Post Spine finding, I sighting check to see if the rod is straight in relation to the spine location. Usually the blank tip will droop farther in one orientation, spine up or down. I like the blank tip to droop less, this is also how you make an inherent production curve/tweek in a rod appear straight when fishing, have the blank curve ark upwards. Masking tape isn't a great arbor, it's a bit more messy but I use fiberglass drywall tape in epoxy sanded to final O.D., a shade heavier, but it transfers vibration better. I'm a two low-build thin coat thread epoxy guy, (after thread burnishing, no burnishing? No wonder it's a fast build) after the 1st coat you can knock down any thread nubs with an exacto knife before a 2nd thin coat. I also wait till the 2nd coat to apply the epoxy uniformly down off the treads sealing things down onto the blank for a neat thin epoxy edge, with a needle or bodkin. Lable epoxy: apply liberally then brush-tip stroke down it's long length all the way round several times. The flaming/bubble bursting: You can put the flame under the rod and work it down the label's length, heat rises up and around both sides of the blank, there is no need for direct flame contact.
Hi Matt, I have an idea for a possible video, not sure if it makes sense: on many videos of yours and eventually others, people say “I’m going to throw this bait so that it crushes as many wood as possible” or “this jig can penetrate a cover very well” and so on. The point of the video would be to show what exactly that means. I mean I am pretty positive that i normally pitch close to a wood, but not close enough. It would be helpful to have a video that explains where the bait should be casted in different circumstances… actually we see that a bit as the video plays but it’s very quick…so how close to a cover do we need to pitch / cast? How close to a wooden tree do you land your crankbait…and so on. I know this is a really complicated topic, please consider this a suggestion for when you lack ideas and not a request. I love what you do, and I’m learning a lot from your video, thank you 🙏
I was stroking a swim jig under a bridge on the river I always fish and hooked a smallie well over 5 lb probably closer to 6 yesterday a little off topic but I feel compelled to share , nice one Matt.
Have been a fan of 7 foot med light spinning rods since the 80 s. Used the old Berkley Lightning Rod for many years. Still a fan of Tennessee style grips ! Like using rod balancers on some of my rods. Great video and rod building skills. When Berkley Fire fire line came out, sometime in the mid 90 s, it made med light action fishing rods a must have for tossing finesse lures for smallmouth and walleye. Bill
so many affordable rod blank choices available today. Back in the day, IN FISHERMAN turned many smallmouth anglers on to using long med light rods designed for steelhead. Not only for throwing finesse baits on light line but also fighting big fish on light line. also never buy a rod with Buzz Ramsey s name on it... Bill
Thanks for the build video. Giving the 871 a look for a build this winter. Leaning toward a Tennessee handle or a FUJI IPSM or VSS reel seat (may have to build both :) . You've been using the LZR guides for some time. Do you have an estimated weight savings over the standard base FUJI alconite rings?
Am I the only one who gets a Bob Ross vibe off of these build videos? Matt: And here today...I don't know...maybe we'll build a fluffy little rod. And in your world, that rod can live anywhere you want it to. It's decision time, do we want it to be a spinning rod or a baitcasting rod? Remember, there are no mistakes, only happy accidents!
Enjoyed the video, but I don't think I could afford to do that, I can see problems with trial & error & $$, which I don't have much of, but that might be your nitch on making some $$ for yourself, I'm sure that you would have no problem selling them🎣
I’m trying to build my first rod for my son. He wants a red white and blue themed rod this Christmas. The 10yo loves America and I’m happy to oblige. Any ideas on how this might look?
Dear Sir I live in Florida near the st John's river,in Palatka. We had a hurricane go thou us here. How long do you think how long wait to go fishing ?
I've built 3. Well, I buy the blank and handle. I custom shape and attach the grip, then have the guides put on by a competent person with the right equipment.
@@MattStefanFishing awesome. Would you say that’s a medium or medium light? And does the extra 6 inches help with landing more fish and avoid them shaking or jumping off? Any downsides to it? I’m looking for something to keep fish pinned on baits like 2.8 paddletails with ball head jigs, ned rigs, drop shots, etc
Haven't made a rod since the early 1970s when it was impossible to buy spinning rods built to cast bass plugs. By the end of the decade rod suppliers wised up. Warn your viewers building their first rod is filled with danger. They're gonna screw up. Reel seat on backwards, spine on wrong side, crooked guides, spilled glue. Takes at least three rods until you get it about right. Thanks for reviving up those memories.
Depends on what components you use and how you craft it but in general i think the custom rods are every bit if not better quality than mass produced rods
@@MattStefanFishing great, thanks Matt! I’ve lost a couple fish that caught me off guard up close. I think a longer rod might have helped cushion that a little bit more?
Question: I plan to build myself a really nice baitcast rod, as well as a really nice spinning rod. Assuming that I have found the ideal blank for my desired application, if I wanted to use the same blank for both rods, would I just put the guides on the opposite side of the spine for spinning or bait casting?
Nice job Matt ,rod-building has been a huge enjoyment a gift they will use.weaving a flaming scull on a restored rod for a friend 40 hours for a five color weave now I’m working on 2 largemouth on a flipping stick remind them to mix the final thin coat very accurate or it my not set for days if ever 😊
Hey Matt the guys at 603Bass are trying to get some Pro Northern Anglers on their Podcast, Reel Northern Bass Talk. You should hit em up! You’d be great
This is the 1st time I’ve watched anything on rod building and then I went down the rabbit hole and checked out the mud hole supplier. Man that was a mistake, now I want to build my own line of rods just for me! This is going to get expensive.😅
something you did there made it click for me. I always had trouble starting my threads and the way you showed it made it make sense finally. just started another rod and now starting threads is a breeze, really feel like I leveled up haha. thanks a ton for the videos!
I've been multi tasking, watching you and listening to the weather. Trying to see if that storm is going to mess me up for tomorrow. Looks like it's going to work for me. That's different !
The difficult part of rod building seems to me wrapping, threading and everything concerning guide alignment and attachment. I really need a new spinning rod but I’m not at all confident I could do a competent job of building one. Your finished product is gorgeous.
I thought the same thing. I watched a TON of videos and with that and trial and error I have made several now that out perform off the shelf rods. ( plus it's way cheaper than buying nrxs lol) look up mudhole tutorials on TH-cam. You'd be blown away just how easy it is. Just take your time to really learn. Happy to answer any questions you might have on the topic
this is so awesome. Thank you Matt for doing it this way. Absolutly love how you listed parts etc. Im about to complete my first build for a casting rod from mudhole and was gonna build a spinning rod next!!!! One question if you remember. The fuji reel seat. There are a couple of hood options. which did you use.
I like the feel of the baitcasters with the thumb on top. I'ved turned my spinning rods to get that feel by welding metals together and putting it on the handle. People think I'm crazy. It has great feel.
I have a question on topic now lol,, So how do you think a 6’6” Heavy action rod would perform for frogging or punching. I’m asking bcuz I noticed that I’m more accurate with a shorter rod. I prefer shorter rods. I have 7’s and 7’2s and a 7’11 that work well for pulling fish out but I think I can achieve the same thing with a shorter rod.. what’s ur opinion???
Post Spine finding, I sighting check to see if the rod is straight in relation to the spine location. Usually the blank tip will droop farther in one orientation, spine up or down. I like the blank tip to droop less, this is also how you make an inherent production curve/tweek in a rod appear straight when fishing, have the blank curve ark upwards. Masking tape isn't a great arbor, it's a bit more messy but I use fiberglass drywall tape in epoxy sanded to final O.D., a shade heavier, but it transfers vibration better. I'm a two low-build thin coat thread epoxy guy, (after thread burnishing, no burnishing? No wonder it's a fast build) after the 1st coat you can knock down any thread nubs with an exacto knife before a 2nd thin coat. I also wait till the 2nd coat to apply the epoxy uniformly down off the treads sealing things down onto the blank for a neat thin epoxy edge, with a needle or bodkin. Lable epoxy: apply liberally then brush-tip stroke down it's long length all the way round several times. The flaming/bubble bursting: You can put the flame under the rod and work it down the label's length, heat rises up and around both sides of the blank, there is no need for direct flame contact.
thanks for sharing
Hi Matt, I have an idea for a possible video, not sure if it makes sense: on many videos of yours and eventually others, people say “I’m going to throw this bait so that it crushes as many wood as possible” or “this jig can penetrate a cover very well” and so on. The point of the video would be to show what exactly that means. I mean I am pretty positive that i normally pitch close to a wood, but not close enough. It would be helpful to have a video that explains where the bait should be casted in different circumstances… actually we see that a bit as the video plays but it’s very quick…so how close to a cover do we need to pitch / cast? How close to a wooden tree do you land your crankbait…and so on. I know this is a really complicated topic, please consider this a suggestion for when you lack ideas and not a request. I love what you do, and I’m learning a lot from your video, thank you 🙏
good suggestion
I was stroking a swim jig under a bridge on the river I always fish and hooked a smallie well over 5 lb probably closer to 6 yesterday a little off topic but I feel compelled to share , nice one Matt.
BIG ONE!
👍 Matt, I appreciate all your videos my friend. I'm just getting into this hobby and in process of knowledge gathering.
Subscribed.
Thanks for the sub!
Have been a fan of 7 foot med light spinning rods since the 80 s. Used the old Berkley Lightning Rod for many years. Still a fan of Tennessee style grips ! Like using rod balancers on some of my rods. Great video and rod building skills. When Berkley Fire fire line came out, sometime in the mid 90 s, it made med light action fishing rods a must have for tossing finesse lures for smallmouth and walleye. Bill
so many affordable rod blank choices available today. Back in the day, IN FISHERMAN turned many smallmouth anglers on to using long med light rods designed for steelhead. Not only for throwing finesse baits on light line but also fighting big fish on light line. also never buy a rod with Buzz Ramsey s name on it... Bill
Very cool!
Great job on that rod Matt, thanks for sharing all your measurements for this rod, I sure will use them when I build this rod!!!
You bet!
Thanks for the build video. Giving the 871 a look for a build this winter. Leaning toward a Tennessee handle or a FUJI IPSM or VSS reel seat (may have to build both :) . You've been using the LZR guides for some time. Do you have an estimated weight savings over the standard base FUJI alconite rings?
i do not but they are so lite i cant imagine there is much difference but ive never weighed them.
Am I the only one who gets a Bob Ross vibe off of these build videos?
Matt: And here today...I don't know...maybe we'll build a fluffy little rod. And in your world, that rod can live anywhere you want it to. It's decision time, do we want it to be a spinning rod or a baitcasting rod? Remember, there are no mistakes, only happy accidents!
hahah! i gotta have both
Matt. Have you thought of making these custom rods and selling them?
i have thought about it but havent sold any
You may have said and I missed it, or then again this may be a really dumb question, but the spine is on top or bottom of the rod?
depends on if its a spinning rod or baitcasting rod
super novice question. Does the spine lay on the top or the bottom of the rod?
Depends on spinning or baitcasting
@@MattStefanFishing so do guides sit on the spine?
Enjoyed the video, but I don't think I could afford to do that, I can see problems with trial & error & $$, which I don't have much of, but that might be your nitch on making some $$ for yourself, I'm sure that you would have no problem selling them🎣
there is a learning curve but its not that difficult and all fixable.
I’m trying to build my first rod for my son. He wants a red white and blue themed rod this Christmas. The 10yo loves America and I’m happy to oblige. Any ideas on how this might look?
doesnt matter how it looks he will LOVE it!
Thanks for your awesome videos, keep them coming on your rod build. My question is what size of thread do you use?
Size A
Dear Sir
I live in Florida near the st John's river,in Palatka. We had a hurricane go thou us here. How long do you think how long wait to go fishing ?
fish are bitting now id assume
I’d like to give this a go. I think my nephew would to. He makes fly’s all the time. Rods would be cool.
go for t!
I like TN handles on my spinning rod. Simplify’s the build some and definitely custom
Right on
I've built 3. Well, I buy the blank and handle. I custom shape and attach the grip, then have the guides put on by a competent person with the right equipment.
Matt what do you think about a 7’6 medium Or medium light? I have the NRX902 as well as the Steez version that is 7’6 in mind.
i love a 7'6" spinning rod i use the MHX SJ9000 all the time
@@MattStefanFishing awesome. Would you say that’s a medium or medium light? And does the extra 6 inches help with landing more fish and avoid them shaking or jumping off? Any downsides to it? I’m looking for something to keep fish pinned on baits like 2.8 paddletails with ball head jigs, ned rigs, drop shots, etc
Haven't made a rod since the early 1970s when it was impossible to buy spinning rods built to cast bass plugs. By the end of the decade rod suppliers wised up. Warn your viewers building their first rod is filled with danger. They're gonna screw up. Reel seat on backwards, spine on wrong side, crooked guides, spilled glue. Takes at least three rods until you get it about right. Thanks for reviving up those memories.
theres so many tutorials out there that i think it can be done without error. But there is a learning curve.
Which spinning rod blank do you use for jerk baits?
SJ812
Is the quality of the rod better if you build it verses buy it all ready done ?
Depends on what components you use and how you craft it but in general i think the custom rods are every bit if not better quality than mass produced rods
Why is the bait caster reel seat tight, and the spinner needs to be arbored???
i dont have that answer
I want to build a bfs rod. Should I use a spinning blank and throw baitcaster components on it. As far as handle anyway
You can do that
@@MattStefanFishing my daughter wants one of the colored ones. Here we go down another rabbit hole dammit
Can you take a look at the Orochi whipsnake specs and tell me whether that would be a good all around rod for finesse stuff?
i havent fished with it but it would be a good all around finesse rod
@@MattStefanFishing great, thanks Matt! I’ve lost a couple fish that caught me off guard up close. I think a longer rod might have helped cushion that a little bit more?
Thanks for doing this video. Any recommendations for a similar blank under 7 foot?
this is a good one! mudhole.com/products/mhx-69-med-light-elite-x-rod-blank-nsj812-mhx
Thank you!
Question: I plan to build myself a really nice baitcast rod, as well as a really nice spinning rod. Assuming that I have found the ideal blank for my desired application, if I wanted to use the same blank for both rods, would I just put the guides on the opposite side of the spine for spinning or bait casting?
Reason for using 2 different color thread.
i can identify my rods from each other quickly
Great video. How much for a Matt Stefan hand-built rod!? 🤣
haha
@@MattStefanFishing Mudhole is an awesome site! Gonna order a new reel seat for one of my old rods I wanna fix.
Nice job Matt ,rod-building has been a huge enjoyment a gift they will use.weaving a flaming scull on a restored rod for a friend 40 hours for a five color weave now I’m working on 2 largemouth on a flipping stick remind them to mix the final thin coat very accurate or it my not set for days if ever 😊
sounds great!
Plus all other videos too
thanks!
Just checked, sold out.
bummer
Hey Matt the guys at 603Bass are trying to get some Pro Northern Anglers on their Podcast, Reel Northern Bass Talk. You should hit em up! You’d be great
That would be cool!
This is the 1st time I’ve watched anything on rod building and then I went down the rabbit hole and checked out the mud hole supplier. Man that was a mistake, now I want to build my own line of rods just for me! This is going to get expensive.😅
You should! It’s very rewarding
Nice video! I thought it was funny you had all those fancy rod building tools, but no $10 heat gun 😂
oh i have a pile of $10 heat guns...only one works right now haha
Man you make that look so easy
it isnt that hard!
Love your videos Matt! I live how you don't "reach" for views like old intuitive randy lol thanks for all the info!
haha! Rod building videos definitely dont get the views but I love doing them!
something you did there made it click for me. I always had trouble starting my threads and the way you showed it made it make sense finally. just started another rod and now starting threads is a breeze, really feel like I leveled up haha. thanks a ton for the videos!
Glad to help!
I've been multi tasking, watching you and listening to the weather. Trying to see if that storm is going to mess me up for tomorrow. Looks like it's going to work for me. That's different !
good luck if you make it out
Awesome!!!! Hopefully one day I can do it just as good as you!!! lol Stay Safe and God Bless!!!
give it a try!
Timing for this video is perfect....literally just got my NSJ871 blank delivered yesterday! Thanks Matt!
Enjoy!
If you decide not to fish tournaments you can build custom rods. Nice work.
haha!
good lord tighten your drag a lil 😂😭
Ok
@@MattStefanFishing no I'm just giving you crap man 😂 love the videos
That’s a good one , got to be a smallie the way it’s fighting , love watching you fish
thanks!
Great tutorial. Perfect start to dive from in to the rabbit hole..👍
Glad you liked it!
The difficult part of rod building seems to me wrapping, threading and everything concerning guide alignment and attachment. I really need a new spinning rod but I’m not at all confident I could do a competent job of building one. Your finished product is gorgeous.
I thought the same thing. I watched a TON of videos and with that and trial and error I have made several now that out perform off the shelf rods. ( plus it's way cheaper than buying nrxs lol) look up mudhole tutorials on TH-cam. You'd be blown away just how easy it is. Just take your time to really learn. Happy to answer any questions you might have on the topic
@@bassman6211 Thanks
You can do it!
Yeessss! Been waiting for this one!! Thanks Matt!! 👍
Hope you like it!
this is so awesome. Thank you Matt for doing it this way. Absolutly love how you listed parts etc. Im about to complete my first build for a casting rod from mudhole and was gonna build a spinning rod next!!!! One question if you remember. The fuji reel seat. There are a couple of hood options. which did you use.
Glad it was helpful! i use the standard hood mudhole.com/products/fuji-tvs-ergonomic-spinning-reel-seat?variant=34374202884229
@@MattStefanFishing thanks! i just ordered all the components. Rod was sold out. So they will email me when back in stock. Thanks again
the insert.. how do you glue it in? Epoxy or what?
@@MattStefanFishing The insert..... How do you glue that in? Epoxy or what?
Very smooth and easy to follow presentation Matt 👍
Thanks 👍
Thanks, this is what i was lookng for
awesome!
How many inches do you put the guides on?
Depend on rod length
Great video, I've waiting for a spinning rod build. Thanks for the excellent instructional video.
You bet
Also if you want you could put a small amount of denatured alcohol in the epoxy that will thin it a little and allows to to even up inside!
interesting!
@@MattStefanFishing I add it to my epoxy on the lures I make. Works pretty well.
👍👍👍
thanks for watching!
I like the feel of the baitcasters with the thumb on top. I'ved turned my spinning rods to get that feel by welding metals together and putting it on the handle. People think I'm crazy. It has great feel.
stick with what works for you
Totally off topic but you look a little different, did you get a haircut? Or shave? Something’s different!!!
no hat haha
@@MattStefanFishing dang dude I just realized I’ve never seen you without a hat!!! You look way younger now!!!
I have a question on topic now lol,,
So how do you think a 6’6” Heavy action rod would perform for frogging or punching. I’m asking bcuz I noticed that I’m more accurate with a shorter rod. I prefer shorter rods. I have 7’s and 7’2s and a 7’11 that work well for pulling fish out but I think I can achieve the same thing with a shorter rod.. what’s ur opinion???