Finally Built It. 2024
S Hovanec reply :
I've been trying to build me a new dropshot rod for the better part of 2 years. For one reason or another, things kept coming up and it would get put back on the rack for later. Back in the spring when I glued up the grip, I even went and ordered a reel for it. I was really excited to get back to working on it last week and put the final coat of finish on it last night.. Now that it's done, it just doesn't trip my trigger anymore. It excited me more when it was a concept and in pieces all over my shop than it does now that it's finished. Anyway, here's what I'm not excited about.
The reel.
The rod.
Specs:
Blank: St. Croix 5S610MLXF extended to 7'
Guides: Fuji Torzite
Hook Keep: Kigan XLA
Decal: Decal Connection (black over silver)
Slip Rings: PacBay
Thread:Makoi charcoal main wrap, Gudebrod silver and glitzy gold metallic trim and inlay
Butt Cap: Mudhole
Winding checks: Mudhole
Batson reply :
Nice rod!! Looks like your getting it all done!
.ghoti. reply :
Excellent! I'd be excited about it. Even if it will have a Shimano on it. That rod would look cherce with a Certate.
Dwight Hottle reply :
Looks like you got it done in time for some big fall girls. It looks too good not to be a little excited.
Batson reply :
FYI, does that rear butt cap have a big gash in it? Cant tell if it is just the picture or the actual piece? Might want to throw some cork filler and lightly sand it before it gets worse.
S Hovanec reply :
I must admit, now that I put the reel on it, I got a little spark back. Line and leader are on and threaded through the guides.
S Hovanec reply :
On 9/15/2015 at 6:28 AM, Batson said:FYI, does that rear butt cap have a big gash in it? Cant tell if it is just the picture or the actual piece? Might want to throw some cork filler and lightly sand it before it gets worse.
Yea. One of the few pits in this batch of cork. Didn't notice it til I took the pics. I typically don't fill unless they are really bad.
Batson reply :
Looks like a great build, just was wondering about that! Would hate for this to be fished then oops.. Good looking out bud!
MickD reply :
There is no need to fill anything in the buttcap, IMHO. There is no defect. Filling a natural dark line in the cork is sort of like working dry wall too long, and everything you do makes it worse. I've received premium cork that looked great at first, then found it was highly filled. Which is so phony. Better to have cork like this, which has a few lines in it, but they are small and tight, and are not really gaps. They are honest, high quality, cork. Leave it alone.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Looks good. I know what you mean about losing interest. I have a one track mind and flit from one all consuming thing to another and back again. lol
kickerfish1 reply :
I like it! Need a picture of the reel mounted on the rod.
Lucky Craft Man reply :
Scott, I can understand your lackluster feeling towards that rod. After making that 11wt (which was the greatest rod ever created) anything would be a let down. Good thing you got that out of your system before you finished up Dwights master piece or my inlaw project.
PS Obviously I am joking here (except for that 11wt being the best rod ever made, because that is true). That is a sweet looking drop shot rod!
S Hovanec reply :
On 9/15/2015 at 10:02 AM, kickerfish1 said:I like it! Need a picture of the reel mounted on the rod.
kickerfish1 reply :
Looks sharp!
basscatcher8 reply :
Very nice. I'm getting ready to build a couple verticle jigging rods for sauger with that type of handle on either a SCIII blank or if I can find if Batson has the equivelent I will probably go with them. Do those bands that hold the reel fit any size? Would they hold an ultra light reel on there you think or is it preformed to just hold the bigger reels? Hard to tell from pictures on mudholes site.
S Hovanec reply :
You would need to get the smaller rings to hold the lighter reel. The 23mm may work. These are the 25mm. If you turn the cork and leave a snug fit for the ring, there is no need to tape the reel.
basscatcher8 reply :
great thats exactly what i was looking for. Thank you!
jtharris3 reply :
Great looking build!!
FishinDaddy reply :
On 9/15/2015 at 6:35 PM, S Hovanec said:
Great looking combo. I particularly like the messy work station. It make me feel better about my mess.
S Hovanec reply :
On 9/20/2015 at 7:57 PM, FishinDaddy said:Great looking combo. I particularly like the messy work station. It make me feel better about my mess.
I build til I can't see the bench, then I put everything away and start over! Once I can't find stuff that's right under my nose, I feel it's time to organize!
S Hovanec reply :
Didn't get to break it in yesterday. Today.......no better. Maybe tomorrow or Tuesday!
basscatcher8 reply :
I just saw a lake erie walleye guide saying shes cancelling a trip today due to more wind.
S Hovanec reply :
Took the boat for a nice drag down to the launch and back. Too windy and bumpy for my liking. Stopped at Walnut and took the pups for a walk on the beach. Maybe we'll get to float the boat in the morning. Back to camp for more construction!
S Hovanec reply :
Was a nice morning on the big pond. Fish weren't cooperating tho.
On an aside, this is why you buy good electronics. That's a 1/4oz weight with a 4" shad shape worm above.
Some bait and what I assume are steelhead. They were busting all around, but they had lockjaw too.
Batson reply :
nice day out on the water!!
Yumf2 reply :
thats a beautiful rod man, it gave me the chills.
Mike2841 reply :
Great job, that rod looks awesome
S Hovanec reply :
I want to build another one already. St. Croix is making this blank in their Forest Green Pearl for 2016. I'll keep it the OEM length, and eliminate the winding checks and decorative butt cap, to cut down on the weight. Was a bit disappointed in the other one when I put it on the scale. I should have expected it though being I used the aluminum winding checks and butt cap.
Like I said before, you can never have too many DS rods on deck.
basscatcher8 reply :
Thats my goal with my sauger rod to cut down weight every where and see how it does. Those fish like to just mouth your bait in the river and you barely feel it so the more you can feel the better lol.
EvanT123 reply :
Nothing I like better than some cork on a stick.
WPCfishing reply :
That rod is beautiful. Great Job!
Darren. reply :
Gorgeous rod build!
MickD reply :
Wonderful workmanship!
EvanT123 reply :
..
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