Another ROD for the pistol grip

Here is another rod for the pistol grip handle.

A St Croix SC3 extra fast rated at 4-10lb. The blank was shorten to make the overall length of 6'3" for this complete setup.

The aluminum ferrule is custom made to fit the blank.

Test fitting the blank to the handle.

The ferrule part was kinda plain so I decide to put a short length of weaving to it. Just plain silver and black thread weaving to create a slight bling at the joint right after the decal.

After several coating of epoxy and you will be able to see the effect of the silver thread.

The rod was fitted with Fuji Alconite micro guides.

The wrapping was coated with a thin layer of epoxy to minimize the overall weight of the rod.

Here are the extra sets of aluminium ferrules for another rod to be pimped.

This is one of the rods which is on the dryer.

BUTTING your fly rod

Here's a little project which I have done yesterday.

Not all fly rod comes with a fighting butt. Some 6wt fly rod has them and some don't.

This time I am adding a fighting butt to a Redington 6wt fly rod.

First I clear the soil on the cork using sand paper. 

I was supposed to remove the butt cap only but it just wouldn't want to come out. So, the whole thing have to come out.

A hole was made on the butt cap for blank insertion to fix the fighting butt.

The fighting butt was then glued to the blank which is protruding from the butt cap.

 

The final steps is to insert the threaded shaft and nut back onto the reel seat.

And there you have it. How to DIY a fighting butt to your fly rod.

CUSTOM Slow Pitch Jigging rod MATAGISH style

This project was planned right after visiting the Angling & Outdoor Recreation Fair early May this year after seeing some nice jigging rods which was on display.

Buying one was an option... but nay... why buy when I can build one.. LOL..

The search for the blanks begun..
I found a cross wrapped saltwater blank which is just nice for a jigging rod.

Load action testing to the blank with a 230g jig.

Then it comes the fun part. Selection of rod components. 

This time around I will be using quality products from MATAGI.

and the reel seat setting.

I have selected Fuji SiC LC and LD guide series for this rod. Low rider for the lower section and heavy duty micro guide for the tip section. However I found out that the last guide was a bit too low and I have to change it to a medium height LC.

Under wrapping to the guide foot area only and not through the whole guide foot. I was trying the bling bling low for this rod and it the same time raised the guides slightly.

Complete wrapping to micro guides.

Guides layout.

The fighting butt

First coating of epoxy

Final epoxy finishes to decal  and guides

Here are the photos of the completed rod

The EPICabulous BANDIT

This is a fly rod kit from Swift fly fishing company NZ.

EPIC  Bandit

Recommended line weight: #10
Length: 7' 9"
Pieces: 3
Action: Progressive / Fast
Taper: Fast
Butt Diameter: 12.85mm
Tip Diameter: 2.29mm
Blank Weight: 74 gm - 2.61oz 

All components that you need to build this rod are in the package ready for installation 

Anyone can build this rod. They even provide step by step rod building instruction which is easy for follow, except that the guide spacing you have to get it online in their website.

Full wells cork grip with black aluminum EPIC reel seat and the fighting butt with rubberized cork for durability.

SiC stripping guides from ALPS. This photo is taken after the first epoxy coating.

Photos of the completed rod.

Completing the ROD

Weaving the rod (decoration) is one thing, completing it , is another thing...

Upon completing the weaving, then the reel seat comes in.

After a few layers of epoxy coating... I do not want to elaborate on the epoxy and sanding process. 

Then the guides.

I am trying a new brand of guides for this rod. Nice and cheap guides from China with SiC rings for a fraction of the price of Fuji guides.  I guess no harm trying it on ultralight rod.

Dark brown wrapping with light brown trim complimenting the colors of the rod weaving.

After epoxy.

Done, KR concept guide ultralight spinning rod.