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Thorne Brothers - Custom Advice

Hotspotter

By Hotspotter
in Rod Building & Lure Making

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Hotspotter Veteran

Hotspotter

Posted
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Thanks for all the help on the custom rod advice here guys. I also wanted to thank Lonnie Murphy and Matt Johnson of Thorne Brothers for answering every question I could think of and more!

Lonnie showed me a little bit more about the process, and led me through the steps from rod-tip to butt-section. We talked grips, we talked guides, we talked weight, sensitivity, personal preferences on wraps and customizations regarding how each person holds a rod.

I ended up stepping up to the GLX 9000 series in 7'6" for rigging. Rather than paying a premium for the titanium guides, I went with more basic SiC's, and am having a tapered front section on the handle similar to a Croix. Front base of the reel seat will be covered with cork for a bit more comfort, and Lonnie helped out with the guide spacings as well, taking one of his very own rods and giving us measurements for it. He showed me what each wrap color would look like, before and after being coated with epoxy, which really helped me make my decision.

Basically, in one visit, Lonnie and Matt took some of the mystery out of rod building, and even encouraged me to take a stab at the craft myself. At the same time, I got to see alot of the innovations, esp. in grips, that they've come up with over the years.

As I found out, they're the reason that Loomis continues to offer the GLX in that model because of the number of custom rods they do with that blank. I think that says it all right there.

Joel

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JohnMickish Grand Master

JohnMickish

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Working with those guys picking out the parts and options of your rod is pretty fun, isn't it. There are ALOT of decisions to be made on a custom rod, but when your done it's all yours. Did you ever think of making it yourself at their shop?

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Hotspotter Veteran

Hotspotter

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I thought about it, but am not artistic in the least. I "can" take the time to do a good job, but usually won't. Growing up on a farm, I learned to wire, tape, weld, and bolt everything together in various goofy-looking configurations that got you through the next day. Usually style points were about zero. Any rod I built would probably look the same \:\)

Joel

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311Hemi Grand Master

311Hemi

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Just got done building a HS9000 IMX up a TB last week (thanks for the suggestion RM!). It turned out great and they were very helpful and explained everything as we worked through it. It's definitely good to have someone show you how things are done properly and explain kind of how everything fits together as your building. I am very happy with how it turned out being my first time. Granted I did have help along the way but that would be expected on a first time build and they were there to make sure I did things right.....which was nice because I went fairly big for my first rod. Looking forward to building some cheaper rods, maybe start practicing with some ice rods at home.

I will be back!!

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rodmaker Experienced

rodmaker

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Awesome!!!! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Start saving for another IMX next year.

The HSR 9000 is one of my favorites!!!

Get up to Mille lacs and set the hook with the new rod grin

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311Hemi Grand Master

311Hemi

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Just got back from Leech last night and broke the rod in with a 5 lb northern and 22" eye!!!

Oh yea...picked up a Saros 3000 to go on it. Fit nicely. Should have waited though because Reeds had the Stradics on sale for $120!!! Oh well, that reel made a BIG difference over the old Spirex...muuuch smoother!!!

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311Hemi Grand Master

311Hemi

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I liked it a lot even though I didn't do any live bait rigging this weekend. Very glad a built it. That hidden hood handle is much better/comfortable than any other rod I have.

The big test will be the first week of June where I will be pulling live bait rigs all week long in Canada. grin

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