PAL's New Weapon

Paul wanted the ultimate "kelp cutter" rig... a rod that would fish live bait or irons in close to the kelp and have enough backbone to saw through the kelp and horse a YT or WSB out when necessary. 

We selected one of Calstar's new line of BTG blanks after feeling them up at the Fred Hall show in Long Beach... the BTG 870 is a 7-foot composite blank rated for 15-40# line.  It has an action that is more moderate than the Graphiter blanks, but not as parabolic and whippy as the GFX blanks.  A great combination of power in the butt section, sufficient shock absorption to accomdodate spectra line, and the right amout of sensitivity in the tip to work will as a live bait rod. 

- EVA foam grips covered with X-shrink tubing. 
- Extended foregrip to provide enhanced floatation.
- Batson Easytight reel seat is the best aluminum reel seat design going IMO. 
- We added a "Rod Ring" to the reel seat which is a solid aluminum piece with two connection points for a rod leash or to use as a hook keeper.  The Rod Ring can be oriented in any position to suit the preferences of the angler.
- Fuji Titanium framed guides (TNSG) and tip top (TMNST).  Acid wrapped of course.
- And a little marblizing and a yellowtail decal for good measure.  The color scheme was selected to be remeniscent of the colors found in the kelp forests of So. Cal and Mexico.

PAL is off with the rod on a 3-day mothership trip on the Q-105 this weekend... looking forward to his report and feedback. 

I'm done with rods for the season with the exception of one for myself and the Elk Raffle rod... baby #2 will make his appearance next Tuesday... stay tuned for that report.

Gorgeous! Just Gorgeous! 

I build rods too and although my creations use quality components and are solidly built, I haven't risen to the level of artistic quality that you have.  Can you use an apprentice? I make good ceviche and I'll call you "master" and everything!   

 

Its like looking at a Ferrari.

Awesome work Erik!

Beautiful piece of artwork!
Are those Rod Rings available through your site?

Super nice job Erik. Another quality rod!

CHEERS!

Are those Rod Rings available through your site?

Thanks guys...

They're not listed on the site currently but I can get them for you... just email me if interested. 

$18.00 each for the solid rings that slide over the reel seat threads, or $21.50 for the two piece ones that can attach to an existing reel seat if it is already installed on a rod.

Sizes to fit all of the standard saltwater aluminum reel seats (Aftco ARS 1, 2, 3, or 4 or equivalent).   Available in silver, black or gold.

Simply amazing 

-FF

   Time for a cold shower again...

I'm back on the beach after an interesting 3-day tour of northwest Baja. Got to deploy the new weapon - my, my, it is sweet.

The pictures don't do it justice. There was tremendous interest - people loved the look of the rod and marveled at the marbleized texture. We did a little fishing from the big boat. I'm dropping a bait down 200 ft when a deckie helpfully comes over to tell me I'm fishing my gear upside down! He'd noticed the tip guide on the underside, was totally fooled by the acid wrap.

EK, we've got a fish killer here. The new blank is perfectly suited for spectra; it absorbs the herky-jerky surges you get when there's no stretch in the line. I can't wait to see what it does with a large, powerful fish. As it happens, it accounted for a fair number of rockfish and a "Mex legal" butt.

Good luck tomorrow. I know you'll be very busy. We need to talk a bit for an upcoming story on kayak rod design. Why don't you call me?

Excellent rod, simply gorgeous, thanks for building this incredible stick for me.

Paul