Secret Popper build exposed: 8 foot GUSA Wahoo

[Bellyups]

OK, it is done and ready to fish on the July 3rd trip. 50-80 pound blank. Alps radial gimbal, Alps size 22 aluminum reelseat, Fuji IC MNSG SiC guides and top sizes 40-30-25-20-16-12-12 with a size 12 top. Threads are Gudebrod dark blue nylon for the overwraps with metallic silver, gold and blue steel for underwraps, bands, etc. Foregrip is hypalon and reargrip is split EVA. Grips are patterned after the OTI 7 1/2 foot rods as I found their ergonomics were perfect for me and looked great. I am pleased as this is my second build.

It will be matched to a stella 20000 FA seen in the pics.

I must thank Billy 40 and STxFisherman for their help, tips, and ideas while building this rod.

[Snagged]

Looking real good Scott

[ichibahn]

Nice wrap color.
Scott, do you have closer picture for grip pattern ?

[Bellyups]

Originally Posted by ichibahn

Nice wrap color.
Scott, do you have closer picture for grip pattern ?

Freddy, I will take more pics tomorrow outside. The wrap between the grips is pretty simple--Steel Blue metallic with 2 trim bands on each side, 5 wraps of the dark blue nylon and 10 wraps of metallic silver.

By the way, thanks for your tips too!

The stella is an interesting reel. In the sun, it matches the dark blue nylon guide wraps. Indoors, the stella matches the metallic blue thread.

[Uncle Russ]

Scott: How much drag do you think you could safely pull with that blank? I will be bringing an 8 foot Smith (80P/35) that I think I am going to limit to 20 pounds, and a 9 foot Souls XXH that I'll probably keep around 22-23--assuming that won't beat me to death.

Russ

[LEXPRO]

NICE!!!

[Bellyups]

Originally Posted by Uncle Russ

Scott: How much drag do you think you could safely pull with that blank? I will be bringing an 8 foot Smith (80P/35) that I think I am going to limit to 20 pounds, and a 9 foot Souls XXH that I'll probably keep around 22-23--assuming that won't beat me to death.

Russ

UR, I will check it out this weekend to make sure the epoxy has plenty of time to cure. My jigging Wahoo, which I cut to 7 and 1/2 feet, will load pretty full at about 25 pounds. This will likely bottom a little later as there are 6 extra inches of backbone on the 8 footer.

[crazyjigr]

Looks real nice Scott,
I hope you get to give it a good work out in july

[txseadog]

Nice. I can't wait to see it in person.

[Bellyups]

Thanks Crazyjigr and Txseadog. You 2 were helpful as well!

Kevin, I'll see ya in 2 weeks on the Big E. Do you have any new builds?

Jim, weather permitting, this rod should see YFT action several times in July. We need to fish Louisianna again. Let me know when you want to go!