1st ROD for 2016

This is a continuation from the "Weaving challenge" ..

After the 1st epoxy coating on the weaving, I test fit the reel seat and the winding check.

 

Fuji KR Concept k-guides in line.

Guide wrapping with black thread and metallic silver spiral trim.

K-Guide arrangement. Pending epoxy.

After fixing up the reel seat, the 2nd epoxy coating was applied.

Completed epoxy.

 

Fuji IPS handle. I find this handle is nicer to grip compared to VSS.

Tested this the next day after completion. 

Nice...............

Mounted with a Biomaster 2500S

Peacock bass in the boat..

Weaving Challenge

Before the year 2015 comes to an end, I would like to share the weaving project I did a couple of weeks ago.

I borrowed this image from Joe Vargo which he posted in his facebook and it was very nice. I improvised the tail slightly when I plotted it out in excel format.
Yes, in excel format not the weaving software.

Here is how is look like.

Bit by bit and square by square.


I made myself a weaving jig by using cardboard and in no time I kicked off this weaving project of mine. 

Half way through....

Almost done. I just need to finish off the thread and pack it nicely.

There at last. Next it will neeed several coat of epoxy. But it got to wait awhile.

I will show the finished coated weaving when I complete this light spinning rod project soon...

Solid GLASS Prawning ROD

I have used factory made 2 section prawning rod and most often the time, it would not last for two or three sessions before something happened it. I knew I had to built one for the prawn....

I got myself a couple the solid glass blanks from MATAGI and start a new project...  "The ROSENBERGII project"

The original action of the glass blank was quite stiff for prawning. I had to trim down the OD of the blank to make it softer especially at the tip section. The best thing of working with solid glass blank is that you can alter the bending and action to your own liking.

I used SG Graphite reel seat with quick lock and matt carbon tube insert for
the handle.

EVA fighting butt

Guide setting

Rod action

SG- SiC K-guide after epoxy

Guides inline

Completed handle

Finishing at the reel seat beneath the quick lock hood with Fuji winding check

Well, this rod will be put to test on the next prawning session.



UPDATED 11 JANUARY 2016

Just last weekend I tested this rod for prawning at Kinta River. The catch rate was not very good but I managed to hailed up a few good size.

This rod is soft and able to see it tapping when the prawn took the bait, but it is still not sensitive enough.

I think I have to make another rod with smaller taper for a change. Making it as sensitive as possible at the tip while maintaining a good backbone at the rear.

Testing the WHITE glass

Finally I had my change to test it out..

Effortless cast with the 3WF line out around 30 feet and it's action was as usual... CRISPY!

A final touch before I pack it up in the rod sock.

CLEAR WHITE fiberglass UL fly rod

Completed this UL fiberglass fly rod 2 weeks back but have yet to test it..

Uplocking burled wood insert with engraved band and locking nut.

Translucent clear white fiberglass fly rod blank with winding check at the cork grip.

Can't see much of the fly rod against the white color background.

Hope I would get a chance to test it in the garden over this coming weekend.

Fiberglass AmbeR 6'6" 2/3wt Fly Rod

This is the last piece of such blank in my keeping. I want to finish this fly rod with the standard simplest way a fly rod should be. No fancy inlays and no fancy wrapping.

Amber is the color of this fiberglass blank. It is neither orange nor yellow. Not brown either. 

The handle setup was done many months ago. This project was put on hold for my jigging rod built.

Half wells cork grip with timber insert up locking reel seat.

I prefer to use nylon threads on fly rods. I just love the effect of the threads when it is coated with epoxy.

After the wrapping was epoxy.

No decals but just hand sketch of the rod info on the rod

And to finish off this rod, the cork handle are sealed with cork seal.

and done..

Maroon '5' from Langkawi

The 'maroon' blank travels 420 km to reach me.. Yes, 420 km from Langkawi island to Puchong.

Not sure of the origin of this blank, but it's a 4 section graphite blank with fast action and rated at 5wt according to the owner of the blank.

Handle set up for this fly rod. Full wells cork grip, down locking reel seat with burl wood insert and the EVA bottom fighting butt.

Standard snake guides

Nylon 'scarlet' thread for the wrapping. 

Wrapping of the stripping guide before epoxy. 

This is how it look after epoxy. I must say the 'scarlet' thread really goes well with this blank.

Completed the guide wrapping pending epoxy.

Done with the epoxy

And finally, seal up the cork handle