Hook and hackle blanks

[cheech]

Has anybody had any experience with H&H blanks? I finished a cabelas blank last week (MWS gave it to me). I caught two fish with it, then as I was trying to tug at a snag, and POP the dang thing broke! I was pissed. Cabelas doesn't have a warranty either. It wouldn't have been a big deal if it was a $15 blank, but I think this blank was more expensive. I wanted to order a less expensive blank with a lifetime warranty, so I ordered a PacBay 904 from H&H. Bob emailed me and said that they were back-ordered but that he could get me a H&H blank for a little less. He says that it's a bit faster and lighter than the Pacbay. For the price, I couldn't say no. What are your opinions on H&H rods?

Thanks

Oh yeah, Hook and Hackle is awesome to work with. Highly recommended.

[Curtis Fry]

cheech, I've bought nearly all my rod building stuff from Bob at H&H. I remember seeing info on the virtual fly shop message board archive saying some good things about the H&H blanks, but I've never tried them. I'd say you can't go wrong especially considering how Bob backs up what he sells. The 6 wt I just finished was a PacBay, but I was given the impression it's pretty close to the H&H blanks in that style. Combined with the cool grip and seat, it's a sweet rod. I was casting it yesterday and it's a keeper.

On the Cabela's subject, I busted a custom Cabela's rod after only fishing it twice and catching maybe 40 fish on it. Bringing a fish in and then POP, it's busted a foot down from the top. After hearing your experience, I'm done with Cabela's blanks. H&H, Mudhole and others have much better deals.

So will you be needing a rod for the Green next week? Let me know. Between Herb and me, we have several extra rods you could use.

[cheech]

Curtis- I very well may need a rod for the trip depending on when my blank gets here. I ordered this rod last night, and I imagine I should get it with sufficient time to build it before the trip. I have a 8.5' 5/6 wt, but I want fish a 9' rod on the green. I also have a 9' 6 wt, but it might be a little overkill for fishing tiny midge dries. I'm done with Cabelas too. It's really tough to beat free shipping, and 20% off. My wife was even so impressed that she told me to order more reel seat skeletons. If this rod works out, I may have to switch to building these for customers instead of the $15 blanks.

[Curtis Fry]

Well, when you think about it, you can get decent blanks from Bob starting at $35 to $50 and up. Granted that's double and triple the price of the $15 ones, but if you figure at least one rod breakage, you've paid for the H&H or PayBay blank.

I have a Sage 590 RPL+ I can bring to the Green if your rod's not done. It's a good all-around wind caster and decent with dries.

[JayMorr]

Cheech I have a few Rod-Blanks still left. I have a 8 1/2 5 weight and also some others you might like. I would be willing to work out a trade. Call me if your interested. You have my number. Or we can head to lunch and I can bring them.

JayMorr

[newtyer]

I'm not sure but I think those H&H blanks are rainshadow's, atleast the 51 million and the 43 million. But i'm not posative. Check the batson site to see if they have the same specs.

[cheech]

Jaymorr- I just ordered the H&H. Have you fished any of the 5 wts from rod-blanks. I'm just curious as to how they fish.

Nwetyer- I asked the difference between the Rainshadow and the H&H. Bob said that the H&H is a little bit lighter and faster.

[Slayer]

I've been fishing the $15 2pc 9' 5wt. I like it enough i'm going to build another without the oversized tip top and cheep cork grip. What can I say, it's not fast and it's not slow. I've mainly been building the 3 and 4wts though. I think I may have a $15 8.5' 5wt blank I'd let you buy for $30. Just joking, if you need it for the Green Trip you can have it for $15 and some Goat products.

[cheech]

Slayer- Maybe I'll have to build myself one of those too. I still haven't sent my T&T in, so I may need a backup. Fortunately I have somewhat of a stockpile of 3 wts and 5 wts.

Cheech

[newtyer]

Cheech,

He's not wanting to come right out and say it but I just compared and asked a fellow who would know and yep they are rainshadows Rx8 and Rx7 series. Looks like he either added a .5 to each blanks butt section and tip measurements. It is possible that he sells so many that rainshadow rolls a slightly different dimension for him, but I doubt it. I think he is just fudgin the numbers. Anyways great blanks but you can get rainshadow blems (just like how rod-blanks are blem pacbays) from gregs custom rods for 25 bucks. I picked up two, a 8'0 4wt 3piece and a 9' 5wt 3 piece. He only has a handful left though.

[JayMorr]

Jaymorr- I just ordered the H&H. Have you fished any of the 5 wts from rod-blanks. I'm just curious as to how they fish.

Nwetyer- I asked the difference between the Rainshadow and the H&H. Bob said that the H&H is a little bit lighter and faster.


Cheech to be honest I have not really fished any of them. I have built the 3,4,5,7 weights and have casted them; but really have not had the desire to build me one yet. I figure when I get around to it. I have spent so much time building them for others that by the time I am done with one rod I get a few day break, then I am wrapping again. I will build me a 7 weight. I just figure for the money I can buy a TF with a Lifetime warranty. As soon as there blanks become available I am going to switch over.

JayMorr

[cheech]

Jaymorr- I hear you on the lifetime warranty. I have been impressed by the RB blanks. So far I have built a 3, 8' 4, and 9' 7 for me. fished them all but the 7. I like the 3 the best.

Newtyer- The reason I bought a H&H was that I need the warranty. Do those blems have a warranty?

[newtyer]

blems never do.