The story...
Jason D., a
West Virginia native, was interested in a custom rod that could serve dual
roles when he contacted IRC. First and foremost as a high
performance, light and packable float rod, but in the event he wished to
throw flies...could easily be converted to flicking them out to surface
feeders. We spoke about the waters he tends to fish, what his
experience level was with both fly fishing and the centre-pin float rod
angling and I formulated a build that would supply the results he was
suggesting. The guide selection ended up being my second
alternative, but one that I know Jason will enjoy using in both
capacities. I spruced up a stock 20" cork sliding ring reel seat
with a bit of rubberized cork, burnt and rings that are normally used to
construct checkerboards. It was just enough to make it unique, but
not crazy over the top (in looks or expense). A brown trout
was added and the wraps went from the requested simple nylon brown to
brown with a few bars of black accent banding.
PLEASE EXCUSE THE DUST AND
OVEREXPOSED PHOTOS!
It is almost impossible to
rid the rods of it this time of the year with static cling and foot of
snow.
Especially after I've waxed and
buffed them just prior to shipping.
Build Specifications:
Blank: Private Label 11' 3pc. 3/4wt. Merlot Red
Reelseat: Partially Customized 20" Tennessee Sliding Ring
Stripper Guides: Double Foot HF Casting
Running Guides: Single Foot Fly
Guide Wraps: Nylon Brown w/Black Accents
Ferrule Wraps: Nylon Brown
Winding Check: Rubber
Hookkeeper: BlackLooped
Decals: Trout & IRC
Cork: Burnt, Rubberized, Rubberized Burl & Partial Checkerboard
Rings
F.Butt: Rubberized Natural Burl
The Photos:



Build Review:
West Virginia is my second
favorite place to fish besides Pennsylvania's national forests, so I can't
wait for the fish catching photos and scenery shots that I'm making Jason
promise to send me! This blank and style of rod is one of my
favorites and I know that he'll enjoy the way it fishes.
With this rod, the adventure ends, but another awaits my
attention....
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