Wiltshire rivers are too low and warm for piking so making some inroads on the winter projects.



First up - TL Johnson synergy e-glass on carbon scrim 7'6#4, fantastic polished aluminium and maple Joel Lemke seat (formerly 'Mr Struble' if I have my facts straight), flor cigar grip turned on the drill, snake brand snakes, PB minima4 stripper, spar varnish finish no CP, old gold A nylon tipped silver. A chalkstream sweetheart with power in reserve.







Second, Dan Craft five rivers SigV G5 9'6, a deep flexing fast recovery blank rates a strong #5 or a #6. All rounder for larger rivers that can still drop a dry fly accurately at 20', would also make a nice lighter action still water rod. Nickel finish snake brand snakes, rust red A nylon, spar varnish no CP. Pewter tipping didn't work so well, disappears. Another cracking Lemke seat, garrison style black nickel and myrtle burl seat, mod full well grip, my favourite larger grip turned to fit

Thanks mate. Just when I thought I'd finished my 1st build (again), you put this up. I'll have to start over again

Oh lovely stuff there Taniwha, i love the Lemke's tried to get my hands on them but no such luck.. And yes you've got your facts straight.. What do you think about the TL glass?? I've noticed that you didn't go with the snake brand tiptop, do you also think they are to small and heavy..
I'm interested in the G5 as well i have the same size but then the old SIGV, how is the bend in this one??

Anyway lovely work there buddy, you've got a Dutch fan now..

J

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When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Dutchy, thanks, high praise coming from you.

I love the TLJs, I have them in 7'#4, 7'6 #4 and 8'#5. Fast taper and quick recovery for glass so good for beaded nymphs, duo rigs and smaller streamers as well as dries. The 8' is a stong rod (0.5" butt!) also tosses a #6. The 7'6 is my pick for smaller rivers for 0-50'

The SigV G5 has only had a short christening but has a very nice midsection bend and a strongish tip, tending to semi-parabolic. Dan is closing them out cheap - one #5 and a couple of #6 / #8s left. This is the #6 ERN 5.6 AA63

I share your view on snake brand tiptops - in chrome I prefer H&H light wire.

Lemke seats - I can PM his email for direct orders, or try Mike for stock in hand and general pricing (also TLJ blanks) Pioneer Anglers, LLC

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Hey Vince, I'm sure you'll do much better than my first build with all that "expert" advice you've been getting

Mark,

Beautiful work, I especially like those grips you turned; they remind me of the old Winston cigar and half-wells - very elegant. I wonder why they only produce reverse half wells and full wells now?
Love that darkened nickel silver hooded downlock too.

Cheers,
Steve

Steve
I have a loathing of western/RHW grips that borders on pathological - the bulk is in the wrong place - compounded by the fact that most factory rod grips are unncessarily long (even with big hands 6.5" FW is ample). The grip is what connects you to the rod and the best thing about turning your own is getting the fit and style just so, makes the best of the blank

Exquisite work Mark, love those cigar grips, and down lockers.
Very elegant indeed.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.