Calstar "750H"

Jon Vadney · May 10, 2014, 06:46:24 AM

Right after 9/11/2001 I originally built this rod. It was an 800H that I cut 2" off of the tip and 4" off of the butt. I wrapped it in red, white and blue with an American flag wrap. This rod quickly became my all time favorite 40# stick. It has caught me countless albacore, yellowtail to 40# and YFT to 105#. I built it with Fuji SiC's and it had a cork tape grip. This was my last personal rod that was not spiral wrapped.

On some of the bigger YFT I have caught, the reel started to move around during the fight and I really didn't like the fact that it wasn't spiral wrapped so I decided it was time for an upgrade. After stripping the rod I was trying to decide what colors to wrap it in. I was outside a couple weeks ago throwing the ball with my dog, enjoying the fall weather when it hit me that fall was my favorite time of year so I used fall as my inspiration for the colors on the rod.

Enjoy!

And a bonus pic of my rod wrapping partner; Douglas the long-haired Dachshund.

johnachak · July 09, 2014, 02:51:10 AM

First off, Douglas is about as cute as a dog can get. Too bad you stripped down the American flag wrapped rod. I would've taken that off your hands and you could have started fresh. It's a little heavier than what you are building for me but I am sure I would've found a use for it. Maybe jigging for Cod after I get my hip replaced, trolling, tilefish, the possibilities are endless.

alantani · July 09, 2014, 05:49:41 AM

there should be a museum for all of these. the rods can go on display AFTER we die!

Shark Hunter · July 09, 2014, 05:57:03 AM

Good work Jon!

Jon Vadney · July 09, 2014, 06:14:41 AM

Thanks guys

Appreciate the comments.

johnachak · July 09, 2014, 01:21:10 PM

I'm curious, when you wrap and epoxy that much of the blank, does it affect the bend of the rod? Does the epoxy tend to crack after a while due to the rod flexing? Do you only wrap and epoxy up to the point where the rod is designed to flex? Sorry for being so curious but I have rewrapped a rod or two in my time. The blank I completely refinished eventually cracked. It also happened to a friend of mines Chaos rod. We both bought Chaos rods at the same show. Mine is still fine after about 10 years. I wonder if it is just something to do with the mix of the finish or surface prep. I never saw a supposedly well made (although store bought) rod peel finish like that Chaos did. Even the one I did only kind of crazed. After borrowing the equipment to do the ones I did, I have come to the conclusion that rod wrapping is best left to the experts You for instance

I'll stick to fixing my good old Penns.

Newell Nut · July 09, 2014, 07:13:25 PM

Very nice looking pattern. I just finished my first custom rod for a friend with red, white and blue theme.

Jon Vadney · July 09, 2014, 08:21:11 PM

Quote from: johnachak on July 09, 2014, 01:21:10 PM
I'm curious, when you wrap and epoxy that much of the blank, does it affect the bend of the rod? Does the epoxy tend to crack after a while due to the rod flexing? Do you only wrap and epoxy up to the point where the rod is designed to flex? Sorry for being so curious but I have rewrapped a rod or two in my time. The blank I completely refinished eventually cracked. It also happened to a friend of mines Chaos rod. We both bought Chaos rods at the same show. Mine is still fine after about 10 years. I wonder if it is just something to do with the mix of the finish or surface prep. I never saw a supposedly well made (although store bought) rod peel finish like that Chaos did. Even the one I did only kind of crazed. After borrowing the equipment to do the ones I did, I have come to the conclusion that rod wrapping is best left to the experts You for instance I'll stick to fixing my good old Penns.

Hey John, on a saltwater rod like these, it really won't change much of anything at all. I never extend up past 3rd guide from the reelseat w/ anything decorative. poor finish application with a subpar finish could result in the peeling that you have seen.

johnachak · July 10, 2014, 04:43:48 AM

I must've gotten lucky with mine. I heard Chaos went under. I got a good one apparently.

johnachak · July 10, 2014, 05:15:31 AM

I did a little research and it seems I did get lucky. I must've gotten one of the Fla. Built / ones. The parts arell Fuji. I read I more than one blog that they were using Chinese made stuff for a few years... It apppears a new Co. Has bought the Chaos name. I'll stick with Jon Vadney originals.

RTT · July 26, 2014, 09:42:33 PM

Hi John

Awsome looking rod. I am going to start a build soon. Can you tell me what guide size you used for the guide closest to the seat.

Thank you
Ray

Jon Vadney · July 28, 2014, 03:54:00 AM

Hey Ray,
The guides on this rod are no longer made. They were Fuji HNSG. Fuji still makes the frame but with a different insert material (Silicon Nitride II). The model number is BHNNG and the stripping guide size I used was a 20. I only go up to a size 25 stripper (in terms of boat rods) if I'm building 80# and up or if the person is using an abnormally tall reel.

RTT · July 31, 2014, 04:18:44 PM

John

Thank you for you reply.

Ray

Tiddlerbasher · July 31, 2014, 04:44:10 PM

Lovely work Jon - You have left me 'needing' another rod (or 2)

Jon Vadney · August 01, 2014, 12:47:28 AM

Quote from: RTT on July 31, 2014, 04:18:44 PM
John

Thank you for you reply.

Ray

Not a problem Ray! Feel free to message me or post in here if you have any questions! If I don't know the answer I will do my best to find out for you!

Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on July 31, 2014, 04:44:10 PM
Lovely work Jon - You have left me 'needing' another rod (or 2)

Thank you sir! I would love to build a couple rods for you. You can message me for a quote anytime!