The 2009 Offshore Arsenal...

[clt_capt]

I finally finished my new offshore trolling arsenal. First I want to thank a bunch of folks for the great tips, suggestions and encouragement. Shoefish - Great post on your Tuna Rod Start to finish, Gradywhite 273 on your leather grips video, Kevin Knox on Aqua Blue Maui and Abalone tips, and Paul708 for a bunch of great tips and hints.

That's what makes this a great site and gave me the encouragement to give it a shot.

on to the good stuff...

[canyongear]

Sweet looking sticks Cap'..what ya cranks ya loadin em with..

[shoefish]

Wow wow wow....now that is going to be the best looking cockpit out there- absolutely beautiful job! It looks like the shell is on a pretty small diameter- how small is it? I have a jigging rod I'm about to start and I crossed shell off the list of possibilities because I thought the diameter was too small....maybe I need to go to the clt_capt school of abalone!

Really sharp job!

[gradywhite273]

pretty pretty work my friend.

[chumtini]

Wow! Stunning

[FLATLINER]

CLT Capt, I need to get up with you as I don't have an address to send the invoice regarding the abalone tips

AWESOME and I am glad to help. This is exactly the situation why I like sharing this information.

You dun good.

Kevin Knox

[gradyfish265]

Awesome work on those rods!!! Very impressive...they will look awesome gleaming with offshore reels on them in the cockpit!!! Better yet....the look on your face when you hook the first fish and land it on them will be priceless!! Nothing like doing something yourself and feeling that great joy when you accomplish it and know you did it yourself!!

[clt_capt]

The all roller rods will get 50TWs, and the ones with rings will get 30TWs - Can't afford to swap out everything...

Shoe- The all roller rods are the same Pac Bay blanks you used I believe, the ones with the rings are the XST56XHSB.

The diameter is not a problem. I just started on some inshore rods - even smaller diameter - and the shell works great with very little if any cracking.

I used masking tape as a template on the rod, then marked the shell just slightly oversized. Soak in Vineagar for 3 hours to overnight. Rinse in hot water.

I start on the back side of the blank - line the edge of the shell up and stick it down. Then working from the centerjust run my thumbs toward the grip and tip, turning the rod as I go. Just work slowly and you won't crack the shell. After you get it down (I like a slight overlap BTW), wrap the whole thing tightly in floss - Unwaxed Dental floss works great. Let it sit overnight so the glue has a chance to bond.

For a jigging rod, I'd suggest putting a coat of flexcoat on the shell, let it set overnight, then flex the rod before you put on any wraps. This will precrack the shell so it doesn't crack later. Then proceed with your normal wrapping.

I used that same procedure on a bass rod for a good friend - very small diameter - it still works great.

[flatbottom]

nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PurpleGold]

Pretty work on the rods!! I know you can't wait to put 'em to use.