Just Finished a new Rod !

[Bluegrass Bill]

Howdy Folks,

I just finished building a 4 piece Dan Craft, 8 wt rod and I think I am going to love this rod :) . A good friend of mine, Mike Baker, has built numerous rods and helped coach me through building this rod.

Here are a few pictures of the rod. It is a pretty stiff rod and my Scientific Angler WF8F line just didn’t seem to load it as much as needed. I ended up picking up a Rio, Steelhead & Atlantic Salmon WF9F line. This line loads the rod up nice and it casts great! I increased my distance an easy 20 feet over what I was getting with the WF8F line. I have some big plans for this rod up in Alaska this summer and I can’t wait :) !


Here are a handful of pictures that capture a little rod building, the finished product and casting.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/BluegrassBill/rod%20wrapping%20pics/1_MG_4314a.jpg

Applying the finish after all the wrapping

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/BluegrassBill/rod%20wrapping%20pics/2_MG_4313a.jpg

Close up applying the finish

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/BluegrassBill/rod%20wrapping%20pics/3_MG_4441a.jpg

The Finished Product!

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/BluegrassBill/rod%20wrapping%20pics/4_MG_4439a.jpg

The Butt section (should have waited to get a fine point pen but couldn’t wait any longer )

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/BluegrassBill/rod%20wrapping%20pics/5_MG_4432a.jpg

Marks from 16 to 24 inches from the butt for measuring fish :)

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/BluegrassBill/rod%20wrapping%20pics/6_MG_4436a.jpg

Single foot guides

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n12/BluegrassBill/rod%20wrapping%20pics/7_MG_4328a.jpg

She casts great with the heavier Rio Steelhead/salmon, WF9F line. Looking forward to giving her a real test in Alaska this summer :) .

[Hairstacker]

Outstanding Bill, congratulations!! Catching 'em on a rod you put together yourself is going to be sweeet! 8) 8) 8)

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Excellent report Bill

We have a bunch of new blanks at 30% off now.

[dtp916]

Having seen this rod in person, I have to say it is truly a beautiful piece of work. Nice job Bill 8)

[mike N]

Nice work, Bill.

MN

[Sturmer White]

Nice job Bill, Get a new 10 wt. Bass floater line and you will toss those big hairy hair bugs with ease. Lets go in the near feature.

[Bluegrass Bill]

Hey Folks,

Thanks for the nice comments on my new rod :) . It is not fancy but then fancy is not really my style :D . I am definitely looking forward to using it in Alaska coming up about a month away now :) . Nice to meet you at the shop there James when I popped in to show the rod.

Sturmer, I would love to get with you and go in the near future, but its going to be a real challenge :( . I am working a lot of 10-12 hour days right now on the S Lake Tahoe Rehab work. About the time things might slow down there it will probably be rush time to finish getting ready for Alaska :D . I'll keep you posted however.

Best Wishes and Tight Lines to all!

Bill