Perfect panfish system?

[Zig]

I haven't even put a reel on this rod yet, and I know my quest is complete. I have never, and I mean never, held a rod like this one before.
Built by the Rodmakers Shop in Strongsville, Ohio "The Stradavarious II" has completed my requirements for the perfect panfish system.
This is a hybrid of sorts. The butt section is "based off" a 2wt fly rod, the tip section is "based off" a 1wt fly rod. Then there is a one foot piece of graphite extending the butt section farther into the handle.
Overall length is 7'6".
I'm quoting "based off" because if I understand Frank properly, these sections are being purchased as raw stock. The characteristics of the tubes are the same as the above mentioned ratings, yet not rated as such (?)
It didn't make much sense to me at first either, but the materials he uses to make these are that raw, they have no identifying marks on them. (this is as close as I'll get to NASA technology without actually having it Mark)
Frank and I talked at length about what would suit my needs, and during the course of conversation I asked if he'd be willing to go yet another step and put together a 1wt/0wt combination w/a 1½ft. graphite extension.
It was at this point that I really felt comfortable having him as a rod builder. We discussed the strength of a 1wt lower section and decided that while it would be a "technically" great combination, the strength of the cross matched sizes (1wt/0wt) just wouldn't work in concert as well as the Stratavarious does. (almost too "whispy" to effectively cast the weights I use against a firmer butt section)

I'll get pics up once I anchor what I want to use. I hit a snag with the reel I had planned to use. It balanced at the handle/rod juncture, and I don't want that point with this setup. I want the balance point to be directly above the spool of the reel, so I'm trying to decide if I want to go to a heavier reel or if I want to add weight to the rear of the handle. I'm leaning more to the larger reel as that puts the end of the harmonic resonance directly into my hand rather then continuing past into the handle. Once I get it together the way I want, you guys will see it - seeing it is one thing, you really have to get this thing in your hand to appreciate exactly what it does.

I had a plan going into this. It was formed from 34 years of chasing panfish, trying an unknown amount of rod/reel/line/bait size and weight combinations. Just when I thought I finally found the answer....................I picked up my calipers.
I thought the system would use 1lb. test main line with a 1/2lb. leader. That changed over the course of the last two days.
We'll start with the rod:
As mentioned before this is a custom 2-piece based off flyrod blank ratings.
The handle/rod seat end consists of cork and a Fuji reel seat:

I opted to match a Quantum Kinetic PTi20 to it, due to it's long spool throat and weight. I had a desired balance point for this setup, and this reel hits it dead center.
The guides are all single foot spinning with polished inserts:

To get an idea of the overall size of this setup, here are a few comparison pics against a standard BIC #2 lead pencil:

As I mentioned before, I wanted this rod to balance directly over the center of the reel spool. I feel this location exaggerates the feel and control of the rod when it loads up both during the cast and when fighting a fish:

[Zig]

I'd highly enjoy that Bill! Thanks for the offer. I may just take you up on that this fall - I love heading west when the colors start changing............. and the BG fishing isn't too shabby either! 'Course you may be short a rod when I leave.............(LOL)

[Zig]

Bill, while I appreciate the comment I truly can't take credit for any cold water angling this year. We are fishing a warmwater discharge flow from a hydro plant on the Susquehanna River. Water temps vary from the high 40's to the low 70's depending on what the plant is doing. In all fairness, the hardest thing we have to deal with is staying on our feet due to the mud.

[Zig]

Yes, I read that article. In all actuallity, it was that second article that made me pull the trigger on getting my first one (read: there will be more). The first article gained my attention, but at the time my abilities weren't at a point that my equipment limited my success. The timing of the second article hit around the same time I was searching for what I wanted in a rod rather then what was offered commercially. The Strad II has filled that void with sheer precision.

Not to mention it's an absolute blast to fish with!!

[Zig]

Keep me in the loop Bill if you would please - I'm very interested in this.

When Frank and I talked about other builds and I brought up the lighter weight combo he mentioned the additional section (which I don't care for). I had forgotten that.

[Zig]

I really, really want to go another step down. I still believe an 8-8½ft., 1wt/0wt combination would be an absolute blast to fish with. Maybe you can persuade a build better then I did...............if so, I want dips on putting one to the test!!
(Please)
Yes I am very, very satisfied with the rod - enough so that I will be slowly be adding a few more to the working collection.

[Zig]

I went with a 2lb. mono. It was designed for 1/64oz. and under. I can cast a 1/64oz. jig past my effective hookset range with it.
Pricing is not for the timid - this is a custom setup with a specific purpose.
Contact info:
Rodmakers Shop
http://www.ohiosteelheaders.com/Sponsors/Rodmakers_shop.htm


I'd feel confident to go against a medium sized hybrid striper with this setup right now. To date, it's done everything I've asked fo it without hesitation. A mature 'gill in cover is gravy work for this rod - you simply have to handle it for what it is and understand that it's not a stump puller.

[mississippiboy]

That looks to be a mighty fine setup you have there. What size line did you settle on? What size lures can you cast with it? How much is such a project( if you don't mind telling)? What is the contact info for the builder? What about backbone? Can you horse a bull gill out of thick cover with it?