My new Rockfish Rod

Thought I'd share my latest project.  Finally having some time to build some rods for myself. 

This is a Rainshadow SWS70MH blank which is a relatively low modulus graphite (IM4) and fiberglass composite which creates a very nice moderate action ideal for rockfish jigging with spectra while still  being significantly lighter in weight and smaller in diameter than a fiberglass rod.  The photo lists the specs on the blank. 

This rod was built for show and tell with customers as well as for actual use, so I treated myself to some of the finest components... Fuji Titanium framed guides with SiC rings and Fuji titanium framed SiC tip top only available from Japan, along with  High grade natural cork and exotic burl cork grips, and a snazzy tartan butt wrap for decoration.  Rod weighs a touch under 11 oz in total.  This is the rod that I used at Anchor bay a couple weeks ago and handles 4 and 6 oz jigs very well and obviously is highly effective against trophy sized vermillions and ling cod. 

Now you might say "geez, I wouldn't want to fish with a rod as purdy as that for fear I'd scratch it up".  In my opinion, battle scars make the rod even more beautiful.  Hoping to get a few battle scars on this one before rockfish season ends.  This just might be my sturgeon rod this winter as well.  Merry Christmas to me!

Erik

Click on the paperclip to open the image for a cleaner view.

Very nice man! One day to will figure out how to get the guides straight 

I SSSSsssooooooo! want an acid wrap pitching stick....

And flipping stick for that matter.

and every rod for that matter.

Why is it that commercial manufacturers have not warmed to acid wrap?

MolBasser

Why is it that commercial manufacturers have not warmed to acid wrap?

A couple of manufacturers have tried it over the years farily unsuccessfully.  I think it failed mainly because it takes too much explaining to market it effectively and convince people that something that looks so unconventional actually performs better.  All the better for custom builders I suppose. 

EK

Just gorgeous, Erik, and wrapped in rockfish red color!  Classy.

Rainshadow blanks are awesome.   I did an 8' composite live bait Cascade (WA) made blank for a friend last year - dang that thing loooked like it was made for a kindergarten project compared to your stuff.  Wish I had even 1% of your talent.

Not sure why spiral/acid wrapping is slow catching on - just tie a 2 lb weight on and feel the conventional wrap torque to one side or the other.  Then try spiral/acid wrapped - no torque.  Simple.

looks nice EK! 

Beautiful rod! And sounds pretty tech too. NICE!!