Planer rod build

[BYRD]

After watching several of Box's videos about the effectiveness of the planer rod in ones offshore spread, and the fact that I became a regular crew member on a buddies off shore trips, I have decided to build a planer rod. I will be posting pics and maybe even a little video as the process goes along.

A big thanks to Flatliner (aka. Kevin Knox from Angler's Envy) for helping select a blank and getting the guides for me. All my pieces arrived yesterday and I hope to start wrapping/abalone-ing tonight.

I will post pics later.

[Ponce]

Great, make sure you post all the stats of the blank ect. A planer rod is on my to do list as well.

[BYRD]

Folks I promised pics, but have failed you. I did work on the rod but got involved and forgot to take pics. I used abalone on the rod so it is sitting in the corner with thread on it, so I can wrap the guides tomorrow. Some quick specs on the rod.

I used a FSU 56XH Batson blank
a number 28 Aftco Roller Tip
A size 20, 16, and 12 turbo guide
A 10 inch front eva foam grip
and a #4 black and gold bent butt.

I cut from the tip side to make it fit the 28 roller tip. About 15 inches off the tip. I then cut one inch off the butt to make the over blank size be 48 inches long. The guides are set at 7, 17, and 31 inches from the tip respectively.

I used the Kevin Knox method for measuring and applying the abalone shell. It came out okay. I think once the finish is on it it will look great. For those that don't know, Kevin Knox from Angler's Envy rods has an out of this world DVD explaining the intricacies of the abalone veneer and how to apply it. Here is a link to his site http://www.anglersenvy.com/ go there and check it out.

I will get pics tomorrow. I even put a note on the rod to take pics so I won't forget!

[dunn6253]

Looking forward to this, as it is something I need to learn how to do. Looking forward to the pics.......

[BYRD]

Here are the pics. The first is of the the guide wrap before trim bands.



This is of one with the trim bands.



Here is the tip.



Here is the butt wrap part of the rod. I decided to leave it "naked" and let the beauty of the abalone speak for itself.



Here is the rod in a rod holder on the boat.



I still have to put finish on it, but it is all but done. Now if I can only find a good deal on a Tiagra.

[ElMar2530]

Cool!

I'm in the process of putting on together too. Getting the parts together now.

I picked up a #6 130lb. butt on ebay cheap. A little big but should work. Yes, no?

[Ponce]

Looks good, you will like using a planer rod. It makes life a lot easier then cleating one off.

[Sea Draggin]

Here is the butt wrap part of the rod. I decided to leave it "naked" and let the beauty of the abalone speak for itself.

Yes it does! Very nice sir!

.

[FLATLINER]

Looks Awesome Brother!! Im in Planer mode, myself. I have 4 blanks cut and gripped now. Just waiting for them to dry!!

K

[BYRD]

Thanks for the kind words. I need to put another coat of finish on it and then it will be ready for battle. Hopefully the next pick ya'll see of that rod it will be bowed up on a tuner!