30 Class Trolling Rod

[Ponce]

Wanted to share this rod I just finished. It is a 30 class and will match with a Tiagra 30 (narrow). I’m pretty happy with the outcome considering it is my second rod. This was my first attempt at Abalone and was very happy with the process and results. I still need to get better at the finish as well as the trim bands under the guides. I’m confident that it will perform to expectations, and can’t wait for the first bend in the rod.

For those of you considering trying to work with Abalone, get Flat Liner’s (Kevin Knox’s) DVD and follow it religiously you will not be disappointed. I went to Kevin’s class at the rod expo and followed his DVD and have to say for my first attempt it was not very difficult and I’m extremely happy with the results.

The components and stats for this rod are:
30 Class
Overall length 6 ½ feet.
Blank – Batson FSU56H (cut to 61 ½ inches, all from the butt)
American Tackle Uni butt short (UB2)
American Tackle Turbo guides – 20-16-12-12-12-12
Tip 12/12

Please give me criticism on anything you see, it can only help me get better.

I’ve got a pitch bait rod in the works that I think is going to be pretty cool, I think it has some ideas that are a little more orginal.

[CaptLeoNYC]

I think it looks awesome ! What type of finish did you use? Also I probably would go with the Tiagra 20 for that set up, just my thought

[paul708]

Nice Job ponce.
looks good.

[FLATLINER]

Ponce,
It is looking great! I think the butt wrap might need another coat of finish to level it out more. Try some of the tactics I mentioned to you. Bigger brush, card, etc.

Also, in the 5th pic of the guide, when you are applying the finish, if you get a belly in the finish, wipe that off and it will level out nicely for you.
Great progress tho! The MOP looks awesome!!

Kevin

[clt_capt]

Great work for a second build. Very nice work - You will be very happy the first time that rod bends

[Ponce]

I think it looks awesome ! What type of finish did you use? Also I probably would go with the Tiagra 20 for that set up, just my thought

I used Thread Master (normal build). I'm just replacing the trolling rods I have, I have 2-30s and 5-50s that will get new rods this year.

[CaptLeoNYC]

Threadmaster normal build is the way to go. Im sure a Tiagra 30 would do just fine, but a 50 would be overkill. Good luck with the rod and the satisfaction is in the first fish !

[FAT CAT MX]

Ponce, very nice for your experience level. Take a look at Kevin's videos where he shows how to lay out the cross-wrap. You want them to be straight on the axis. It's not difficult to do at all.

Is the rod an IGFA 30# class rod (chair rod)?

[Ponce]

Ponce, very nice for your experience level. Take a look at Kevin's videos where he shows how to lay out the cross-wrap. You want them to be straight on the axis. It's not difficult to do at all.

Is the rod an IGFA 30# class rod (chair rod)?

Not an IFGA, the blank is rated 30-50 and I cut 4 1/2 inches from the butt. It is stand-up from my CC, I like them at 6 1/2 feet overall to help work arounf the outboard if needed.

[mythosbeer]

Nice work Jeff! As many times as we have been passing and at the same place...it was nice randomly meeting you at the gas station on the way back from the show a couple weeks ago. We'll have to get a trip together soon to put some bends in the rods!

Mitch