I read the Extreme Ultralight Article in the June/July 2005 In Fisherman magazine when this first came out. This began my search for pushing the envelope of UL fishing. I went to Tenkara and Fly Fishing. Along the way I bought the blank used in that article, 7'6" 2WT St. Croix 2 piece avid series, purchased from the Rodmakers Shop, which is currently out of business. I had intended to build this into a UL rod myself. Only thing is, I did not want to screw it up.
After years of this blank sitting in the corner and me only using Tenkara and Fly Fishing, I finally got around to getting this rod built. I contacted Jared Taylor of JTaylor Custom Rods to see about building this rod for me. After a couple of months I finally took delivery of the final product. I am truly taken back from the quality work he did on this. It is simple yet elegant.
While I have yet to really test this rod, I am able to cast 1/32 ounce jigs about 50' with a cheaper spinning reel and old worn out braid. I have my work cut out to be able to cast the 1/100 ounce like Bill says he is able to cast in the article.
I am currently awaiting an order of some spoons and other gear to try out on this rod. I will try to keep everyone posted how this turns out.
Went ahead and picked up some 4# nanofil to use with this rod. Took a Shimano Sedona 2000 reel and loaded it with 65 yards of 6# mono then the 150 yards of the 4# nanofil. Armed with some small cranks and a couple of spoons, I headed to the retention ponds.
These small cranks with the nanofil really fly on a cast. Most of these crank baits are 1/16 ounce. I will need to exchange the trebles for single hooks. The ones in the lower right of the pic are 1" mini cranks.
Although I was not out long I did get a few bass and a couple of gills. Since I will be using this rod mostly in ponds, I really need to watch out for the weeds and moss. Keeping fish on these small hooks seem to be a challenge.
This rod will really come into play during the spring when the ponds are not filled in with moss and weeds. The other place it will shine is when I am kayaking the crystal clear strip pits in Greene Sullivan State Forest here in Indiana.
Mike P.
Custom Build
Custom Build
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Mike P.
Re: Custom Build
Looks amazing. Congrats!