Moss agate stripping guide on a Rainshadow blank.
Things have been slow here on the TVangler site lately. We’ve failed to post anything on a few recent fishing trips, but it’s not for lack of trying. We’re gearing up for our Yellowstone pilgrimage, and I had two rods to finish up before heading out. That’s on top of all the standard pre-trip madness like last minute fly tying (I apparently didn’t use winter wisely), building leaders, organizing gear, mortgaging the house to pay for gas, worrying over stream flow data, etc. Priority number one, though, was finishing my wife Jacqulyn’s 9′ 6wt rod so she could use it while in Yellowstone. You can see the stripping guide to the right. The rod is a 2 piece 9′ 6wt Rainshadow blank. The blank is a deep green, the stripping guide is moss agate, the thread spring green and antique gold silk. I’ve included several more photos below. The reel seat is by REC with a buckeye burl insert. I think it turned out very classy. I included a feather inlay of brown ringneck pheasant and jungle cock nails. We took it out to cast on Sunday, and it performed very well. I was able to cast all the Cortland 444 line off the reel except for one last loop at my feet, probably a record for me. It wasn’t necessarily pretty, text book casting (read “huge tailing loops”), but I got it out there. And I might have been able to cast it all if I had had space. I kept snagging the power line, trees, and fence behind me. I apologize for the quality of the photos. I took them quickly between rounds of manic fly tying. Before we head out, I have at least one more article to post, and then I’ll be leaving the site in Insane’s questionable hands. Take care,
Nathan
Feather inlay of ringneck pheasant and jungle cock.
Handle area of the rod. The reel seat is nickel silver by REC. Insert is buckeye burl.
Close up of the hook keeper. The hook keeper is a British style tender in antique gold. Winding check is nickel silver by Struble.
You’re really starting to get that stuff wired. Great job.
Thanks, man. The Lord knows I’ve screwed up plenty enough before getting to this point, and I’m certain there’re plenty of screw-ups left in my bag of tricks. After having this much trouble learning to build up a decent-looking graphite rod (a fairly simple procedure), can you imagine if I ever start on bamboo? Shouldn’t be any shortages of tomato stakes or wood stove fuel when that time comes.
Enjoyed those Montana trip reports. Take care,
Nathan
Tom,
How can he not have this stuff down to a science? I mean good grief…this guy is a rod building freak! It’s just not normal to have a toilet paper dispenser that doubles as a rod wrapper. Just don’t Youtube that!!!
Looks pretty good! Now, you need to get Jac to double it over on one of those Yellowstoe trophies…. Oh yeah, get a picture of that if it happens!
I’ll give it my best shot but I’d say chances are pretty slim
I can’t wait to give it a try though.
I love it! Beautiful work and I liked being able to pick the colors and other options.
I have been hearing rumers, something that has to do with toilet paper, trees, and vacationers.
Great looking rod my friend. I hope yall have a good time with it in Yellowstone.
Excellente work! Very distinguished finish. And have a good trip to Yellowstone! Catch many fish.
Regards.