[Peteo]

I just built up an ARE UHM 11' 3/4 with the idea that it would be a fun rod for nymphing and maybe tossing big dries like salmonflies for my small to mid sized local trout. I still have to put on a hook keeper and maybe a feather inlay, but except for that the rod was ready to fish so I took it out.

I am going to have Steve build a line for it soon, but since I don't have it yet I tried to find something that would work. The grain window for the rod is like 175 to 225 grains for a scandi so I tried an old SH 7 wt line I had lying around. It was a pretty good choice, not the best, but pretty decent. I could single and double spey past 50 feet pretty easily and it mended like a dream. So much easier than my little 3 or 4 weight SH rods. After chucking lead for most of the day I tied on a big stonefly dry. I was not at all surprised that I could easily reach seams I have never been able to reach with my SH rods.

I brought a dozen or so rainbows, browns, and whitefish to hand up to maybe 14 inches and even the smaller fish put a good bend in the rod. This is my second ARE build, and both have been surprisingly nice rods. I can't wait for one of those supercharged lower Deschutes redsides to bend this rod to the cork. This trout spey/switch thing might be something I am going to enjoy.

 

[Bob Budesa]

It's a very satisfying feeling, isn't it? You did a splendid job on the handle, and I'm sure the wraps are just as nice. There's only one rod like that in the world, and you own it!

Nice work, and good fishing!

 

[Rickbjr]

Sweet handle. I have the same rod and had Steve G. build me a 175 Skandit. Great rod!

 

[MT Box]

This trout hunter drools..............

 

[Bwana Bill]

Beautifully done! Fish it well!!

-Bill

 

[sixheads]

Peteo,

Super sweet build, looks great and the ARE UHM blanks are great. I'm sure Steve's line will be the icing on the cake to top it off.

Enjoy,
sixheads

 

[Jason]

Very nice looking job there, that handle looks great. I have that same rod, and two other UHM rods (a 9' 6wt, and a 13' 7/8). Have loved them all so far. I have not had as many chances to fish that 3/4wt as I would like, but the times I've had it out have been a real pleasure.

I'm envious of getting to fish that puppy out on the Deschutes, bet you'll have a blast.
JB

 

[Peteo]

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement guys! I've only turned a few handles and wrapped up a few rods, but if I can do it I figure anyone can. I've built a couple two handers in steelhead sizes, but this was my first real go at a trout sized two hander. The whole thing cost me less than $125 and I'm pretty pleased with the results. Can't wait for that new line, then she'll really rip.

Here's a couple more pics from my first day on the river. All my gear on the rock where I ate lunch and an average sized redside for the stretch I was fishing. I seldom take fish pics, but this little girl was very pretty so I couldn't resist. Next time I'll use the reel I intended to use on this rod, a new Redington Drift, much lighter than the old JW Young I used on this trip.

 

[808steelheader]

Pete:
What a sweet rod! Love that cork work, you're a pro! Looks like a perfect trout spey.

Todd