Pacemaker Fishing Forum

That is sweet! What power and action is it Ernie?
I have been finding myself drooling over a lot of split grip designs lately, I just can't wait to get my St Croix Legend Tournament!

The blank is a batson RX7 ISB802.75 - 6'8"  Med power - extra fast action - 3/16 to 5/8 oz

the spinning guides are fuji concept alconites and the rest are batson size 3.5 micros.  Most freshwater rods carry size 5 or 6 guides out to the tip top.  these are much lighter and it takes about 5 or 6 micros to equal the weight of one size 5 or 6 guide. 

the cork is an exotic burl from Lamar fishing, finished with tru-oil.

The split area is decorated with holo wrap, which is mesmerizing in person, but hard to capture the true effect on camera. 

here's a couple more shots I took myself.





split grip with no foregrip, amtak aero reel seat, which i really like and will be using on my personal rods in the future.  The rod was built to the specific reel, for balance and optimal castign performance, and should prove to be a great rod for plastics with enough butt to keep the big ones out of the nasty stuff and into the boat.

Last edited by L1Ranger (Jun-03-08 9:30AM)

lemme know on that casting stik - I got one for my brothers anniversary on the hot plate right now, and vacation coming up soon, but should be good to go after that.

but its time to get some slime on that one!

L1Ranger wrote:

But its time to get some slime on that one!

I think I already droolled on it at the meeting

Well...it is real nice.

Well damn, if I had a rod that looked that good I think I would be too scared to risk actually using it and would just hang it on a wall in the living room for people to admire. Very very nice !

If I ever crack it, I will cry....but I know where to get the tape!

Ernie

What characteristics usually classify a rod as a "smallie" rod? I know Loomis has their Bronzeback series, but I never really knew how they are specifically designed for smallmouth...

For me, I will use the rod for smallies and greenies. I just won't use it if there is real heavy cover.

Ernie

its all personal choice dan - I'm a big fan of specific rods for specific tasks. 
its not necessary, I never had more than 3 rods until I graduated college - one fly rod, one bass rod, one musky/catfish/carp rod.  That was how I rolled.

After school and getting a real job and having some money and time to get back into fishing more, i figured out what i like for different things.  I mostly fish in rivers for smallmouth and musky, and rivers and streams for wild trout these days, and having what I consider the right tool for the job makes my day more enjoyable.