Some of you probably don't think so, but if I can't get out and do some fishing the next best thing is working on rods or tying flies (and daydreaming about fishing). I've built a couple lately so I thought I'd show you what I've been up to.
The first build actually happened because my wife saw a post on facebook from a guy asking if anyone could fix a rod. She tagged me and luckily enough I could fix it for him. He must've liked what I did because he asked that I build him a rod. Not just the cheapest rod he could find, mind you, he wanted a Blue Halo fiberglass rod. Between the two of us we got all the components ordered and I put the rod together as quickly (and as good) as I could. He seemed happy, even mentioned another build in the future, and I watched this beauty leave.
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prXX6023XNI/WFdeJwVmpuI/AAAAAAAAJnI/9Gxx7fGWCRowKTFM9ftTpv4UAFusoZqZgCPcB/s640/IMG_0341.JPG) |
Beauty |
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The most nerve-racking part is the epoxy |
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Really happy with the way it all came out |
If you follow me on Instagram you've probably already seen the Blue Halo build and you're not alone. Soon after I finished that rod I was contacted about another build, this time on a matte gray Hook & Hackle blank that I've been holding onto for awhile. The customer wanted a 'one of a kind' rod that she could give her husband for their anniversary. Other than that I could pretty much build whatever I thought would be best. I decided a custom handle, maple insert, some decorative wraps were in order. The thing was a ton of work in a short period (the anniversary was coming quick) but I got the rod done and she picked it up almost the minute it came off the dryer. When I talked to her a few days later she said that her husband was really excited about the rod and wanted to go fishing with me as soon as the weather improved.
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Laying out the materials and trying to figure it out |
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It turned out pretty enough, and it felt great in the hand |
![](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QogXT4zDVjY/WFddazu3rNI/AAAAAAAAJmc/cYm6FNJdv7Ugr4gwhmvvk3IogoL2vbE5wCKgB/s640/IMG_0406.JPG) |
Things got a little crazy |
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But it turned out alright! |
![](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ziAcc6UW95o/WFddaw6sKmI/AAAAAAAAJmc/o1_IL41VH34r6Ptesa-_0ENSYFbx5mHOACKgB/s640/IMG_0396.JPG) |
This decorative wrap on each guide was cool, but a huge pain |
I wish I would've taken more pics of this rod after it was done, but like I said, it was out the door right as it came off the dryer. I've got another rod that I'm just starting tonight, another fiberglass rod but this one is a bit more old school in feel and aesthetic. Well, until I do something crazy... Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season, and Merry Christmas.
Hope you're as lucky,
Kidder
* If you're interested in my rods and/or nets just message me!