The story...

     I was contacted via email by Pennsylvanian Chris K. to build a summer time small trout / small mouth bass fishing rod that would introduce him to centre-pin angling and be used as a primer for an eventual steelhead float rod build the following season.  Chris had watched the casting videos that Float Fishing Connection had hosted online and as a long time fly fisherman felt this style of angling might be just the challenge he'd like to master.  After several email communications back and forth, it was determined that a light weight and versatile rod would become his "starter" rod.  By practicing in the summer, Chris was following a great path in preparation for the fall run of steelhead in Northern Pennsylvania.  As I always have, I guided based on experience and offered advice and considerations to properly equip him in forming a correct build platform and outline.  We finalized the incidentals (wrap style, grip length, rod action, etc..) and he also specified the construction of a ABS rod tube to protect his investment.  A wise choice! 

Build Specifications:

Blank:  Batson F904-4 Fly Blank

Reelseat:  Graphite Sliding Rings

Stripper Guides:  Flexi-lites

Running Guides:  Flexi-lites

Guide Wraps:  Gudebrod NCP Black

Ferrule Wraps: Gudebrod Nylon Royal Blue

Winding Check:  Rubber

Hookkeeper:  Bent Wire

Decals:  Decal Connction

Cork: St. Croix

F.Butt: Custom Chop & Replace w/ Rubberized Burl

Special Inclusions:  ABS Rod Tube

The Photos:

Build Review:

I would consider IRC a pioneer in the promotion of small pin float rods and in developing switch rod capabilities.  Through several years of experimentation, I believe I've come up with good formulas and build designs based on what the client's needs warrant.  Although I've built MANY of these types of rods, I just don't find myself becoming board.  Everyone of them is exciting to me and I try my best to build something unique and far from cookie-cutter.  By using a sliding ring reelseat and the flexi-lite guides, a considerable amount of weight was saved on this build.  At just over 4 ounces, you just can't beat the feel of this rod.  Mated with a small or medium diameter centre-pin and you've got a combo that is just pure fun to fish!

With this rod, the adventure ends, but another awaits my attention....

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