Sackyak's New Weapon - Calstar GF 700XLH

I have been bugging Etienne for some time to let me build him a rod worthy of his skill. Let's face it, the guy kills more lings than anyone I fish with.  This year Mrs Sackyak and I teamed up to make him a killer rod for Christmas. I usually build rods for myself but sometimes build rods for friends. I will admit that I am not a pro rod builder like EK, but I can build a very nice basic rod which should last a lifetime. I picked the Calstar GF 700XLH to match Etienne's fishing style and preference. Of my Calstar rods, it is my favorite for light tackle rockfish and bay fishing. I also use it for pelagics when I head south of the border. This blank is relatively light for a graphite/glass composite and has a very sensitive but strong tip with a fast action and taper. It is rated 15-25# but can be fished with 50# braid without problems. I used a 14" cork rear grip, deluxe Fuji pistol grip with an oversized 5" fore grip to put the hurt on big fish. I added a deck loop to the rear grip to use as a leash attachment/hook keeper. Etienne is a Cal grad so blue and gold were used as the main colors for the decorative cross wrap. They don't make ling cod decals so I used a vermillion. To match Etienne's Berkeley style, I used American Tackle blue frame guides with holographic rings. The only problem is that sand dabs are currently the only game in town. 

Scott

What a beauty! 

Nice Work Scott you need to talk to my wife 

Good Job Scott... and congratulations Etienne on your new weapon.  The 700XLH is a great stick for just about anything saltwater around here.  Good choice.

There is one NCKA'er who recieved a Kunz custom for Christmas, but I don't want to spoil it in case he hasn't recieved it yet.

Nice job GB2!

Jedmo

oh great, like he needed more of an advantage

Beautiful work Scott.  Congrats Etienne on a beautiful new rod.

Eugene

 Very nice.  Neat idea with the deck loop.