Mark,
I don't know Paul's work (unless he posts under a pseudonym), but if you're confident in it then I'm happy.
The world rod was a heavy spin rod. Mainly so that there was enough size to it to fit a weave, cross wrap etc.
It was Batson blank about 20-50lb, but I can't remember the model.
The other option if a smaller blank is the target is to do the weave on a piece of graphite tube in the split grip area. That way the diameter is a bit bigger, so you can get a more detailed weave in. Plus it allows two people to be working on the rod at the same time because I don't need the rod.
At the end of the day I can fit something onto anything.
We just need to decide on a theme and a style.
Maybe we should do a poll on "what's your dream rod" ?
As in style/specs rather than brand of components.
Maybe a matched game/boat rod & gaff set?
Moves you up in the high end of the market where people spend money, but drops the numbers in the target.
Plastic flinging sticks are all the rage these days, so potential numbers increase.
I'm easy whichever way.
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) and he did not disappoint. This handle is too cool for words so just gaze at the pics and wish. From there it went to Owen Dare in Australia which is quite the jaunt. Owen the Pictoweave program designer put his skills with computer and thread to stay in theme with the handle and made the most impressive funnel weave spider I have ever seen. He nailed it and then he assembled Marks handle. From there it went on another long voyage(litterally) to Jorge Pozzobon in Brazil. Jorge put paint to work to do a 360 degree painting also staying in the Spider and web theme. Next it goes back north of the Equator to Chris Ward in England. Can you imagine all the stamps on the case by now? Chris got to work on the guides and came up with and "outside the box idea". Actually I have never seen the technique but it worked great on this build to continue to bring in the spider web idea. It is almost like one of JT Dragon scales only inside out. Chris then sent it to me where I thought and thought. The work already done on this masterpiece was incredible. I finally decided not to try to out do anyone but thought a Tribal Spider would work to keep this puppy Classy. Originally it was going to be raffled off at the rod show out here but I decided this is REALLY Marks conseption and I want him to decide on it final resting place. Hope he is still thinking raffle. Also we need to recognize the support of Jim Lueck of the Texas Rod Builders(TRB) for graciously supporting the project by picking up the shipping charges. Believe me that was no cheap bill. I dont know where else you could get so many to put so much effort into a project like this----that's the rod building world I am proud to be a part of. Enjoy the pics folks.
