Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Fishing Rods => Fishing Rods => Topic started by: Steve-O on January 05, 2011, 07:50:52 PM

Title: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on January 05, 2011, 07:50:52 PM
New Halibut Rig for Christmas.


Since this post is primarily about the rod, I thought I would stick it under the new Fishing Rods section.

I bought it (..err..I mean Santa brought it) strictly because it's the most bang for the buck in a two piece travel rod of this type. I go annually to Southeast Alaska and prefer to carry my own gear. This one's for halibut, lingcod and rockfish. This summer's trip will tell if I got what I paid for or not. Before my trip I plan to give it a thorough kite flying test this spring with a large box kite.


(http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/2091/therign.jpg)

The reel is by Omoto under the Pelagic Extreme branding and is an ST12-2 speed. The fighting belt is also sold by Pelagic Extreme and is quite comfy with the wide plate and 2 inch belt.


(http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1972/thebelt.jpg)

Here's what the retailer says about the rod: This rod was designed because of popular request.

The need to have a rod made for limited storage length in boats, transporting in vehicles and aboard airplanes was taken into consideration.

This rod meets these requirements without sacrificing strength and quality.

Rod meets IGFA Guidelines.

Guaranteed unconditionally for one year. No questions asked breakage or malfunction policy. We will repair or replace the rod.

The quality is superb, standing head and shoulders above other rods in this price range. This rod is a great buy for the money.

SPECIFICATIONS:

50 to 80 lb. class two piece rod.

All roller line guides.  5 guides including tip end.  Line stripper ( guide closest to reel ) is double roller to prevent line damage due to angle of line coming off reel. Tip end is double roller.  All other guides are single roller.

PRECISION BALL BEARING MOUNTED ROLLERS. Close tolerances and the bearing allow  silky smooth running and prevents line hang up between rollers and roller cages.  Most of the rods use a bushing system to mount the rollers witch are quite loose and do not perform as well. There is no rattle of rollers when shaken or tapped.

Rollers and bearings are stainless steel.

High Quality Sculptured EVA foregrip which allows much easier gripping and is less tiring. Smooth EVA handle.

Solid fiberglass blank.

Assembled Length - 70 inches.  Disassembled length is approximately 38 inches each part.


(http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9430/thejoint.jpg)


Coupling assembly is male on tip end - female on butt end. Male end is groved on the end to lock into place inside the female part. Threaded screw on cap on tip end screws onto the butt end locking the butt and tip together for additional strength and prevent the rod from coming apart.

Anodized aluminum reel seat and gimbal butt end. Gold seat hoods and gimbal. Double lock rings.


Steve-O
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Bryan Young on January 05, 2011, 08:39:55 PM
Very nice.  That looks similar to the one that I say at Charkbait about 6 months ago.  Happy fishing.
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: alantani on January 05, 2011, 10:02:52 PM
i just saw the charkbait travel rods.  both they and the okuma nomad travel rods would be great for a fly in/fly out trip.  this one looks like a winner as well.  please let us know how it works.  thanks!  alan
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Reinaard van der Vossen on January 08, 2011, 03:33:56 PM
Nice stuff :)

I just got myself a Q16-II reel which is very similar to the Q12 (in fact I can find no real significant distinctions)

I was planning a light rod but have no experience in this category of rods. Is the rod advised with the Q-12 reel by the salesman.

I'm opening up my Q-16 to see whether it needs addition of grease prior to fishing. I will take some pics if I can get my camera to work again or borrow another. Just opened it and first look is ok.
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on January 10, 2011, 12:43:34 AM
When I opened up my reel I found grease in all the right places EXCEPT on the drag washer. I took care of that and looked at the spool and other bearings. For now, I'm leaving them all factory greased and sealed. After the first saltwater session, I'll make any changes needed based on what I find.

The rod choice is strictly mine and is NOT the optimum match for the reel. I will be targeting Halibut in southeast Alaska where the species weigh in from 10 pound 'ping pong paddles' to 300 pound barn doors. I'll take a couple of different weight class rods to try out. This rod is similar to the charkbait travel rod offerings with the exception of the cost. Take off the front digit and it's getting close to what I paid. I'll post again once my area gets into the winds of spring and and I have the opportunity to hook a BIG kite to it.

Steve-O
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Bryan Young on January 10, 2011, 01:49:51 AM
Hey Steve-O,

Where did you get your rod from so that others could check it out as well.

Mahalos,
Bryan
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on January 10, 2011, 03:37:54 PM
Bryan,

Being a moderator yourself, I suppose you'd be able to answer this. Is it OK to post the link? I'm not 100 percent on the forum policy about doing so.

I'm not affiliated in any way with them. Nor do I get commission or discounts or any other such perks. I will say I'm a VERY satisfied repeat customer. I can post a direct link or just give the name and those interested can do the legwork.

Let me know either way so I'll be in compliance with the forum policy.

Steve-O

PS-I watched the charkbait video and noticed that the screw together joining system that they use is identical to my rod down to the gimbaled aluminum insert that keeps the rod aligned when assembled. Charkbait mentions the joint systems are NOT for sale to rod builders and are proprietary. Could be the same manufacturer?
What would be really nice is if I could suggest my source to offer an acid wrapped (spiral-mounted-around-the-blank-non-roller-guides for those who don't know 'acid wrap')  two piece rod in various weight classes at  his amazing low prices.
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Bryan Young on January 10, 2011, 04:55:13 PM
Hi Steve-O,

You are more than welcome to post links.  If you are affiliated, just say so, so that we are all clear about who is who, and there are no misrepresentations by yourself or the products.

With that said, we do not allow just plain bashing of products, persons or thier opinions.  Comments of a product, good or bad, can be posted based on your personal experiences.

This is an open form to help one another without bias.  This is one of the reasons Alan doesn't have any web sponsors.

Post away, and again, if you are affiliated, just say so.

Happy posting, and thank you for your consideration towards this site and forum.

Bryan
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on January 10, 2011, 06:23:24 PM
Bryan,

thanks for the clarification on the site policies about links.

On bashing...just not my style.

that being said.....here is the direct link to Davis Big Game Rod and Reel

http://stores.ebay.com/DavisRodReel?_rdc=1

Again...no affiliation with them other than being a customer. Vaughn is pleasant to do business with.  His prices will floor you. He just added 'slick-butt' rods to his line that I'll be buying. If you go to the store front you can see the categories and find two piece rods easier than going sequentially through his listings.

I also just emailed him about possibly offering an acid wrapped, two piece travel rod. We'll see what happens. Or I may just get some of his two piece spinning rods and re-wrap the guides myself.

Steve-O
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Norcal Pescador on January 10, 2011, 07:31:52 PM
All I can say is ......WOW!!

The rollers look like Aftco - if they are, SWEET!
I have just found my next rod.  ;D ;D

Thanks, Steve-O
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Fishead on January 10, 2011, 08:15:32 PM
Sorry to say,those are NOT aftco guides.Look to be a copy,if ball bearing they might be decent.As far as I know,aftco only makes the ball bearing guides in the wind on or bigfoot guides,which those are not.looks like a nice rod though.Good luck with it.
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on January 10, 2011, 08:48:38 PM
Norcal and Fishead,

You're BOTH right!

They DO look like Aftco ... and they are NOT Aftco but copies. I'll take one apart this evening and post some close up shots of the parts to see how the bearings look.
Here's what the retailer says from above post.

"PRECISION BALL BEARING MOUNTED ROLLERS. Close tolerances and the bearing allow  silky smooth running and prevents line hang up between rollers and roller cages.  Most of the rods use a bushing system to mount the rollers witch(sp) are quite loose and do not perform as well. There is no rattle of rollers when shaken or tapped.

Rollers and bearings are stainless steel."


They could be junk OR fairly decent. I'm going to torture test them to find out.

Steve-O
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on January 11, 2011, 12:58:17 AM
And here are some macro images of the rod bearings, guides, wraps and reel seat locks. It has a double roller line stripper guide and tip top; the others being single roller guides.

The ID label.

(http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/9849/rodmacros001.jpg)

The first guide.

(http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9752/rodmacros003.jpg)

A wrapped guide.

(http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2231/rodmacros011.jpg)

Bearing parts.

(http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4408/rodmacros005.jpg)

The tip top.

(http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/91/rodmacros009.jpg)

The reel seat locks.

(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/2791/rodmacros013.jpg)

Steve-O
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Bryan Young on January 11, 2011, 01:02:15 AM
Thank Steve-O.

Wow, real bearings.  Never seen that before, but I rarely take my roller guides apart.
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on January 11, 2011, 01:16:31 AM
I just looked at the real McCoy aftco guide sets. Starting at $100 to $475 not including the tiptop.
This rod was like $70 shipping included. No, I'm not discouraged, I'll fish it hard and not worry about scratches, dings or boat rash. ;D ;D ;D

Steve-o the Frugal One
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Fishead on January 11, 2011, 05:53:37 PM
If they roll as good as they look,they should work well.Just another thought,those bearings will get more salt water on them in one day of fishing than most reel bearings get in them in a season or more so keep em well lubed.If you are going to use braided line you could use a thicker lube than with mono.If they dont roll easily,mono will not grip the roller like braid will and just slide over them.
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: elnath on January 12, 2011, 06:42:29 PM
Quote from: Steve-O on January 10, 2011, 03:37:54 PM
Bryan,

Being a moderator yourself, I suppose you'd be able to answer this. Is it OK to post the link? I'm not 100 percent on the forum policy about doing so.

I'm not affiliated in any way with them. Nor do I get commission or discounts or any other such perks. I will say I'm a VERY satisfied repeat customer. I can post a direct link or just give the name and those interested can do the legwork.

Let me know either way so I'll be in compliance with the forum policy.

Steve-O

PS-I watched the charkbait video and noticed that the screw together joining system that they use is identical to my rod down to the gimbaled aluminum insert that keeps the rod aligned when assembled. Charkbait mentions the joint systems are NOT for sale to rod builders and are proprietary. Could be the same manufacturer?
What would be really nice is if I could suggest my source to offer an acid wrapped (spiral-mounted-around-the-blank-non-roller-guides for those who don't know 'acid wrap')  two piece rod in various weight classes at  his amazing low prices.

Looks good.  I'm heading for AK later this year.  It would be fantastic if we could get an acid wrap version of that rod!!!! 
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on January 12, 2011, 08:04:36 PM
Thanks for the comments and input, guys! I'm going to degrease the roller bearings and replace with blue marine grease before I hit the salt. Thanks for that tip, Fishead. These look to be short of being full of auto/machine type grease so it just makes sense to do it right.

On the acid wrap....the retailer was contacted and is willing to have them made. He told me it takes a 4-6 month cycle to produce them (China). I gave him some websites to explore and one has the degree wheel for several types of acid wrap guides layout.

I'm still thinking I might get a couple more of his two piece rods and re-do them myself. His prices are low enough to buy two and possibly goof one up in the process and still come out with a low investment. I've wrapped and repaired rods over the years (forget I said that) and could do this during these cold freezing snowy nights this winter.

Steve-O
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Humboldtfisher on August 31, 2011, 07:10:58 PM
Hey Steve-O

So did you use this rod this summer? Did you catch halibut with it? Are you happy with the rod? I ask since I purchased a couple of these rods after reading your post, for a trip to Belize where we were going to do some bluewater trolling. The 50-80lb rod I purchased broke before it even wetted a line or caught a fish! The reel seat broke the 2nd time I put a reel on it, as I was getting gear ready on the boat in Belize........ended up carrying that piece of crap to Belize and back to CA without fishing it. At least it was replaced quickly. I now have a pair of the 30-50lbs rods, but haven't really put them to the test on a big fish, just several 10-12lb king mackeral, nothing to really stress them. Starting to think it's a case of you get what you paid for......low bucks for cheap quality. Maybe you have a better report to share.

Ross
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Snagged2 on August 31, 2011, 09:59:29 PM
Those are good looking rods,,,
A good performance evaluation will be welcome..Good or bad..

Be interested to know where to source those 2 piece couplings,,
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Black Pearl on September 01, 2011, 01:11:24 AM
There is a review in theHullTruth.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/sportfishing-charters-forum/264650-davis-big-game-rods.html (http://www.thehulltruth.com/sportfishing-charters-forum/264650-davis-big-game-rods.html)
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on September 01, 2011, 04:05:18 PM
My experience with the Davis Big Game Rod on my trip to AK was fine. Like anything anyone buys - Caviat Emptor! I went through all the components of the rod before taking the trip. I cleaned and repacked ALL the roller bearings and greased the screw together ferrule. The workmanship was just like every fishing rod made in China (ALMOST ALL OF THEM NOW). Then before the trip I "pre-fished" the rod on a 25 pound tool box in my man-room while both sitting and standing with and without the fighting belt. The 80# Dyneema braid held up fine as did all the components of the rod. Plus my Avet Clone reel held up like a tank.

On the water I fished the rod only a couple of days as I quickly discovered it was overpowering  all the fish I was catching. All four rods I took were two piece - either factory, custom built by me or the antique Japanese bamboo ocean rod. My intent was to build a small arsenal of two piece carry on the plane rods (not bag checked) that I could take with me to Alaska and other destinations for big fish. I feel I've succeeded in my quest and may build some more of different class weights. Turns out my baby blue rig quickly became my fav of that trip. It worked well on big gar in Texas, too.

I would buy another Davis rod in a NY minute and am waiting to see if they offer a spiral wrapped version.

The review on the hull truth - if you care to read it - is not really a review but a forum conversation that goes south about getting what you pay for or not. Applies to anything IMO.

I went in eyes-open - $64 bucks for a two piece big game rod? nahhhh...not gonna be worth the postage to return it.....I was WRONG.


Check out Charkbait for their two piece travel rod for $300 bucks. Must be much better cuz it cost more. Check out the two piece gimbaled screw together ferrule....looks like the VERY same ferrule as Davis uses.

http://www.charkbait.com/cs/csrods-Travel-Rods.htm

For a money is no object purist then one piece mega buck rigs are the way to go. For guys who have jobs, families and limited fishing gear budgets.....buy the best you can afford, build your own, or go budget and risk the consequence of caveat emptor. I do all of it and rarely get burned.....except that one time I bought cheap hooks.....wahhh.....no more cheap hooks.....Owner gets my $$$ now.

So that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Steve-o



Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Humboldtfisher on September 01, 2011, 04:18:47 PM
Steve-o:

Thanks for the response. I had also "tested" the rod in the garage by mounting the reel and pulling on it with some weights and it felt fine. Then the bummer was hauling the rod all the way to Belize, putting the reel on the seat and then the seat came loose so that the reel flopped over. At least it was replaced quickly and so far no components have failed on the new rod, but then again they haven't really been put to the test.

Ross
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on September 01, 2011, 04:46:30 PM
By the way......the fighting belt in the first page images did NOT go fishing with me. It looks good, is constructed well, but the design leaves the wearer in pain. When I pre-fished it with the rod and tool box weight I found the belt digging in like crazy. Definitely not comfy....at least on a lean guy like myself. I built the Rod Tee out of PVC and tennis racquet handle wrap. Worked great and left it with the lodge in AK to replicate for all their boats. Did the same thing again for my Texas Gator Gar trip. Built two, left one with Bubba Bedre of Garzilla. These were the same construction with digital camo duct tape wrapped on the arms. Super comfy, moves around the body with ease, fast on and off. Less than two bucks to build. ;D

Steve-O
(http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/2945/dohickey.jpg)


Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: redsetta on September 01, 2011, 09:14:24 PM
Cracker idea/design, Steve-O - that's my weekend project sorted.
Great that you've shared it around, too.
Also, x2 on your comments re: buying the gear you can afford and always buying quality hooks.
All the best, Justin
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: wallacewt on September 02, 2011, 12:52:45 AM
seen the same thing as your t-piece with a rubber band that clips onto the reel
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Steve-O on September 02, 2011, 04:08:40 AM
Yep, a lanyard would be handy, too. FYI- I used 1 inch PVC with a 1 inch Tee joint glued in. Just used super glue since I didn't have any dope handy. Drill a hole and thread a couple feet of shock cord and you're set. I kept mine in my front or back pocket. Set the hook, grab the tee, get the fish close in and drop the tee at my feet to deal with the fish.
Title: Re: New Halibut Rig...show-n-tell
Post by: Snagged2 on September 02, 2011, 05:21:17 AM
What a great idea Steve-O!!!