In recent years I have felt the need
for slightly longer lure rods. These are not without their problems
when it comes to transportation, not only when putting in cars
but when taking bait and lure rods along on a session. A quiver
full of eleven foot bait rods leaves a seven foot plus lure rod
prone to damage when it is alongside them. It has taken me a while
to get the two-piece blanks I had in mind manufactured but the
first is now tested and available.
Click for larger view
Starting out
with selfish motives I first went for a splitable version of my
favourite Axiom, the 7013, but four inches longer at seven feet
four. As the picture above illustrates the Trickster H is rung
'Rover' fashion so it can be carried made up by clipping the trace
snap into the frame of the bottom ring on the tip section. The
butt can be banded to the tip for transportation if you like.
To cover all
eventualities there is a lighter model undergoing field testing
to deal with a lure range similar to that which the ever-popular
Fooler covers. Build specifications are as for the Trickster H
while the action will be a little softer and lighter.
Solid carbon
is used for the spigots and the unground blanks are reinforced
in the joint area. The prototype was severely abused and the joints
have proved utterly reliable.
Click for larger view
The standard handle comprises a black
winding check in front of the four and a half inch flared cork
foregrip, slim contoured cork and black rubber Fuji butt cap giving
thirteen and one eighth inches overall behind the latest style,
black hooded, Fuji trigger reel seat. Rings are my standard BCLSVOG
whipped in plain black befitting workhorse rods like these. Silicone
Carbides are available at extra cost. Tip rings are the heavy
duty flanged BUHT pattern. A stainless steel hook keeper is fitted
as standard.
There are no garish graphics on these
rods, just a few hand lettered words in white ink. As with all
my rods I build to order only.
All stated casting
weights are simply a guide to a rod's capabilities.
