“Loch Style” Rods

« **Reply #25 on:** 20/08/2023 at 20:21 »

If you need a tester from a float tube...,

« **Reply #26 on:** 20/08/2023 at 20:29 »

Having me not seen anyone dapping or indeed wafting until seeing you at it Terry it was hard to envisage it working - but it certainly does.
If I fished regularly from a boat I'd give it a go for sure.....
Hamish will advise better than me but is dapping more common in Ireland than Scotland? Did it die our in Scotland when the great sea trout lochs 'died the death ' ?

Quote from: Terry Coging on 19/08/2023 at 09:29

So why not go all the way and consider a 14'6" or 15' wafter? Start working the bob several yards further out and then work the middle dropper after lifting off the bob? The ascending and dangled middle dropper can often outfish the bob.
Terry - the voice in the wilderness

« **Reply #27 on:** 22/08/2023 at 21:08 »

For sure, dapping seems to have survived the 'death' of the great Sea Trout lochs in Scotland as even more of a minority interest amongst those who are aware of its efficacy as a catcher of fish and tormentor of anglers in equal measure.
I can't comment on how much it has thrived/survived in Ireland, but the last time I was up at Loch Hope I saw folk on the water dapping, the same for the last time I was on Loch Shin and so on across waters throughout Scotland I have nearly always seen someone dapping..... and I wasn't necessarily the one dapping either

It's by no means mainstream, and really hasn't been since the late 80's. 1980s btw, not 1880s

On the subject matter of a 'Loch Style' rod, it will be interesting to see what you come with prototype wise @Sandy, a light in the hand, balanced and light line 11' loch rod would be intriguing to try.

H

« **Reply #28 on:** 22/08/2023 at 22:41 »

Quote from: Hamish Young on 22/08/2023 at 21:08

For sure, dapping seems to have survived the 'death' of the great Sea Trout lochs in Scotland as even more of a minority interest amongst those who are aware of its efficacy as a catcher of fish and tormentor of anglers in equal measure.
I can't comment on how much it has thrived/survived in Ireland, but the last time I was up at Loch Hope I saw folk on the water dapping, the same for the last time I was on Loch Shin and so on across waters throughout Scotland I have nearly always seen someone dapping..... and I wasn't necessarily the one dapping either It's by no means mainstream, and really hasn't been since the late 80's. 1980s btw, not 1880s

On the subject matter of a 'Loch Style' rod, it will be interesting to see what you come with prototype wise @Sandy, a light in the hand, balanced and light line 11' loch rod would be intriguing to try.

H

H,

I'm in my mid/late 30s and I'm currently sat in Durness with my dapping rod in tow 😎

It's awesome seeing some of the ridiculous "rises" launching themselves a good foot or so off the mark 😅

It's equally horrifying seeing proper lumps having a nose at it and turning away 😪

Cheers,

Steven.

« **Reply #29 on:** 28/09/2023 at 13:15 »

And so it begins. This is the finished design for the upper rod. It’s based on a classic Norwich design and David knew how to make trout rods.

Ross has all David’s notes , mandrals and designs as well as his equipment. So we are building on a firm base. I’ve got two types of Butt section with one stiffer than the other to get the final rod to feel the way folk want.

It’s an 11’ 5wt medium action in 5pc which seems like the ideal base. I’ll make up both butts so we can find out what is best. I know which one I like already just from my initial playing

We have some other things up our sleeve for this winter too. Will be very cool to finally be able to use a UK made blank. Might refer to them as the Celtic collection with them being Welsh blanks, Scottish made and the combination for design

« **Reply #30 on:** 28/09/2023 at 14:18 »

Nice - looking forward to trying this Sandy

« **Reply #31 on:** 29/09/2023 at 19:22 »

Sandy, I am extremely interested to see what you come up with, it might be just the ticket for the boat next season.

Eddie

« **Reply #32 on:** 06/10/2023 at 19:22 »

What size grip do folk think is right for a Lochstyle rod?

I usually make a grip 6” on a 9’ or below rod and go 6.5” if someone asks for a larger grip, these work better for folk in my experience.
7” is a standard off the shelf size. Just wondering if there is any mileage in perhaps going 7.5” or even 8” as it’s an 11’ rod

Any thoughts?

« **Reply #33 on:** 07/10/2023 at 10:33 »

Are you considering the fitment of a small 'fighting butt' Sandy

I ask as finding the balance on a 11' rod can be tricky and in my experience reel weight and general mass in the bottom of the rod is generally helpful.... I'm not talking loads of weight, just enough. Also, your build is likely to be more about quality than most mainstream 11' rods I've picked up, I imagine you'd be looking at lower weight components, minimal whipping and 'all that is required' in epoxy compared to most other builds. If that is a reasonable assumption, then ultimately your rod should be less middle to tip heavy than many an equivalent making the cork size perhaps less critical than it might otherwise be.
So, without the 'wee butt' then I would opt for a longer cork handle. With the butt, then 7" would most likely be fine.

H

« **Reply #34 on:** 07/10/2023 at 14:14 »

My Intention was to use a 1" butt or a 1.5" butt. I have both.
Im going to to use single leg black pearl recoils for the guides to keep the build weight as low as possible. But I could use a heavier reel seat to help with balance.

« **Reply #35 on:** 07/10/2023 at 15:14 »

I really liked the handle on the previous Lochstyle, it felt just right to me 👍

« **Reply #36 on:** 15/10/2023 at 22:08 »

7” handle with 1 1/2” butt works for me

« **Reply #37 on:** 16/10/2023 at 11:05 »

Quote from: Mike Barrio on 07/10/2023 at 15:14

I really liked the handle on the previous Lochstyle, it felt just right to me 👍

Same here! I won't be letting my Loch style go any time soon. Its ideal for me on the boat.

🍻

Steven.

« **Reply #38 on:** 16/10/2023 at 14:19 »

Excellent

That was my thoughts, I’m pretty sure the original is a 7” full wells with a 1.5” butt.

Might have it wrapped this week

« **Reply #39 on:** 16/10/2023 at 16:07 »

Quote from: Sandy Nelson on 16/10/2023 at 14:19

Excellent

That was my thoughts, I’m pretty sure the original is a 7” full wells with a 1.5” butt.

Might have it wrapped this week

Sandy,

I can easily confirm for you when I get home if you don't have an original lying around?

Cheers,

Steven.

« **Reply #40 on:** 21/10/2023 at 09:06 »

I don't have an original, but i have stacked the cork up as a 7" grip and it looks about right.
Should have the prototype finished by the end of next week. The first coat of epoxy is already done.

Not sure if anyone has scope for fishing it now??? if you do let me know and we can start its journey around a few folk to get it tested out and get some feedback.
I already know which configuration i prefer on grass with the rings taped on, will be interesting to see if it feels any different now its wrapped properly.

« **Reply #41 on:** 23/10/2023 at 18:21 »

I'll be doing the odd day of stocky bashing, so happy to test (with limitations, obviously) on a trip.

H

« **Reply #42 on:** 31/10/2023 at 11:50 »

Interested in this one Sandy...

Happy to dangle it from a boat out at Delgatie,

Steven

« **Reply #43 on:** 04/11/2023 at 11:57 »

Finally got a weather window to turn the cork.
So I have a finished prototype Lochstyle ready for testing. Need to find a tube to fit it now.
2 Butts, makes for two quite different rods. I’m really pleased with the weight balance. And it’s great on grass with both butts. Will be interesting to see which folk prefer.

So I suppose if we make a list of who wants to take it fishing then I can send to the first one and then you can send it between yourselves until everyone is done. Then I’ll collate the feedback and we can discuss further.
It’s been built with spare bits I had lying about so I want it used properly to make sure it’s a good rod

« **Reply #44 on:** 04/11/2023 at 12:04 »

So far I have
Hamish
Eddie
Steven S
Steven K
James

« **Reply #45 on:** 04/11/2023 at 12:34 »

Looking great Sandy

I'm sure I'll get to play with it too at some stage .......

« **Reply #46 on:** 04/11/2023 at 13:00 »

I'll have a go from the tube but it would have to be in the new season....

« **Reply #47 on:** 04/11/2023 at 18:09 »

Looking very nice Sandy

Just so happens I've been given some lines to test out, one of which is a #5, which is very serendipitous

« **Reply #48 on:** 04/11/2023 at 22:09 »

I'm happy to throw in round my 11' 5wt Bloke XL50 if anyone wants a go of that as well for some sort of reference / comparison?

Steven

« **Reply #49 on:** 04/11/2023 at 22:10 »

I'm happy to throw in round my 11' 5wt Bloke XL50 if anyone wants a go of that as well for some sort of reference / comparison?

Steven