buch1565

Nelson Custom Rods made mine. I love it, and had a great experience during the build. I'm very picky. It's perfect.

Nelson Custom Rod above is paired with a Calcutta 400D. It was built using a Phoenix 803 Black Diamond Hybrid Blank. Throws the Deps 250 very well.

Just Picked up my Nelson Custom swim bait rod yesterday. Built on the Phoenix Black Diamond Hydrid 838 for 250s. It's a work of art. Nelson is crazy detail oriented, and was stressed over ever detail of this rod making sure I loved the final product. We talked several times per week throughout the process. I had a great experience. If you are looking for a Custom build, he makes a great rod, and is an even better guy to work with. Message me for pictures if interested (I can't post images on here).

I ordered an 869 blank for a custom build. I sent it back b/c it was so beastly. A Deps 250 did not deflect it very much. The 869 is going to be a good blank for a really heavy bait like the Mother. I'm not sure it would be a very versatile rod, especially for baits below 7 oz.

You can certainly use Alps on several PHD blanks, just not the 869XH. The diameter of that blank is .905. It is their thickest blank in the PHD lineup. If you fit an Alps on that blank, it would be way too far up that rod, you'd have to cut off a large section that would void the warranty.

I'm getting a custom rod made on the Phoenix PHD869XH. I've been working with Walker Nelson of Nelson Custom rods. I found him through the Phoenix website where he is listed as a dealer. Walker has been great to work with. We discuss options several times per week. Walker makes a a good effort to thoroughly answer questions in a very detailed manner. I've learned a ton from him about rod building and how rods perform when casting. I actually stopped by his shop today to get a custom fit for the reel I'm using (Calcutta 400d), and the primary bait I plan to throw (Deps 250). We hung the bait on the blank to feel the flex, and played with the positioning of the reel and handle length to best fit me. I could throw the Deps with less rod, but I know it will do well, and I'll be able to go as heavy as a Mother if I ever decide to cough up the coin. One downside to using this blank: it's too thick to fit an Alps reel seat. We are going to trick out a Fuji instead. For me, I wanted an experienced builder, and someone easy to work with that is available to answer all my crazy questions. Walker has exceeded all of my expectations. He builds a great rod, and is an even better individual. He 's certainly worth considering. Feel free to PM me if you would like his contact info. .

I just learned about the Got'um section of the site. Sorry for posting in the wrong section. What can I say, I'm a rookie;).

Invited my buddy to go fishing this past Friday. Told him I had a surprise. He was humored by the size of the bait and the splash it made when it landed (Wake Jr). On the very first cast, I turned the reel about 5 times- BOOM! Caught a 5 1/2. Neither of us could believe it, and it's a cast I'll never forget. Consider me addicted.

Gotcha, thanks very much.

Short version: I'm new to SU. I don't have permission to message. I'm trying to buy gear from members on here. What do I need to do to be able to message? Thanks