigging.
Started this a few months back but it was shelved due to short of guides. Just completed lately after a long wait for the Fuji K-guides.
Fuji VSS reel seat with carbon tube at KDPS section.
EVA butt with deco trim butt cap. Modified Fuji graphite winding check for the split butt.
Pre fitting to the blank.
The rod looks kind of plain and I just have to add abit of weaving to it.
I seldom do weaving but this time is exceptional.
After a few coating of epoxy.
Guides wrapped and epoxy
Finally done..
This built is from a 6' 2-6lb MHX blank with Fuji KR guide concept and MATAGI components.
VSS reel seat with full cork fittings.
Fuji KR Guides
Cork fore grip with aluminum winding check.
Pre test fitting...
Thread colour scheme following the decal
Starting on micro guides...
Done with the guide wrapping
Epoxy done...
Cork sealant to handle
MATAGI...
The overall view of this rod
In recent years, I have done a couple of rattan grips for fly rods. This may not be something new to some of you but I just thought of sharing some photos of its' processes.
These are the main ingredient of the "Rattan grip"
Cork rings and rattan strips preferably 3 to 4mm width.
If the strips are too wide, the rattan grip will have fewer wrapping and does not have "enough meat" to show..
The cork rings are then glues, packed and let dry as least 24 hours.
Measuring the outer diameter required for the fly grip.
Then, the cork grip was lathed. Alternatively, you can just use a pre-form or buy those ready made cork grip off the shelf.
Then the rattan strips was wrapped over the cork handle. The rattan strip was glued using a small quantity of Titebond waterproof glue.
If you look carefully, you will be able to noticed that there are shadow lines between the strips.
These lines are created by running a darker colour thread along the groove between 2 rattan strips.
Before you do the threading exercise, make sure the excessive glue and other loose rattan fibers are removed.
Later 2 coating of Spar Urethane are applied on the rattan wrapping.
Pre fittng to the blank before epoxying.
You can find tutorials on this in the internet, but here is the link I referred to when I first tried rattan wrapping.
My other work on rattan grip > Lamiglas
I would normally put up all the photos when I have completed the rod... but I just could resist putting up this.... :)
Seems like ultralight tackle is in.. and everybody have to own at least one UL rod.
Here's another UL built from Matagi TR60 Super Trout blank. This local area fishing blank is a 6'0" 2 piece, 2-6lb rated and made of carbon fiber.
Custom design cork grip.
Shaped
Matagi Andrew's flat face trigger reel seat with black wood insert.
Test fitting. Found out that the transparent resin butt cap does not match the concept of the handle. It have to go....
Thought of doing the wrapping in dark brown, afraid the rod will look too earthy.. and it goes back to more conventional color... BLACK
So, black it is.. with a single silver thread trimming
Matagi Rod decal..
Cork Seal for protective coating..
Micro guides..
The smallest guide used is only #4.5
The butt cap finally arrived...
Darker color butt cap to match the handle.
Building another MATAGI fiberglass XUL blank. 6' 2-4lb noodle action with lots of fun hooking up palm size fish.
No cork component this time round. Just simple skeleton reel seat and a EVA butt piece. I used an aluminium insert for the reel seat.
Fuji K-guides KR concept.
MATAGI butt cap
MATAGI Rod decal.
Metallic white thread wrapping to K-guide with silver trimming.
Another angle of the guides .
The full handle view.
Simple, white and clean...
I wonder how it looks with black frame guides... :)
