New Here - First Build

WillC · February 29, 2016, 10:59:34 AM

Hi All,

Im new to the site and wanted to introduce myself with a post on my first rod build.

I have a few trips under my belt with my new 7' rod using the Liberty P703-USA blank. I have to say I am very impressed with the strength, weight, and how straight this blank is. Couple those aspects with the price, made in the USA, and a lifetime warranty.. I can see many more builds with these in the future.

I have used it on the CT river and lakes chasing Walleye, Pike, and Bass tossing topwater, plastics and jigs. No complaints yet.

Cant get over how light this setup is in my hand. Total weight with fully spooled reel is about 10oz. Could cast it all day.

Polaris425 · February 29, 2016, 11:01:06 AM

Welcome to UB And congrats on catching some nice fish on your very first build. That's quite an accomplishment.

Lee Smith · February 29, 2016, 11:53:53 AM

Welcome to UB and those Liberty blanks are very nice blanks to build on

WillC · February 29, 2016, 12:45:53 PM

Thanks all. I plan to build a couple more here pretty soon. One for Stripers and another for a baitcaster. Will be using Liberty Blanks for both.

Smallie_Stalker · February 29, 2016, 04:01:42 PM

Hey Will. Welcome to the Ultimate Bass family! Pleasure to have you with us. Pull up a chair, make yourself right at home and jump in wherever you feel comfortable.

Nice looking build. Congrats. It's always a blast to catch some on a piece of gear you built yourself.

And speaking of gear if you would like to win some free gear from some of the great companies that sponsor our site be sure and put your name in for the New Member's Contest and the Weekly Contests .

In the meantime if I can be of any help with anything please don't hesitate to contact me. Looking forward to seeing you around the boards and to learning from what you share with us.

Once again, Welcome!

><> Smallie_Stalker <><

Donald Garner · February 29, 2016, 06:09:44 PM

Will,

Welcome to the UltimateBass Family we're glad you're here

Thanks for sharing the pictures with us also

SFL BassHunter · February 29, 2016, 09:17:05 PM

Welcome to UB Will!

That is really awesome that you built that rod and caught some fish on it. It has got to be a great accomplishment. I know how great it feels when I catch fish on the cranks I hand paint and the soft plastics I pour. Doing it on a rod you built must be even better!

WillC · March 01, 2016, 07:09:25 AM

Quote from: rickdelprado on February 29, 2016, 09:17:05 PM
Welcome to UB Will!

That is really awesome that you built that rod and caught some fish on it. It has got to be a great accomplishment. I know how great it feels when I catch fish on the cranks I hand paint and the soft plastics I pour. Doing it on a rod you built must be even better!

Many thanks for the warm welcome guys. I also pour/paint/tie the jigs I use, as its illegal to use lead in my state and tin jigs are hard to come by.

bigjim5589 · March 01, 2016, 10:23:16 AM

Will, Welcome to UB & the Tackle Box forum! Glad to have you here!

Nice looking rod!

Yep, it's always more enjoyable when catching fish on what we make with our own hands!

If you get the chance, post some of the jigs you make! I'm sure folks here would enjoy seeing them!

Look around, anything we can help you with, feel free to ask!

Smallie_Stalker · March 01, 2016, 02:56:31 PM

Quote from: bigjim5589 on March 01, 2016, 10:23:16 AM
Will, Welcome to UB & the Tackle Box forum! Glad to have you here!

If you get the chance, post some of the jigs you make! I'm sure folks here would enjoy seeing them!

Yes, please do. Lead under 1 OZ. is illegal here in MA too. I am curious as to what material you use to pour your jigs and how you find it compares to others out there.

Thanks in advance.

><> Smallie_Stalker <><

WillC · March 02, 2016, 08:39:30 AM

Here are some that i poured using Tin. Its the cheapest alternative to lead that I can find. It is lighter than lead though. So using my molds that make 1oz lead jigs, produce 3/4oz tin jigs. I have them at 1/4oz, 1/2oz, 3/4oz, 1.25oz. Most are either White or Glow.

In the pic below are the 3/4 and 1.25oz.

Smallie_Stalker · March 02, 2016, 02:36:14 PM

Those look great Will. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and for posting the pic.

bigjim5589 · March 02, 2016, 06:53:01 PM

I agree, they're good looking jigs! I really like the thread color you're using, since most folks use red.

Is that the only style you mold? I have several molds of different head designs I use for tying with bucktail, and I primarily tie them for chasing Striped Bass too.

I've yet to give tin a try, but have certainly considered it.

WillC · March 03, 2016, 07:53:52 AM

Quote from: bigjim5589 on March 02, 2016, 06:53:01 PM
I agree, they're good looking jigs! I really like the thread color you're using, since most folks use red.

Is that the only style you mold? I have several molds of different head designs I use for tying with bucktail, and I primarily tie them for chasing Striped Bass too.

I've yet to give tin a try, but have certainly considered it.

I have the round head molds for the lighter jigs (1/4-5/8). Tin isnt cheap, so i only use it for jigs under an ounce or for anything over an ounce that will be used in Reservoirs. For the salt, i use lead.

bigjim5589 · March 03, 2016, 07:04:38 PM

Yes, the cost of tin has been one reason I haven't used it yet. But, I guess if I had to, I would!