I wish I thought to keep exact numbers, but I think it lasted less than 15 minutes. When we got the boat out yesterday, checking that rod out was one of my reasons for going (as if I need a reason to go fishing). We were fishing in rocky water about 15' deep. On one cast, I thought I felt a soft pickup, and struck hard. Very quickly, the line stopped moving. This is either a snag on bottom, or the fish diving under a rock. I leaned back hard on the rod, and within a few seconds, the rod snapped, taking the 10 pound monofilament with it. There are really no feelings I can compare to that. It's one thing to loose a fish: that happens. Imagine the finality of not only loosing the fish but the rod you just spent every spare hour for a month working on. It's quite a jolt.
That chartreuse thread I used never photographed well, but that was a really pretty rod.
I hate when that happens! I never broke a rod on a fish, but plenty of other ways. I think I quit building rods because it hurt more when I broke one of my own, as opposed to a manufactured one. Besides, if you do your shopping, you can find excellent deals online. I just got a 8 ft. Shimano for $18. Just what I wanted for steelhead in small coastal streams. A very nicely built rod with cork handles too boot.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the report and sorry for your loss. I settled on a Rainshadow blank. They cost a little bit more but... we'll see.
ReplyDeleteAs for saving money, when you add it all up store bought fish is cheaper too.
Sepulvedasrevenge - I was hoping you'd drop by and see this in light of your question back on the original post.
ReplyDeleteBut, yeah. I think my lifetime average cost on fish I've caught is pushing a few thousand $$ per pound.