New Build Hercules GTS 60 XH

SmokenJoe · 01-24-2012, 11:39 AM

This is only my 5 th rod but I have been practicing the cross wraps on PVC for few weeks. I am already addicted to this fun but time consuming hobby.

I decide to build a couple rods and figure out which one I like best. I want a light setup used for chunking and live baiting YF in the GOM on private boats. I love vertical jig fishing and the light rods have spoiled me. I built these rods as light as possible while also trying new stuff to increase my building experience. I decided to try a Calstar GF 760m and Hercules GTS 60 XH.

Below is the Hercules. I still need to add one more coat of finish so please ignore the few spots that need touch up. Constructive criticism is welcome.

Over all I happy with the feel/style of the rod and I learned alot during the process. I had a hard time deciding on guides but ended up with a combo of a boat stripper guide BHBNG and the rest BHNNG. I had some SIC MNSGJ but they looked a little light to me.

Enough Rambling now some pictures.

Joe

Xiphius · 01-24-2012, 11:59 AM

Great rod and wrap, love the Alps seat!

TheRoguePirate · 01-24-2012, 05:16 PM

Wish I could make something that looks that great!

TRP

Pompano Joe · 01-24-2012, 05:25 PM

You should be proud! I would put my name on that in a heartbeat.

SmokenJoe · 01-24-2012, 06:29 PM

Thanks Guys!

TRP you should give it a try. It's not overly complicated, just time consuming and like all new things has a learning curve.

Joe

Neki · 01-25-2012, 08:33 PM

Awsome build! Those silicon nitride guides are sweet. I loaned a rod out to a shark fisherman who put on a reel loaded with wire line and he said they worked fine, Yet Fuji is discontinuing those two models and many more. I dont know whats come over them. Alot of good guides will be gone. All the new substitutes and replacments are expensive models. Makes me want to stop useing fuji for conventional builds.

tugfisher76 · 01-31-2012, 12:27 AM

great rod flip the stripper next time less line drag on it that way

tugfisher76 · 01-31-2012, 12:29 AM

Kim · 02-01-2012, 11:07 PM

You have built a beautiful rod. I'd say it looks like craftsmanship to me, keep up the great work.

SmokenJoe · 02-02-2012, 04:23 PM

Thanks Kim

For me it is about the craftsmanship and making rods just how I like them.

Plus it makes catching fish that much more enjoyable.

Joe

01-24-2012, 11:39 AM	#1
SmokenJoe Senior Member Mingo Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 151	New Build Hercules GTS 60 XH This is only my 5 th rod but I have been practicing the cross wraps on PVC for few weeks. I am already addicted to this fun but time consuming hobby. I decide to build a couple rods and figure out which one I like best. I want a light setup used for chunking and live baiting YF in the GOM on private boats. I love vertical jig fishing and the light rods have spoiled me. I built these rods as light as possible while also trying new stuff to increase my building experience. I decided to try a Calstar GF 760m and Hercules GTS 60 XH. Below is the Hercules. I still need to add one more coat of finish so please ignore the few spots that need touch up. Constructive criticism is welcome. Over all I happy with the feel/style of the rod and I learned alot during the process. I had a hard time deciding on guides but ended up with a combo of a boat stripper guide BHBNG and the rest BHNNG. I had some SIC MNSGJ but they looked a little light to me. Enough Rambling now some pictures. Joe Last edited by SmokenJoe; 01-24-2012 at 10:18 PM.

01-24-2012, 05:16 PM	#3
TheRoguePirate Senior Member Grouper Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pensacola Posts: 831	Wish I could make something that looks that great! TRP __________________ TRP

01-24-2012, 05:25 PM	#4
Pompano Joe Senior Member Grouper Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Gulf Breeze Posts: 716	You should be proud! I would put my name on that in a heartbeat. __________________ Pompano Joe "I fish and talk about Jesus"

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01-24-2012, 11:59 AM	#2
Xiphius Senior Member Grouper Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 630	Great rod and wrap, love the Alps seat!

01-24-2012, 06:29 PM	#5
SmokenJoe Senior Member Mingo Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 151	Thanks Guys! TRP you should give it a try. It's not overly complicated, just time consuming and like all new things has a learning curve. Joe

01-25-2012, 08:33 PM	#6
Neki Member Ruby Red Lip Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Panama City Beach Posts: 77	Awsome build! Those silicon nitride guides are sweet. I loaned a rod out to a shark fisherman who put on a reel loaded with wire line and he said they worked fine, Yet Fuji is discontinuing those two models and many more. I dont know whats come over them. Alot of good guides will be gone. All the new substitutes and replacments are expensive models. Makes me want to stop useing fuji for conventional builds.

01-31-2012, 12:27 AM	#7
tugfisher76 Member Ruby Red Lip Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: crestview Posts: 86	great rod flip the stripper next time less line drag on it that way

01-31-2012, 12:29 AM	#8
tugfisher76 Member Ruby Red Lip Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: crestview Posts: 86

02-01-2012, 11:07 PM	#9
Kim Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1,599	You have built a beautiful rod. I'd say it looks like craftsmanship to me, keep up the great work.

02-02-2012, 04:23 PM	#10
SmokenJoe Senior Member Mingo Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 151	Thanks Kim For me it is about the craftsmanship and making rods just how I like them. Plus it makes catching fish that much more enjoyable. Joe

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