Spybait Rod 2024
S Hovanec reply :
I made a decision about a week ago to give spybaiting a go this year. I had a friend order me some baits and then it occurred to me, I need a new rod! I had already planned to build this one as a dropshot rod, but I really don't need another one of those! Here's what it is.
Blank: Rodgeeks C4610MXF (6'10") will extend to 7'.
Guides: American Tackle TidalWave w/gold ring
Cork: Tiger Trout burl & burnt burl
Reelseat: PacBay slide rings
I really HATE gold guides, but these ones just looked sexy to me, and I think they will pop on the green blank
Stay tuned for the progress.
A-Jay reply :
Cool Components ~
And I'm digging those Guides.
A-Jay
dolomieu reply :
That's going to look nice!
I would think a moderate action rod would be more suited for spybaiting and the small trebles, no?
S Hovanec reply :
Seems most are just using their dropshot rods right now. I prefer a XF rod for topwater and this doesn't seem much different, baitwise.
S Hovanec reply :
Slightly off topic (but not really), Rodgeeks has some pretty good looking offerings. Any of their models can be painted in any of their 28 colors. My rod rack has never been so colorful!
dolomieu reply :
Oh sorry, I skimmed over the part where you said planned to build this as a drop shot rod. I use an extra fast rod for spybaits, too, and it seems to work fine.
EvanT123 reply :
Hey Scott,
Nice looking components. I see the rod geeks use the same material as St.Croix. Can you comment on how it feels in hand compared to a St. Croix blank? Similar feel? Action?
FishinDaddy reply :
Those are some great colors and I like the guides to match.
S Hovanec reply :
On 3/20/2015 at 7:26 AM, EvanT123 said:Hey Scott,
Nice looking components. I see the rod geeks use the same material as St.Croix. Can you comment on how it feels in hand compared to a St. Croix blank? Similar feel? Action?
I have a Croix 2S66mlf2 and a Geeks C266mlf2 (the light blue one) and I can't tell them apart. I don't have any other ones that are the same model. I can compare a 5S610MXF and a C4610MXF, but I would give the edge to the SCV.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
I'll be trying some of them too. Just gotta catch up first. Their office is only 45 miles from me and they said I can pick up a sample when I want. I agree the gold guides only go with a green blank. Looks good.
looking4structure reply :
On 3/20/2015 at 6:24 AM, A-Jay said:Cool Components ~
And I'm digging those Guides.
X2
A-Jay
FishinDaddy reply :
Great. Now I have spent at least 2 hours on the Rodgeeks site and have come up with several more rods I want that I don't have time to build.
clayton86 reply :
On 3/21/2015 at 8:21 AM, FishinDaddy said:Great. Now I have spent at least 2 hours on the Rodgeeks site and have come up with several more rods I want that I don't have time to build.
That was me when I first got into this hobby when dvt told me about them. I'm waiting till I get a few builds under my belt before j spring for one of them sexy looking geek rods
S Hovanec reply :
Since I'm waiting for epoxy to cure on a couple other handles, I figured I might as well do something on one of my rods.
This is the first time using my new 16 piece checkerboard jig. It works just as nice as the 12 piece.
Wish I would have invented zip-ties!! They are almost better than duct tape!
And I'm back to waiting for glue to dry!
S Hovanec reply :
Boring the cork rings.
Split Tennessee grip in the clamps.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/20/2015 at 6:57 AM, S Hovanec said:Slightly off topic (but not really), Rodgeeks has some pretty good looking offerings. Any of their models can be painted in any of their 28 colors. My rod rack has never been so colorful!
What blank is that hot pink rod? My wife would love that and she's kind of in need of something a little heavier than her little 6' 6" ML she uses right now.
S Hovanec reply :
On 4/8/2015 at 2:28 PM, Bluebasser86 said:What blank is that hot pink rod? My wife would love that and she's kind of in need of something a little heavier than her little 6' 6" ML she uses right now.
That is a RodGeeks neon pink 7'3" Medium/Moderate. Any model of blank they make can be painted in that color. Check out the Project Lumberjack Barbie thread and you'll see it being built.
buzzed bait reply :
the checkerboard part of the cork is sick!
S Hovanec reply :
Since I can't do anything to these grips while the other rod is on the drier, here's a pic of them now that they're out of the clamps. (with a little beer porn background for the beer geeks among you).
00 mod reply :
BCS! Nice! Scott did you get any KBS that just released?
Jeff
S Hovanec reply :
On 4/9/2015 at 7:11 AM, 00 mod said:BCS! Nice! Scott did you get any KBS that just released?
Jeff
Waiting for a call. Its not in PA yet. I scored a case last year.
FishinDaddy reply :
On 4/9/2015 at 6:34 AM, S Hovanec said:Since I can't do anything to these grips while the other rod is on the drier, here's a pic of them now that they're out of the clamps. (with a little beer porn background for the beer geeks among you).
The two fender washers and clamp is an awesome idea to keep the cork lined up. I'm playing with cork but have not got one I like yet.
00 mod reply :
On 4/9/2015 at 7:31 AM, S Hovanec said:Waiting for a call. Its not in PA yet. I scored a case last year.
It released last Monday March 30th here. Let me know if you do not find any.
Jeff
S Hovanec reply :
On 4/9/2015 at 9:10 AM, 00 mod said:It released last Monday March 30th here. Let me know if you do not find any.
Jeff
I just checked, I picked up my case on April 11th last year. Hoping for a call tomorrow or Friday!
S Hovanec reply :
Buddy sent me the artwork for the decal. I don't put my name on personal rods, but he personalized it for me with the border collie.
CRANKENSTIEN reply :
Get a whippy 7 ft rod. It will give you a long cast and then give you the play to fight with a light line. I use 4 lb pline cxx I can't believe how far a light lline can cast. The wind can put it into the trees fast if you aren't careful as well. Be careful where you put that $20 bait if you snag it can get expensive on light line.
S Hovanec reply :
It's gonna be fished in all open water. Not much of anything to snag it on where I plan to use it in Erie.
S Hovanec reply :
Met up with Jim and family last night for dinner, and to deliver Lumberjack Barbie. We also exchanged some beers and baits. Among the baits were the spinbaits to be used on this rod. It put me in the mood to get back to work on it. Turned the grip and glued it up this morning.
FishinDaddy reply :
Where did you get the cork rings? I like the spots in them.
S Hovanec reply :
On 4/14/2015 at 8:35 AM, FishinDaddy said:Where did you get the cork rings? I like the spots in them.
I picked them up at the ICRBE in February from the guys at customflygrips.com. It is called Tiger Trout .
http://customflygrips.com/en/grip-materials/50-premium-burl-cork-rings-12.html#/60-premium_burl-tiger_trout
.ghoti. reply :
When you first posted this I really did not care for the color of that blank. Seeing it with the burl grip installed has completely changed my perception. What color for the wraps?
J Francho reply :
Love the border collie on the decal! Fits you perfect.
S Hovanec reply :
I still don't know what to wrap it with. Was thinking charcoal. Ight even be a candidate for spring green without CP.
S Hovanec reply :
On 4/9/2015 at 9:10 AM, 00 mod said:It released last Monday March 30th here. Let me know if you do not find any.
Jeff
Was thinking about shooting you a message about some KBS cause I haven't heard from my distributor. My phone rang right after lunch today...... my case is in!
00 mod reply :
Good deal! Glad you got some!
Jeff
S Hovanec reply :
Dug through my reel box and found this. I think the gold tone of the body plays well with the green of the blank.
.ghoti. reply :
Very nice thing to just dig around and find. Good looking combo.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 3:48 AM, .ghoti. said:Very nice thing to just dig around and find. Good looking combo.
Ya that's like finding $10's & $20's in the couch cushions instead of coins. lol
S Hovanec reply :
On 4/22/2015 at 3:59 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Ya that's like finding $10's & $20's in the couch cushions instead of coins. lol
Just wish I could find my other Chronarch 101SF!!
J Francho reply :
Last year when I cleaned my boat up after winter storage, I found a JDM Zillion I'd forgotten about.
S Hovanec reply :
Attended a Youth and Family outdoor show today where I demonstrated how fishing rods were made. Managed to totally wrap a customers red jerkbait rod and half of my Spybait rod. Here is the stripper guide. Still need to tie in the titanium metallic trim band on this wrap.
.ghoti. reply :
Excellent looking wrap! A quick question. Do you ever use a locking wrap on those larger spinning guides? Not questioning your work, just your thoughts on the matter.
S Hovanec reply :
No, I only use the locking wrap on the running guides. I tried locking wraps on the large guides in the past, but not all of them are formed properly to allow you to go in front of the guide without creating a gap in the wrap. It's just aesthetics, but I prefer to not have the gap.
Here's is one I did with the locking wrap and the gap is very noticable.
THere was no way to eliminate that without the wrap starting up the guide leg.
BTW, this is my favorite pic of one of my wraps. I love how you can see the guide size through the thread.
On another aside pertaining to the green rod. I normally don't do guide wraps this long, but the gold 'saddle' wrap didn't look right with a shorter main wrap.
.ghoti. reply :
Beautiful wrap man. One day I hope to do some half as good looking as that one.
The gap you mentioned is why I asked. I'm ok with the the way mine look on the smaller guides, but just could never get one to look good to me on a large guide. Thanks for the answer.
S Hovanec reply :
Thank you. Wraps are easy. I don't do anything fancy with the thread. Some guys do some amazing work with cross wraps and weaves.On 5/5/2015 at 7:53 AM, .ghoti. said:Beautiful wrap man. One day I hope to do some half as good looking as that one
Finish is where the practice shows, in IMO. Once you figure what technique you're comfortable with, it all clicks and finish becomes easy too. I used to fret when it came time to apply finish. Now, I slap it on, scrape off the excess, set it turning and walk away. If something goes wrong, I'll fix it after it cures.
Lucky Craft Man reply :
On 5/5/2015 at 4:32 AM, S Hovanec said:No, I only use the locking wrap on the running guides. I tried locking wraps on the large guides in the past, but not all of them are formed properly to allow you to go in front of the guide without creating a gap in the wrap. It's just aesthetics, but I prefer to not have the gap.
Here's is one I did with the locking wrap and the gap is very noticable.
THere was no way to eliminate that without the wrap starting up the guide leg.
BTW, this is my favorite pic of one of my wraps. I love how you can see the guide size through the thread.
On another aside pertaining to the green rod. I normally don't do guide wraps this long, but the gold 'saddle' wrap didn't look right with a shorter main wrap.
Now this is what I want on the 11 wt. you are making me! I love how the guide foot shows through. Do you have any green threads that become transparent like that?
S Hovanec reply :
On 5/5/2015 at 12:40 PM, Lucky Craft Man said:Now this is what I want on the 11 wt. you are making me! I love how the guide foot shows through. Do you have any green threads that become transparent like that?
Yep. Spring Green, Medium Green and possibly Dark Green will. The Spring Green will be my first choice. I'll do a test wrap before I decide. Hoping it will almost disappear and let the blank color come through too.
.ghoti. reply :
I've tried cross wraps, and decided I don't have the patience required to do such work. And weaves just look to be totally beyond me. I did do a lot of experimenting with scraps to get a decent looking holo wrap. I like to have something in the area of the hook-keeper to provide some extra protection, and a holo wrap fits the bill for me. The first one I did on a customer rod turned out just the way I wanted it to.
The second one has been a comedy of errors. All the problems have been on the top wrap. On the first try I forgot to add CP, and the top gunmetal thread almost disappeared. I stripped it off, sanded down the finish, applied another thin coat and started again. Second attempt failed. When I pulled out the sacrificial thread, I managed to move the remaining gunmetal thread, screwing up the pattern. Stripped, sanded and recoated again. This time I increased the tension, and the heating to soften the epoxy, to help insure the remaining thread would remain in place. After a coat of CP, I discovered most of the gaps were almost filled with fuzzies. I used a medium brown thread for the sacrificial because I could see it better against the gunmetal and the darker blue/gunmetal underwrap. The fuzzies were not brown, they were the same color as the remaining gunmetal thread. So, I've stripped it, sanded it down, and recoated with epoxy one more time.
I've used that spool of gunmetal thread several times with no problems. But maybe there is a bad run in the middle of the spool. That spool went into File 13. I also speculated that the increase in tension, and the extra heat I applied caused the fuzzies.
I put a post about the fuzzy problem on the rodbuilder forum. To date there have been 190 views and no replies.
S Hovanec reply :
I've had spools like that. They don't stick around long!
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
The foot on the big guides is plenty long for a secure wrap. Make if you use a locking wrap on teh runners that the guide is straight before locking it down....don't ask
S Hovanec reply :
On 5/6/2015 at 1:25 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Make if you use a locking wrap on teh runners that the guide is straight before locking it down....don't ask
Not much wiggle room! Lol. Been there too!!
.ghoti. reply :
On 5/6/2015 at 1:34 AM, S Hovanec said:Not much wiggle room! Lol. Been there too!!
Been there, done that, cussed the results. No danged T-shirt.
FishinDaddy reply :
On 5/5/2015 at 4:32 AM, S Hovanec said:No, I only use the locking wrap on the running guides. I tried locking wraps on the large guides in the past, but not all of them are formed properly to allow you to go in front of the guide without creating a gap in the wrap. It's just aesthetics, but I prefer to not have the gap.
Here's is one I did with the locking wrap and the gap is very noticable.
THere was no way to eliminate that without the wrap starting up the guide leg.
BTW, this is my favorite pic of one of my wraps. I love how you can see the guide size through the thread.
On another aside pertaining to the green rod. I normally don't do guide wraps this long, but the gold 'saddle' wrap didn't look right with a shorter main wrap.
That is awesome finish work. Is that one or two coats of finish?
S Hovanec reply :
On 5/10/2015 at 7:41 AM, FishinDaddy said:That is awesome finish work. Is that one or two coats of finish?
First coat is Threadmaster Light, for penetration. Second coat is Threadmaster regular, to cover the bare threads from the first coat.
Batson reply :
On 4/14/2015 at 8:35 AM, FishinDaddy said:Where did you get the cork rings? I like the spots in them.
Just to let you know, we carry a variety of cork rings etc.. We also will be coming out with some cool tools this coming summer at ICAST!
But those spots and cork customs are awesome!
S Hovanec reply :
Had a jerkbait rod to get out. Finally got back to the spybait build.
Here's the one that put the spybait on the back burner.
Lucky Craft Man reply :
Show the picture of that jerkbait rod with the reel. Just an overall great looking combo. Nice Work!!!
S Hovanec reply :
I'll put it on when I get home and take the pic on the finished rod, not just the mock-up like you saw.
S Hovanec reply :
Tim Kelly reply :
Anyone got any reports on how the paint holds up on those blanks? I made a rod on a blue/green flip coloured St Croix SCV blank and the paint came off in lumps after a while of fishing. Spoke to them and they seemed unconcerned. Been buying MHX blanks since.
Ozark_Basser reply :
Those rods look awesome. Do you apply epoxy at high rpms or do you just use a drying motor?
S Hovanec reply :
On 5/17/2015 at 1:08 PM, Tim Kelly said:Anyone got any reports on how the paint holds up on those blanks? I made a rod on a blue/green flip coloured St Croix SCV blank and the paint came off in lumps after a while of fishing. Spoke to them and they seemed unconcerned. Been buying MHX blanks since.
I haven't heard anything about the RodGeeks paint.
If you gave up SCV for MHX, you took a serious step backwards.
I have built dozens of blue/green flip SCVs and haven't had any come back for paint coming off. St Croix has had paint issues as long as I can remember, but has recently improved. The paint on older generation SCIV and SCV was quite fragile. Just a swipe across it with alcohol will yield color on the towel. Bug spray and certain sun screens will destroy it.
S Hovanec reply :
On 5/17/2015 at 4:35 PM, Jiggin said:Those rods look awesome. Do you apply epoxy at high rpms or do you just use a drying motor?
I apply at high rpms and cure at the lowest belt setting on the power wrapper.
S Hovanec reply :
Just laid down the final coat of finish on project Spybait.
I'll snap some good pics once the finish is cured.
S Hovanec reply :
In case you're wondering the significance of the border collie, here are my fishin' buddies.
15 year old Blaze
13 year old Ginni
4 year old Taylor
and last but not least, the late, great Tiffany. The one that started our obsession with border collies.
Tim Kelly reply :
On 5/17/2015 at 7:38 PM, S Hovanec said:I haven't heard anything about the RodGeeks paint.
If you gave up SCV for MHX, you took a serious step backwards.
I have built dozens of blue/green flip SCVs and haven't had any come back for paint coming off. St Croix has had paint issues as long as I can remember, but has recently improved. The paint on older generation SCIV and SCV was quite fragile. Just a swipe across it with alcohol will yield color on the towel. Bug spray and certain sun screens will destroy it.
Definitely a step down, but being unpainted they don't look like crap after all the paint falls off. Shame St Croix don't offer unpainted blanks as many people are put off their blanks by the colour and their built rods by the colours and the build.
FishinDaddy reply :
Scott, what hook keeper did you use?
S Hovanec reply :
Kigan XLA.On 6/11/2015 at 9:02 AM, FishinDaddy said:Scott, what hook keeper did you use?
Here's a better pic on another rod.
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