Every angler has at
least one favorite rod and reel. Most have quite a few.
I'm no different.
I realise that one
man's treasure is another's trash, so I won't detail specific outfits on this
page. Instead, here are some of my notes regarding rods and reels in general:-
Rods
Let me declare my
interest - I build customised rods. However, I'm not going to promote my rods
on this page. If you would like more information on my rods, please visit:
http://highmodulus.tripod.com
(still under construction)
I will however, say
this in regards the local (Singaporean) market:-
- In terms of components, custom
built and productions rods are pretty similar, with production rods being
cheaper on a cost of production basis alone (obviously).
- Nevertheless, a rod custom built
especially for you will outperform a generic production rod.
- If you're in the market for
a custom built rod, make sure it's really custom built and not just assembled
for you. If you're getting a rod with a typical handle and a standard layout,
go and buy a production rod instead. It'll perform just as well and cost
you less.
- Many "custom rod"
builders do a fair job of assembling the rod from standardised components
and then devote much of their time and energies executing an elaborate butt
wrap. I think this is a case of putting form before function.
- Some pointers to whether your
rod is really being "custom built":-
- Is the handle being sized and
shaped specifically for you? Are the cork rings taper reamed or uniformly
bored?
- Are the number, size and design
of the guides decided upon in consultation with you with reference to the
performance characteristics and priorities?
- Will the individual guide positions
be checked and adjusted by actually loading the blank with line?
It's not my place
or intent to deride others, but of you are going to pay for a true custom
rod, then you should definitely make sure you're getting one!
If you've decided
to build your own rod, good on you! I would suggest you invest in the definitive
work by Dale P. Clemens entitled "Advanced Custom Rod Building".
If you haven't bought the blank yet, I would suggest a look at the Lamiglass
range; they're not for everyone, but I think they are very much under rated
locally.
Little known fact:
the now famous Mr. Gary Loomis was once a rod designer for Lamiglass!
Reels
Well, what can I say?
I definitely have many more reels than I need!
That said, I've never
bought a reel to collect or leave on the shelf. My reels see action and get
dragged with me through rain, thunder and lightning!
Some points of interest
that may just help someone:-
- The Abu Sovereign spinning reels
are nice if a little heavy. The rotor assembly on the 1000 is identical
to the 2000 and likewise on the 3000 and 4000. That means that the 1000
and 2000 spools are interchangeable as are the 3000 and 4000. Don't ask
me why, but that's 4 reels for the price of two!
- Smoooth drag washers are a nice
and convenient way of improving the performance on your reel. I use them
on some reels. However, they do have a down side that makes them unsuitable
for light and ultra light tackle - the initial resistance with these washers
is a lot higher than when compared to conventional drag materials.
- BEWARE of local shops that claim
to "super tune" or "blueprint" your reel. Most of their
mods are primitive and can do your reel damage in the long run. A common
method is to remove the shim washer in the bearing cap - a quick way to
scratch your bearing when you do need some braking force! "Blueprinting"
is a common misnomer when applied to fishing reels - it's automotive origins
simply cannot be duplicated when it comes to a fishing reel. If you're really
keen on tuning your reel, consult books such as "The Complete Book
of Light tackle Sportfishing" by Mark Sosin, research the web and if
you still want someone else to strip your reel, make sure you know exactly
what is going to happen.
- The Abu Ambassadeur 1500 and
2500 are now firmly established as a modern classic with a cult following
in many countries. After 30 years, they're still in production! That's saying
alot in a world where new models seem to replace older ones every coupld
of years or so. Recently, I thought about upgrading my 2600 IAR. It was
an amazing experience; in addition to the two standard production bearings,
it seemed that I could add another 5:- 2 on a special spool, 1 in the left
bearing cap and 2 to the level wind assembly! The modified spool too was
amazing - an ultralightweight wiffle design typical of high performance
domestic japanese reels! On top of all that, I could upgrade most of the
bearings to ceramic or ABEC 7 versions! Then reality sank in - the cost
of making all these mods would come to about two thirds the price of a new
Scorpion SVS 4x4! That aside, I may well still have done it, except the
1500/2500 series have a woefully inadequate drag system. I'm still mulling
over it, but the bum drag system is definitely a problem.
