Monday, January 19, 2015

My Custom Built "Blue Halo" From The Beginning

I wanted to share with my readers how things were coming along on my custom built Blue Halo fiberglass rod.

 If you are a regular reader of my blog then, as you recall, I have been blessed to asked to be a Field Tester for Average Joe's Fishn Poles.  Phillip Butterfield does some beautiful work on custom built rods and I have been eyeballing them a lot over the past year or so.  I was ecstatic to have Phillip offer me this opportunity to be a Field Tester.  I am ready, willing, and able to put this custom built sweetheart to the test this year on The Big Thompson River and my favorite ponds near home.

Phillip sent along some pictures for me to get the idea of what the rod's appearance and quality are.  I would like to share those pictures with you here.

It is a 8' Three Piece 5 Wt.
Yup, that would be me...................
Three Piece All Maple handle group
This is a note attached from Phillip:
" Thought I would give you a little look see as to the rod that you will be getting: The first thing that you'll notice different is the three piece maple handle group; next is the lack of an agate stripping guide (trust me those are purely for decoration and they don't come on the $299.95 factory model) Next you will notice that the mid section and the tip have matched guides. That is about all of the differences between my build and a factory build.  Oh I have also wrapped the furrel the full length to provide additional support, that too is different from the factory model."
Headed to Colorado..................................
Those are sweet words to my ears.  Anticipating getting out and putting a line on this and beginning my evaluation.  I am sure you will hear more from me about Average Joe's Fishn Poles
 Stay tuned...............................................

26 comments:

  1. Looks like an amazing stick! Cannot wait to see what you think of it and so excited for you.

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    1. Bryan, I am so excited to see this rod up close and personal. I know the pictures look nice, but, to see it and feel it takes it all to another level. As I said to end the post, stay tuned!

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  2. That's sure a pretty rod Mel. Congrats on that! I love the look of that blank color. Hopefully I'll see it up close and personal one of these days.

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    1. Thanks Howard for leading me into the world of Fiberglass, again! The blank is a color they call "Sundrop". I guarantee you that you will get a chance to cast "Sundrop" with me this year.

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  3. Pretty sweet build Mel. Can't wait to see some posts where you put it through the paces.

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    1. Thanks, Michael, for the nice words. It appears to be a sweetheart! You will know what I know as soon as it has a some use on the water.

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  4. Congrats, Mel! I am selling some of my babies right now to justify a couple of new glass sticks. I've been eyeballing the Blue Halos for some time now.

    Tight lines,
    Ross

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    1. Phillip, appreciate your kindness. Keep checking back with me as the Spring season progresses here in Northern Colorado. I will be able to provide you some information on my experiences with Blue Halo.
      Happy Hook Ups, my friend.

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  5. Looks like it's coming along nicely!

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    1. Thanks, Justin. I really like the work that I have seen put together by Phillip at Average Joe's Fishn Poles. I am anticipating a lot of fun with it!

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  6. I love new toys. Can't wait to hear how it performs!!

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    1. Drew, me too! Especially when the toys are toys you didn't expect to have.....

      I will have more information for everyone, given a little time.

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  7. Mel
    You are one lucky fly fisherman, I can't wait for a report on the Blue Halo's performance---could be the perfect fly rod for some of those monster gills and browns for you this season. Thanks for sharing

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    1. Hi, Bill.
      I sure don't know about lucky, but, I do know that it was a blessing for sure.....
      I am really looking forward to some warm weather to get out and put it through a little work on the pond or the river. I can only dream that we had monster Bluegills here like you have. Browns, perhaps.................................

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  8. That is one snazzy rod. Looking forward to the report.

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    1. Thanks, Mark. I am not sure this "snazzy" rod will effectively toss Owl's "Zazzy" Pops. May need Owl to send me some Bluegill size Zazzy Pops.

      I will let you know how it goes...............................

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  9. Beautiful rod. Fine workmanship.
    It should bring you many happy outings.

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    1. Thank you, Alan, for those nice comments. Average Joe's Fishn Poles are definitely a beautiful piece of work. They build both Graphite and Glass so this should be a fun opportunity for me.

      It would be a dandy for some of your Brook Trout streams I think.

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  10. Mel, that's a good looking rod! Hope it does well for you, can't wait to hear some field reports.

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    1. Thank you, Josh. I have some high expectations. Just want to remind everyone the rod has not arrived yet, so, I am still yearning to see it up close and personal.

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  11. Great looking rod. I really love the look of the handle and I am a fan of fighting butts on fly fishing rods. Let us know how you do!!

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    1. I will do, Juan, that is for sure. I know that Phillip Butterfield at Average Joe's Fishn Poles does some beautiful wood work on his reel seats and handles. I am a very fortunate person to be able to test drive this rod!

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  12. Nice looking rod, Mel! Can't wait to read more about it

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    1. Thank you, my friend.
      I am anxiously awaiting to receive it and put a line on it and see and feel the experience.

      More to come....................

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  13. Mel, Cant wait for you to get the rod and put up the posts! Beautiful rod. I am looking forward to hear about the grip configuration! Unique to say the least. Good for you buddy! I know you will put it through its paces.

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    1. Great to hear from you again, NoCo! Been wondering what you were up too.......
      I am really looking forward to receiving it and doing my part as a rod tester for Average Joe's. Shouldn't be too long now. Really interested to see the handle and grip work myself. From what I have seen the rod is stunning.

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