hi all, this is as far as ive gotten so far, but the other parts are en route. im mounting this on a matrix 3 piece 5 wt blank, with nickel/silver guides.
its a les frieborg handle and seat, and i went with dave from patriot for the rest, just because hes outstanding as a supplier.



just figured id give an update, and start a thread to let you guys know my progress

whoa, dark pic

Very nice looking handle
I took the liberity of trying to fix your picture (hope that it looks better)

Bob

thanks OSD, much better

I have a grip like that from Les only in green wood, VERY nice choice. Although now I'm startin' to feel like my swap rod is to plain after seeing this

steeldrifter
Then it will match the flies you have tied for me. Real plain, so plan one can not even see them.

Brian

[QUOTE]


Thats OK steve, He doesn't know who to use them anyway. He doesn't even have water to use them in


Have fun
Randy

just picked up the rest at the post office, these matrix blanks are great, the butt section has woven graphite...or woven somthing, 3/4s of the way up, will look great in the sun. also built a rod wrapper out of busted up skids from work, it dont have to look good to work. ill post pics as i progress.
im also wondering if i remeber how to do this

butt sections done, mid is in the dryer, tip is wrapped and waiting for the dryer, and heres the kicker....the girlfriend is making the sock, havnt seen her even look at the sewing machine in the 3 years we been together. so she digs it out, with a crapload of material, and lo and behold...shes got material thatll work, no flowers, no bows, no pinks....but woods, and geese. i couldnt believe it.

ill post some pics in a while, (after i have a few), im going out to the watering hole to watch some olympics.


btw SD, your idea with the blow dryer works great. im impressed with the way the epoxy looks

camera ran outta juice so heres the butt section anyways, maybe with a bit of down time, itll let me take a few more in a bit.





i either need a tripod, or a smoke

Looks sharp, very cool looking handle

Another sexy rod!

This is gonna be a good swap



Gary

Nice looking rod, gotta love them reel seats by Les

Rick

Very nice very nice. Yes Gary this will be a good swap.
Brian

Dear Gary

As much as I would think that would be a good laugh
It would be better if YOU got the booby prize this time.
What you heard is that I was sending YOU the birch branch in the mail. Brian just put a label on for me that says something about your style of fishing and your choice of reels being the same
Sucky

Brian

I heard chris sent a message to Gary that told him to send his rod to himself, knowing full well that no one wants his schitch. Truth be told, he put his guides on backwards again. I got his last rod and all of the guides were put on backwards. Won't cast a damn. We need to go up there and show him how to wrap a rod. And fish

Randy

Randy
I am with you on showing Gary how to fish. We can also show hin how to build rods out of something other than laminated grass.
And Gary with a good line a broom stick will cast very well . How do I know. I did us did just that for a group, to illustrate the importance of a good line.
Brian

just another update, heres the picture of the wraps. the rod bag its being shipped in is huge, the old girl figured itd be a great idea if you could also put your reel in with it.....you might also be able to put your waders also....she did put alot of thought into it, and my god, itll be secure.


being shipped out monday morning, express post, with tracking #.
im thinking of posting the tracking # here to boost the suspence of whos getting the noobies rod this time

weve seen the pics gary, and we believe you man