ice rod building

[shnelson]

I got bit by the rod building bug, I've got an idea for a neat handle and wanted to start with an ice rod since the seasons coming up quick.

Can anyone tell me what size guides and how many you typically use on a 28" medium-light blank?

I'm looking to place an order through mudhole since they seem to be one of the few places that actually had ice rod blanks, but I'm having trouble finding a guide kit that's not intended for a 6-8' open water build.

[jigginjim]

The number of guides for ice rods can be anything. Most of the time guides are to follow the bend of the blank.

[upnorth]

4 guides should do it. probably the tip, a #6, #8, #12, #16 should do OK for a ice rod in a heated shelter, I would drop the #6 and go with another #8 if you fish outside a lot, not quite so prone to ice up.

As said earier the bend of the rod will dictate placement. Tape them on and the hang a reel on it and run the line and give a bend. You want the line to as close as possible follow the bend in the blank, no sharp bends.

[shnelson]

Think I might give it a shot tonight - just need to find some cheap supplies as I never pulled the trigger on my mudhole order.

Can anyone tell me if the big C store normally stocks ice blanks? I didn't see any on their HSOforum, but I know that's not a reliable inventory check for this sort of thing.

I was thinking about stopping by thorne bros, but I'm not looking to spend more than $15 per blank to start out with.. i fully anticipate ruining my first couple tries and don't want it to be an expensive mistake

[Kris Kristufek]

How many ice blanks do you need? I have 10 solid carbon 28" St. Croix ultra lites for $10 each or all for $85. Plus several hundred solid fiberglass blanks in various sizes. Each of these $3 each.

We can supply all of your needs then have it drop shipped to your address. Take a look at our web site, go to the Links page, Merrick Tackle has everything and more. You can order thru us using this catalog, just call for pricing or send your list and we'll quote a deal.

[mrfish1991]

Kris, I sent you an email with a couple of questions about a custom rod. Hope you can get back to me soon

the emil address is the one in my signature

[Kris Kristufek]

mrfish,we did send you a quote yesterday per your request. Thanks for the opportunity to build out your rod.

As you search for the right builder, keep in mind there are differences between all pro builders like us. We use only the finest and highest quality component parts we can source. Fuji seats, Fuji Alconite guides, etc. We do our own handles from either wood or Portuguese burl cork, add trim wraps, locking wraps, rod socks, etc. You do get exactly what you pay for.

[harvey lee]

I totally agree Kris. One can purchase a less expensive rod but all the components and the rod blank will also be on the lower end.

Thats fine unless one is looking for a well built rod with the better blank and components.

Typically one does recieve what they pay for.

[mrfish1991]

just got my dad's ice rod built by DLF custom rods and its BEAUTIFUL.

here is a picture of the handle

(sorry bout the pic size)

the rod turned out better than I expected and im sure my dad will love it.

[shnelson]

nice rod mrfish!

I finally got a start on mine, using a st croix med-light blank. I'm waiting on the dryer to show up from UPS but I think I'm happy with the threads. I had very little idea of what I was doing, and just went off some youtube videos for wrapping reference. I know there's got to be a more efficient way of starting different colors than what I was doing. Here's some photos of how it turned out so far, would love to hear any tips or advice you guys have (be gentle - it is my first one!). Kris - I will probably be e-mailing you soon for some supplies, this is time consuming and tedious yet very addicting!

[upnorth]

Nice Job!! The only thing to consider is that putting extending your guide wraps that far means you also need to epoxy them, that adds to the weight of the guides. I is not a big deal down by the butt section, but at the tip it will deaden the action/feel of the rod some. Personally I try to keep the guide wraps to less than 2 turns before it starts up the foot and a 3 or 4 turn trim wrap to keep the weight in the guides as low as possible.

[Kris Kristufek]

Looks nice! Ice rods are not as easy as one might think! But you did good on the first one. I too would suggest not so much thread ahead of the guide foot. Maybe 5 or 6 turns assuming you use size A thread. The use of metallic should be limited to trim bands as it does not have the tensile strength of nylon threads. A couple of or maybe 3 coats of light finish and with some ice you should be good to go.

[shnelson]

You got that right - my thoughts were to start small thinking it would be an easier task to accomplish, but now i'm realizing that the smaller rod diameter is much more difficult to work with (at least for me). I'm still happy with the decision for an ice rod because it will be in season in a week or two .

What is the least amount of turns (or average) you would do for a trim band? Part of the reason my wraps are so wide is because I couldn't get the thread to secure back on itself that easily, and now that you guys mention it I think I might re-work the front guides and bring them down a bit. I wanted something on the tip, but looking at it now it seems very excessive (I know most tips have no wrap, I just wanted some color on it).

I am learning that I need to invest in better equipment, my thread tensioner consists of some eye hooks, a chunk of 2x4 and a vex battery for weight. I had issues with keeping the rod secured on the stands, I think I have my wheels too close together because it kept rolling off on me . I've been trying to find classes to go to, but so far there's been nothing local to my area.

[Kris Kristufek]

We all learn by doing. I think you are "doing" fine, you see the errors and are willing to correct them.

Consider a rod building class. It will shorten your learning curve immensely for sure. We have a class schedule in Baxter, MN the weekend of Jan. 22-24, 2010. Sign up now for 15-17 hours of hands on instruction in a small class setting.

btw... trim bands are generally 1-3 threads. Easy to do, but tough to explain on this forum. A whole lot like tying your shoes. lol...in fact that is one way it is done.

[bemidjibasser]

trim bands...

pull off about 18 inches of thread, but leave it attched to the spool.

take the loose end and make three fairly large loose wraps around the blank and your index finger so your finger can still easily slide out of the loops

after the 3 wraps have been made, pull your finger out of the wraps and insert the tag/ loose end of the thread through all 3 loops, it willl look much like a pre-made bobber stop around a straw.

tighten the wraps by pulling firmly on the spool of thread and the tag end of the wrap that was just put through the 3 wraps

snug the newly formed trim band up next to your main wrap or whatever by using your thumb nail or burnishing tool

hopefully that helps and makes sense...

[upnorth]

I start my trim wraps the same way I start a guide wrap except I lay the pull through thread down when I start the wrap. I also use very little tension on the trim wraps. Next rod I wrap I will try to do a how to about how I do them.

A better cheap tensioner is books. It is easier to regulate tension on the thread. If need be you can take a book off to allow and easier start up of the wrap and then add it back to add more tension to help hold the guide. You only want enough tension to hold the guide in place, too much and you can damage the rod blank.

[Dark Cloud]

Nice work!

I also find ice rods more frusterating. One would think they'd be easier but the thin diameter is a pain and if they are flimsy or ultra-lite that makes em much more difficult to work with.

Thin trim wraps take a while to get used to. I make mine alot like UpNorth but I find more thread tension is easier to work with for trim wraps?

I will try the finger and slip bobber technique though...

[upnorth]

Just goes to show, we all have our little ways we like to do things. If it works, then do it.

And yes ice rods are a pain, small diameter and not a lot to hold in the wrapper. But they are good way start and not have to put out a lot of $$.

[shnelson]

upnorth, I'd love to see your how-to if you get a chance to throw one together!

I cut off all of my threads last night and re-did them, taking as much of the advice here into consideration as possible.

Shortened the thread runs quite a bit, and turned the blue/silver threads into very small trim bands. bemidjibasser, your guide worked well for me but I still have to work on my technique. I kept getting my fat finger caught up in the threads and messing them up .

Threw a coat of epoxy on last night, from what I saw this morning it turned out somewhat ok for my first ice rod. Will post pictures tonight when I get home for those interested!

Thanks again everyone for all of your help, I can see this becoming a hobby that I keep up with.