Recent content by Mattman

Yup...couple of those lakes around...I'd like to see some more management in area lakes.

As you've probably already noticed, the rod changed a bit when it became shorter. Most glue on a new eye and keep using the rod, even if it does feel a bit different. Repairing the blank and making it the same length again is pretty tough way up there in the tip section of the blank. And...

I use tubes and minnows on a regular basis. The minnows are my go-to bait.

Hold on...No...a repair will not make it an all the time two piece rod. It can be put back together as a one piece. You could do a 2-piece if you really wanted. I think the going rate for that is about $50. Check out www.tackleworks.org for a shop in your region. You could contact me at...

In that configuration, the reel foot will not touch the blank.

Heat. They still come off with heat. More heat than the glue sticks so you never have to worry about your tip moving on a hot day.

That would be bad. You should never sand into the graphite fibers. Once you do that you greatly increase the chances for breakage.

It could be pretty difficult. You really want a matching taper. So, you blank is broken in a section that acutally goes inside the handle? Breaks low on the blank are easy to fix, but if it is in the telescoping section, and you want to keep the telescoping feature, you're pretty much out of...

I spiral wrap all of my personal casting rods. The biggest reason is because there is no down side to it. Only ups. The only downside anyone has ever really been able to come up with is looks (very subjective) and they are a little more difficult to get in and out of rod tubes. Benefits to...

Tip tops are sized by the ring size and then the tube size. Tube sizes are in 64ths of an inch. Example: BFAT6/6.5 = ring size 6mm, tube size 6.5/64ths.

Heat. If there is some thread finish that crosses over from the wrap onto the tip top, you should remove that with a razor blade or X-Acto knife. That can be a hinderance to a quick removal. Heat the tip top and with a pliers pull straight away with a slight twist. When warm enough, I should...

I put on about two layers of backing on the spool. Enough to ensure the superline bites in hard. Then I fill the spool to the top with superline. As my line gets cut away and my spool is less full, I add backer to keep my main line towards the top of the spool. When I can make a really long...

I have the 1501. Love it.

Spinning reels from 4 to 10 pound test - Fireline. Spinning reels over 10 pound test - Suffix Performance Braid. Casting reels, any poundage - Suffix Performance Braid. I have some other lines on reels and as soon as its time to replace them, it will be with Suffix.

I hate rubber nets. I don't care for my fish to be on a trampoline. I prefer a coated bag net. They're almost as hook free as a rubber net, with the depth and lack of spring that make them useful as a net. I use Beckman nets. Walleye series in the boat and a shorty Steelhead for wading.