idbass

Scored my new PB today. Weighed 10lbs 5oz for my first ever DD. Only had to drive over 800 miles to catch her. 8" ROF 12 Hudd Rainbow Trout BB rigged 25lb Big Game Okuma Guide Select H Shimano Cardiff 400

I build a light swimbait rod off of the MHW 956SWB. It is a blend and has a moderate taper. It loads nicely for baits in the 1.5 to 3 ounce range. I use it for Hardgills, 7 and 9" slammers, and 5-7" line throughs such as Ospreys or Rising Sons. I am a big fan overall of the MHX blanks, I think they are a great value.

Cool look inside his boat and some of the stuff he throws on the Elite Series

In

If you get a chance, read Bill Murphy's chapter on moon phases. It's very similar to what Colby said.

Done very well on them. Dirty Jigs and Warbaits make bigger heads that can be paired with much bigger tails if you are really looking for a kicker. Check out Matt Allen's video on them on his site. I am definitely sold on their capabilities as both a numbers and big fish catching bait.

Not asking how to copy, simply looking for input on what peoples preference is for handle length based on the baits that I will be using. I chose to ask here as opposed to directly PM Ben because: 1 - I figured he would be too busy 2 - I don't just want feedback from the rod builder, I want input from the people who are actually using the rods. If you wanted to gauge someone's experience with a car, you would not go directly to the manufacturer, you would look at reviews online, Consumer Reports and other third party sources. This is what I am trying to do here. I guess if building one rod for my own private use with my dad in my garage using a rod handle length that is based on feedback that I have gathered from other people is copying, sh*t I guess that is what I am doing . Also, if you notice in the OP, I did not just ask about LDC's, I asked about other custom rods, or just rods in general and how people liked the handle length. I chose to put LDC in the title because I figured that that would lead to more people viewing the thread based on how popular the rods are.

I have used the 6" Trout SS and have done very well with it. Good numbers bait and the tank smallies really love it. Very durable baits as well. They can be hard to find but I ended up just PM'ing Nate on SBN and purchased from him directly.

For those of you who have LDC's, custom build rods, or swimbait rods you like in general, what is your preferred handle length (butt cap to end of fore grip)? I am building a rod and am trying to decide on handle length. I will primarily be throwing Hardgills, Slammers, 6" Nates and also some 68's. The blank is a 7'11" MHX SWB956.

I am looking at building a swimbait rod over Christmas Break and am trying to decide whether or not to spiral wrap it. I was wondering what your opinions were on it and whether or not it would be worth doing. I am planning on building off of a Phenix M1 MX-UR80H blank and using it mostly for throwing Hudds and similarly sized baits.

In to try these out for some big pike.

Would love to get in on this. We're getting into big pike season up here in North Idaho and I can see some of their bigger stuff doing really well worked nice and slooooow over those submerged weedbeds.

Just like most people have said, Lexa if you prefer low pro reels, Cardiff if you prefer round reels.

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