Spring is here!!!!

Well, for the first time in a LONG time, I am happy about the arrival of spring. Although one last snow storm is on its way, I am in full swing getting things ready for open water. I know, the blog is "On the ICE", which is what it started out to be, but I have have grown as has my passion for everything fishing. Last Sunday I was able to sneak out and hit some open water, we rolled into Red Wing at about 7:30 Sunday morning. After a few short stops, and meeting the rest of the group we attempted to launch at Everts. Well, as luck would have it the batteries int he boat were bad after being stored all winter. A quick walk up to the tackle shop, Chris was able to get replacements and we were back in business. Finally getting on the water, we fell in line with the parade of boats fishing. Long story short, alot of time on the water with few fish. Myself, falling to the goose egg, not a good way to start the year but hey, it was fun none the less! Look forward to maybe one or two more trips on the ice if I can get out, but I am focused on open water now. Re Rigging rods with vanish and trilene xt, re tying spinner and lindy rigs and getting them wrapped around swim noodles, boxing new crank baits, organizing the plastics selection, and finishing the final touches on the boat! Look forward to new product reviews!

Tight lines!

EK

Striker Brands Predator Bibs Review.

Sooo last month I did a review on the Predator Coat, I usually do not use a coat, so I guess I should have done the bibs first, but meh, who does stuff in order right? Okay, so, the Bibs are just as nice as the coat. Super warm, and really nice. Ive spent a ton of time in them this winter, more off the ice than on (we have a record snowfall this year, and Ive banked a ton of hours blowing snow!) The one major thing for me that I love about not only the predator bibs, but the whole line, is the triple play cuff system, Or adjustable inseam. You can adjust anywhere from a 30" inseam, to I believe 36". I'm not short, but im not tall either, so I keep them right between the first and second velcro line. Having this adjustment makes it so you do not end up with a giant ball of ice at the bottom of your bibs. I think the second thing that I like about them would be the fleece lined hand warmer pockets in the chest. I dont use gloves often so being able to keep my hands warm, and not having to stick them in a heavy canvas pocket, or zippered opening is nice.

As far as negatives go, I dont think I have any to offer, these are the best, all around bib for ME and the way I fish. I absolutely love them.

Some stats on them:

FEATURES:

» 320D Tussor 5000/5000 Waterproof/Breathable outer shell
» 100% seam taped
» 100g Thermadex insulation
» Sureflote buoyancy material throughout bib
» Articulated 1600D snakeskin knees for improved comfort and flexibility
» Additional padding in seat and knee areas provide extra protection and warmth
» Adjustable cuffs make inseam length adjustable*
» 3-way waist height leg zippers
» Reflective tape on front and back
» YKK 2-way heavy duty (10 gauge) front zipper with EZP design
» Magnetic storm flaps on front and leg zippers
» Boot storm gators with gripper elastic
» Adjustable suspenders
» Expandable cargo pockets
» Soft Touch breast pocket for valuables
» 2 exterior D-rings for accessory attachment
» Instant access openings to get to front under layer pockets
» Elastic stretch panels at sides for improved comfort and flexibility
» Beverage holder incorporated into thigh pocket*
» Fast-Drain Hems*

*patent pending

They retail for 179.99

Striker Brands Predator Coat Review

As most of my followers know, I am proud to be part of the Strikerbrands Pro-Staff. Part of this gig, gives me the opportunity to try the new products, and get the word about how awesome they are! LAst year I spent the year running the climate suit, and it fit the bill for a year round suit. This year I decided to try the Predator suit out. Its the lower end of the suits in the line. So far this year I have fished in some pretty wicked stuff, were having the 13th coldest winter on record here in Minnesota, and Ive only fished in my shack once....

Some of the features I really like on the coat are:

- The inside the zipper chest pocket, this allows you to store things like your phone, or a camera close to your body to keep it warm, but doesnt require you to take the main zipper down to access. It is also located under the flap of the zipper, so it keeps the elements out, and zips shut so you do not lose anything.
-Wrist cuffs, these are made of lycra, so they hug your skin, again this keeps all the elements out, and keeps your arm dry should you stick it in the hole to grab a fish.
-IT FLOATS, this is the big one for me, I want  to know that I have a helping hand should I go through the ice. (Look for a video on this later in the spring)

As far as negatives go, about the only thing I have found is the sizing still runs a bit tight. I find I wear a size larger in the striker stuff than I do in any other brand.

Here are the specs on the coat as well.

» 320D Tussor 5000/5000 Waterproof/Breathable outer shell
» 100% PU seam taped
» Sureflote buoyancy material throughout jacket
» 100g Thermadex insulation
» 360 degree reflective material
» YKK 2-way heavy duty (10 gauge) front zipper
» Radial body zip vents*
» Shock cord drawstring at waist and hem provide superior adjustability
» Expandable cargo pockets
» 2 exterior D-rings for accessory attachment
» Removable hood with memory wire visor
» Soft Touch inner neck collar for comfort
» Extended Lycra inner wrist cuffs
» Velcro adjustable stretch cuffs at wrist
» Left sleeve key pocket
» Soft Touch side access hand pockets
» Quick access pockets with interior D-rings for attaching safety picks
» Inner cell phone and zippered breast pockets
» Fast-Drain Hems*

January Report

Well, were creeping up on half way through the Ice season, We started off great, Nice solid ice before any snow. We are now looking at 2-2.5 foot of ice on most of my local waters, with 6-10 inches of snow on top. Ive become a weekend warrior with my crazy work schedule, but Ive been getting out. Most of my time spent on the same lake, catching a mixture of sizes of crappies. Ive been having a ton of luck with something I hardly ever used in the past, vertical baits. Specifically the Custom Jigs And Spins Demon. I have always been a horizontal jig guy. Ive also been having a ton of luck with my go to spoon, the PK Flutterfish, in Red Dot Glow, in the 1/8th oz. size.

First time on the ice for 2013/2014 season

With all this cold weather brings a new season. I have had an insane summer, starting my fishing season with a knee surgery in May, then having chd two in July, and getting married in October has set me here, summer and fall gone, and December and ice fishing has started!

With local reports of ice being walkable coming in, I decided to start planning my first trip, a flurry of text messages, lake maps, and surveys later it was set to go out yesterday morning (12-1-13) onto a small lake that is very in known and can put out nice eater Walleyes. We hit the lake at 6 am and started working our way out into the lake checking the ice before hauling gear out. First hole, marking fish, second hole, same. We set up relatively shallow and started fishing. Nothing. As the sun came up Matt kept fishing that area while I checked more ice and re opened some old holes someone had fished the night before. Same thing, fish marked, no bites! So we start the year off like this fish-1, Eric - 0

All in all it is nice to have some hard water back, I got to put some time in with a few new products and can now do write ups on those, and I got to hang out with a buddy that I had not fished with all summer.

Stay safe out there, we have 3-5" of ice locally but with snow coming in no one will be able to see the thin spots or skim ice that some of the deeper lakes still have.

Tight lines

-EK

Multiplier reel, third try....

So last week yet another multiplier reel hit the market. This time it came from our friends in Michigan. Sportsmensdirect.com designed the Tight Line Extreme. I put in an order and waited.

Today I go to check the mail and its already here.....3 days from Michigan to Minnesota. Thats Fast. I open the box and imediatly think, How do I change this from Right hand retrieve to left. I know from experience that most "fly reels" I use that term loosely, have a one way bearing in the main shaft. This reel is soo easy to change. Take out the dime sized flat head screw, rotate the gear assembly off the center spool, and take off the spool. Inscrew the bearing cap and flip the bearing over, and re assemble. super easy.

Now some technical stuff.....heres the specs....

Fast Line retrieval: 12" per handle turn
Ultra light weight: 3.7 oz.
Warm to the touch: Graphite frame
Easy to grip: dual, soft touch handle-knobs
Durable: ball bearing drive with center pin supported on both sides
True No-Twist/Straight Line performance: Line comes off the top of spool
Versatile Rod Grip: Able to Pencil Grip or top grip
Drag: Fully adjustable with unidirectional bearing (drag engages only going out)
Reel Orientation: Right and Left hand capable.

price $39.99

The only negative is there is no free spool. but I dont mind pulling the line by hand. I can strip 30 feet of line in 5 stretches of the arms or so. 

The major thing for me is the fact that the spool is inside an exo cage, I can rest the ball of my hand against the reel and it doesnt catch on the spool like it did on the eagle claw and Black betty 6061...

A few months back I saw a post on Facebook from PK Lures regarding Pro staff Openings. I had used the PK Spoon in red dot glow with fair success and thought that it would be a nice fit, I applied and was offered a Staff position within a few weeks. Upon accepting I was mailed a box with some goodies in it and when I opened it I found an assortment of PK Spoons, PK Flutterfish, And PK Ridgeline Crankbaits. Now, Im a 90 percent Ice guy.....I hardly fished open water at all up until this year. Ive had a ton of time to play around with these lures and have had some decent success with the ridgeline cranks trolling, pitching them up shallow.

So far this year I have gotten to test the PK Spoon quite a bit with really good results. The red dot glow/Nickle backed combo has been money so far.

Cant wait to keep the results coming from these lures! Great products from a great company!

Few reports

Been super busy lately, but getting some ice time in. Seems like the shallow bite is starting to end and the fish have started to move out to the basins. fished 10 feet on friday with not a whole lot to show for it. Taken a few trips here and there this winter that I need to write up reports from. First trip of the year was an overnighter to the Alex area, got into some really good fishing that weekend with a 25" eye and 14 inch brut Crappie coming through the ice for me, as well as an 11 gill for a buddy. Hit up the Mille Lacs area for a weekend and saw a few good fish get brought through the ice, sadly only one for me on a rattle wheel int he middle of the night. Been hitting alot of local lakes that Ive never or rarely fished before with mediocre results but having fun doing it!

New builds 2012-2013

Thought I would post some new rod pics since its been a while!
A sweet new rod for myself, 28" camo Noodle tip blank (Thanks DH!), 5" cork, Yellow/blue wraps

 Couple rods I built for a  buddy up in Bemidji, MN. Modified St. Croix Premier. Started as a 28" UL, ended up at 25" with a Spring bobber attachment. The Pink/Grey Combo wrapped rod was built for his Wife. 28" fast tip glass with Spring Mount.

 This rod is a 32" walleye Rod. Wrapped in the official 2013 EK Custom Rods Colors. Landed a brut 25" eye first trip out with this rod.

 Another Pic of the Camo Blanked rod.

 This rod was a redo, it originally had some blue wraps with no trim. Its a 26" Quiverstick Blank, 5" handle, and lightweight guides. Small deco wrap in green/blue.

 Added some blue trim rings to the handle for a little extra flair.

Let me know if your looking for a rod! Im busy, but busy in a good way!

Tight Lines,

-EK

Progress Report : Eagle Claw Inline Ice Reel

Well, I have been able to hit the lake a few times and have some reviews that I need to write up, And have had time to test some previously reviewed gear. Today I decided to sell the Eagle Claw reels. After using them a few times, I feel that they are an improvement overthe original "fly reel" craze reels like the okuma's and Procast's, But I think they have some things they need to improve before I fully commit to them.

1) the line piles to one side after a couple retrieves from deep water. Unless your paying attention all the time I feel this could lead to some problems with the line skipping off the spool. (this was what I experienced). I was able to offset the reel to one side a little bit and get it to lay on the center but it felt awkward.

2) The offset weight, the handle side of the reel is heavy and causes the rod to twist in hand

3) How it takes a 1/4 to 1/2 turn of the handle to disengage the free spool. This also lets the spool bounce when jigging heavier lures and felt just plain bad in hand when jigging.

So if your looking to try them out  I have one left for sale at $30.00 shoot me an email at EKCUSTOMRODS@GMAIL.COM

Tight lines!

-EK

Product Review - The new Eagle Claw Inline Ice Reel

A few weeks back a new reel popped up on the market. Rumor had it; it was a lightweight Multiplier reel, Was low cost, and limited. Limited meaning each store that got them had 6. By the time I heard about it the local store was out. I was bummed but put out the word amongst the many Iceheads I hang out with or talk to that I wanted to get my hands on one. The next day I got word that Eagle claw was clearing out units without box’s at half off retail. Again, they only had three hundred so time was crucial. I didn’t get around to calling till the next morning, the conversation went as follows….
Rep: Thanks for calling Eagle Claw, How can I help you?
Me: I need a few of those inline ice reels
Rep: let me look and see if there is any left.
5 Minutes later-
Rep: I have two, no more, no less
Me: I’ll take em!

Fast forward a few days I open the door to find my new Shiny reels in the mailbox. First impression was that It was a well put together reel compared to other eagle claw stuff. Step two was to change the retrieve over to how I reel. I looked in the bag, no instructions. I had known from previous reels that there had to be a one way bearing in the reel.  I set out to find it starting on the outside of the reel and working my way in. Within 5 minutes I was able to have them both reversed, Super simple. More later…..
Now onto the review.

Let’s start with the Pros –

Large rubber handles
•   This is great for guys who wear gloves, or guys with cold hands. Not necessarily hard to grab small handles with cold hands but
larger is better.
•   Also a double handle like most baitcasters.

2.6:1 Retrieve rate
•   This is most likely the #1 reason most people sought out to get this reel.
•   This feature aids in fishing deep water for gamefish, but also aids in the ability to stop jig spin.

Free Spool
•   Awesome feature that gives the angler the option to let a jig drop down the hole without having to peel line off by hand.
•   Simple to use, just push button in and line goes out, No flipping a bail open
•   Adjustable for light and heavy jigs

Cons

Weight
•   Although light weight the reel is balanced off center and tends to pull the line to one side where it will pile on the spool.
•   Feels “weird” in the hand, almost like the rod wants to twist
Feeling in hand
•   The way the spool is set up when pencil gripping the spool side of the reel rubs on the heal of your hand when reeling.
•   Might be better if the spool wasn’t ribbed on the edge, this would allow the spool to glide across the skin much like a normal fly reel does.

Drag
•   Not easy to set
•   Takes extra pressure to get the drag to work
•   Not a wide adjustment range

Reel foot length
•   Could be longer for the best feel

Conclusion:
If one is looking for a low price solution to the normal 1:1 retrieve ratio, this reel may be it. No real info has been provided on whether or not they will have more next year, or even later this year.

To change the reel from right to left or vise versa one must take these steps

1. Remove free spool knob and spring
2. Remove retaining screw and retaining plate from reel handle
3. Remove reel handle nut
4. Remove drag knob and two spring washers
5. Remove bearing and one way bearing, turn one way bearing 180 degrees
6. Replace, and re assemble.

Striker Brands - Striker Ice Mitt Review

Striker Brands – Striker Ice Mitts

Product Review – 09/29/2012

A few weeks back (during the Olympics) Striker Brands LLC was running a contest on their Facebook page. The deal was to see who could recommend the most people and get the most people to like the Striker page.  I ended up winning and getting a pair of the Striker Ice mitts.

Fast forward a week or two later and I get a package in the mail.

First impressions – The Mitts fit well and seemed very well constructed. They slid on easy and were adjustable in the wrist as well as up the cuff to keep water and cold air out. The knuckle section on the top of the mitt is padded and looks to be re enforced. One other Positive is that on the Velcro wrist strap they have added a Giant elastic loop for tightening. I think this will work great when cinching down the wrist to keep the mitt tight. I also noticed that the top of the mitt has a small zippered pocket. I want to say this is for a small hand warmer pouch, for the really cold days.

Now I only found one negative about the mitt.  The zippered pouch on the top of the mitt is small and awkward since it butts right up against the Velcro cinch on the wrist.

I took the time to find the stats on the Mitt from Striker Brands web page. They are as follows –

      Waterproof and breathable

      150g Thermadex insulation

      Ergonomic fit

      Easy on/off design

      Velcro pull closure large enough to use with mitts on

      Integrated pockets on the top of hand for heat packs

All in all this Mitt is very well designed and looks very durable. I hope to have the New "Climate" suit in hand within a few weeks to give a full review on as well! I cannot wait for first ice. Please visit  Http://www.strikerice.com to check out the full line of gear from striker!

-EK

Memories 7/16/2012

Mindy had to work tonight, and Zoey Zonked out on me around 8:30. I took this time in between to sit down and finish my homework for the week, after that I was walking through the house and noticed a fishing pole that I had started last year and never taken the time to finish.

This week was a stressful week to say the least, I picked up a part time job, so now my day consists of rod orders, work, daddy daycare, school, and family time. So I welcomed the alone time to sit down at my wrapper and work on a personal rod project.

Now as crazy as life has been it seem like the moment I sit down to wrap a rod all of it goes away. I end up in a zone and all I can think about is past memories of life lessons in the outdoors. Im not sure if its the way the thread lays on a rod or the way the powder turns from dust to a glosssy finish on a hot jighead, but something about it is tranquil. Tonight while sitting there wrapping the rod, I had ice fishing in the brain, who wouldnt with all this heat we have had this summer. Anyway, A memory I would like to share with you guys is the first one that popped into my head tonight. I was young, Im not sure when it happened or even where it happened. All I remember is I was out on the lake with Dad and my Godfather, otherwise known as "Uncle Lynn". I remember that dad had one of those houses that had a plywood floor and two plywood ends and a blue tarp for a roof. I believe now days they are called an Ontario Style house. Dad had taken the time to set up the house and get the holes marked, after that they slid the house off the holes and started drilling, this was the days before power augers, and as a matter of fact I still have that same old blue mora hanging in the garage that was used that day. Being a kid Im not sure if I was bored, excited or chasing something around the lake, all I know is I remembered those famous words still heard on lakes today, "Watch out for the holes". You guessed it......in went the foot, calf, knee, and finally stopping at the thigh. I remember dad grabbing me and throwing me into the old chevy pickup and turning it on and blasting the heat. Down came the house, all the gear loaded back into the truck, and off for home we went.

The next memory to come to mind was another with Uncle Lynn, this time we had taken a family vacation up to the Duluth area. We went with Lynn as well as my godmother Sally, After spending the night in Duluth we headed north to twig to stay at a very nice little cottage, well at least I remember it looking like a cottage on the lake. I remember that the lady who owned it was a friend of my godparents. Either way, I remember being on the dock with Lynn, Im not sure if he was fishing or if we caught anything but I remember him handing me a pole and casting it out. Being young I remember hooking something and pulling and pulling as hard as I could, I remember a snap as the line broke and running up to the house to tell Lynn about the huge fish that broke my line. Looking back on it now and remembering how silly I must have been telling my fisherman's tale, It was definitely a snag but back then......what a whopper!

Im not sure if its the fact that after Lynn passed away, I didnt see much of my godmother. Only to have come back into my life in the last six months. Or if its just the fact that Im a dad now that I am starting to remember this when Im at the wrapper and relaxed, But I welcome the memory's of lifes lessons.

I hope you enjoyed my little story's and I hope to have more time one of these days to get back to the blog and write some more. Either way, the rod is almost done, and is properly being dubbed "Casey" for Uncle lynns faithful companion.

Rest in peace, and I hope your Lines are tight Lynn! Wish I woulda had more time with ya!
Lynn Edward Bartsch 4-10-51 1-21-96

6/18 Kitty Fishing!

 I have been trying to get to catch my first Kitty for a while now and was finally able to last monday night. A friend of mine just happened to shoot me a PM with an offer of an open seat so I jumped on it. We set out about 5:15 from New Prague and we were on the water by 6. We headed down river and set up in a spot that looked promising with a good deep pool with some trees in it and a nice seem to toss some cut bait into.

We set out three lines one with cut bait, one with a plastic covered in a home made stink bait concoction, and a live bully. After getting the run down of the general plan for kitty fishing we were set to wait. Low and behold it was only a few minutes and we heard the clicker go off on the cutbait rod. Since I was new they let me have the honor of pulling in my first kitty, a healthy 18" or so channel cat.

After re setting the line about ten minutes later Scott pulled in his first of the night on the same rod, again a nice mid twenties channel cat.

We re set again, and had the same story for 4 more fish, all three of us got in on the action. We moved up river again working back to the landing and stopped in a few more places picking up another 3 channel cats, and some smaller flatheads. I also picked up a nice gar which was my first of that species as well.


Thanks for the fun trip Scott and Andy! Had a great time!

6/5/12 Bemidji Day Trip

Those of you who know me really well know that I'm a die hard online forum guy, I staff for a few, and post on them all. One site in particular I spend the most of my time on is Http://www.lakestatefishing.com . I've been a member there for a few years and also was promoted to a staff position at the end of last winter. Between the fishing reports, general banter, classifieds and local threads I also spend a lot of nights sitting in the chat-room chatting away with fellow fisherman. Many times myself and Matt Breuer have chatted about me coming up and chasing some fish with him, well about two weeks ago another member Jamie Owens asked me if I would like to head up there with him and just split the cost. Cant beat that.  We made the plans for the 5th and left it at that.
I left my place at 4 AM and met up with him in the metro at 5 AM after that the direction of the day was north. It was supposed to take us about 3 -3 1/2 hours to get up there, lets just say we has some issues between the gps not working correctly and a wrong turn. We finally hit clear water bait at about 9.....After a quick stop to get bait we headed to meet Matt. We got the boat in the water and headed out to a shallow bar mid lake and started drifting and jigging for eyes in about 5-8ft of water. Matt put one in the boat within minutes, we had one in the box.....Well I think Matt picked up another 2, while Jamie and myself had no such luck. We did however land some sumo Perch. We also spotted a nice musky lounging on the rocks collecting some sun, and saw a few more nicer fish swim by. Pretty neat to be able to sight fish Perch and Walleye's in early June, in Blistering heat and no waves.
The rest of the morning had us running back into the river and then running to the other end of the lake. Same story- shallow, clear water, we found a few more walleyes and a few good fighting pike before running out of minnows.

We then decided to hop over to another lake and chase pan fish. We searched some shallow cabbage and Lilly pads in 5-10 ft of water. The rigging of choice was light line with floats and lindy lil nippers. Tipped with a waxy. Again I didn't have the luck the fellas had but did tangle with a few Nicer fish. Matt landed a really nice crappie that came in around 13.5" and Jamie landed a couple nice Gills that hit over 10" on the tape. 

All in all It was nice to get up there finally and fish with Matt! Thanks for taking us out bud, and we will see you when the water is frozen! If your ever in the Bemidji area and wanna get on some fish be sure to give Matt a call, His contact info can be found at http://northcountryguides.com ,

So far this spring I have fished a handful of local lakes, Gull, and Bemidji. I think next up I will hit Mille Lacs, then it sounds like we will be taking a family trip to the Detroit Lakes area end of June. So watch for reports and tight lines!

EK

Tournament time!

Well Friday took off to Gull lake by Brainerd MN. The goal was to fish deep water pulling rigs and look for big fish right away and then finish up with smaller fish if we needed too. Well we ended up pulling rigs and jigging over some shallow water humps pulling up 14-20 inch fish almost all day saturday with 5 over the 15 inch minimum for weighing.
Sunday we hit the same area and pulled up three weighers right away. My Partner was just getting ready to change colors about ten oclock when BAM the rod almost flies out of his hand. He starts to play the fish and right away we think we found our 6 lb'er for the day. We get it boatside to find out its a 6lb fish just not a walleye lol. Ended up pulling a huge pike that in previous years would have most likely taken the big pike money. So the rest of the day we found some more 15 inch fish and finished out with 6 and a weight of 8.2 lbs

We ended up finishing 9th out of 42 teams with a weight of 16.11 lbs. Not bad for a rookie.....I look forward to fishing this tourney again next year and exploring gull some more. No Pictures as a replacement phone is on the way, the rain and stormy weather claimed my phone sunday and it is hashed.

Tight lines.
EK

We all have those days, Right?

Since the last entry I have been busy, busy, busy. Seems I have only had time to get out about 4 times in the last month. With it being as warm as it was a few weeks back I was finding fish and they were hungry, Anything that was blue/chartreuse was lights out. The following few weeks lead to a cold snap and rainy conditions. Which pushed the fish back out deep and eliminated about 80 percent of my shore spots.

Last week a buddy picked up a new boat and asked me to come along for its maiden voyage. We agreed to meet up and hit the water in the late morning. We started off trying to duck away from the wind but ended up just tolling the shoreline and fan casting jigs and plastics. Within a few cast's it was fish on, a 9-10" Largemouth, Out of season....lol I think I caught another 3 and we decided to move. We ended up hitting another area on the lake which is a shallow bowl between the upper and lower portion. Again we set up to fan cast and troll, first fish Was to my buddy, a small Pike that snapped him off right at the boat. Next up it was me with another bass. This was the story for the next two hours before we called it quits.

I should have some free time this weekend to get out and about and try to get some footage. It looks like cold weather and rain the next day or two then another warm up so we will see what happens.

I want to take a moment to mention the jig and plastic I have been using. The 1/16th oz Lindy Watsit has been providing good action for me so far, although it is a fairly Large bait I have been able to catch some nice sunfish and crappie on it. When they do reject it I have been switching to 1/64th - 1/80th home tied hair jigs in blue/chart which are also working great on those finesse days.

Walleye opener is just around the corner! Tight lines!

Ek

 Well My quarter at school is over so I have some free time. Been working on some rods lately so I thought I would put up some pictures. The first one is a test rod that is mostly leftovers that I wanted to try some new rod wrapping techniques along with adding decals to the rods. So far I like it I think the white blanks will make the decals easy to see and gives each rod that unique look.













The second set of rods are a set of 32" walleye rods, built on solid carbon blanks. They have 5" cork handles and are wrapped in stock colors. Nothing new with these but I thought they looked really nice. They will have Seymo "stand - off" single foot fly guides which should give them a unique touch.

the Seymo guides are very unique and are set off the blank just a hair. They are a great option when trying to keep things light weight.



Till next time, Tight lines!

EK