It's been some time since I've last shared the work of George Minculete of Tightloop Fly Rods and this latest Ijuin Rods Yomogi blank build that popped up on my social media feed this week was a stunning reminder of his talent which is always shown of perfectly by his excellent photography skills.
I've long thought that custom fly rod builders who are also better than your average photogs (or have a spouse or good friend that is) always seem to be have the most interest in their work. George nails it every time with both white light studio images like these or natural light outdoors in the elements images.
Lastly before you scroll down, I have a short list of three weights and this 7' Yomogi is just wonderful in every way. Parabolic and special and if you don't have one, you should figure out how you can.
George wrote... "The Yomogi Series 7033 (UD Glass) is a popular blank and a very sweet parabolic action from Kazutomo Ijuin from Ijuin Rods in Japan. It is always a pleasure to build and fish this particular one. There is also another 7'3" 4wt. that I've cast at the London Fair that felt very sweet as well. The translucent lime green color is very fresh and many just love it.
Tomo has another parabolic taper called the E-glass Special Series, or the Hard Para wich are faster actions. These are 7'2" and 7'5" in 4wt. and 4/5wt. blanks. They are a beautiful translucent black color with spiral finish and black spigot ferrules. I call them fast-parabolics and I am looking forward to building a first one soon for a friend in Norway and then another one for Mark at Alternative Tackle. And then finally one for me!
I've long thought that custom fly rod builders who are also better than your average photogs (or have a spouse or good friend that is) always seem to be have the most interest in their work. George nails it every time with both white light studio images like these or natural light outdoors in the elements images.
Lastly before you scroll down, I have a short list of three weights and this 7' Yomogi is just wonderful in every way. Parabolic and special and if you don't have one, you should figure out how you can.
George wrote... "The Yomogi Series 7033 (UD Glass) is a popular blank and a very sweet parabolic action from Kazutomo Ijuin from Ijuin Rods in Japan. It is always a pleasure to build and fish this particular one. There is also another 7'3" 4wt. that I've cast at the London Fair that felt very sweet as well. The translucent lime green color is very fresh and many just love it.
Tomo has another parabolic taper called the E-glass Special Series, or the Hard Para wich are faster actions. These are 7'2" and 7'5" in 4wt. and 4/5wt. blanks. They are a beautiful translucent black color with spiral finish and black spigot ferrules. I call them fast-parabolics and I am looking forward to building a first one soon for a friend in Norway and then another one for Mark at Alternative Tackle. And then finally one for me!
I will try to stock some of these blanks soon but the best way to get
one is to put in an order now and have them finished over the winter.
Builds like this are special and require time and
effort. The special Bellinger & Goldenwitch hardware are not easy
nor fast to get. Bellinger makes these beautiful reel seats on special
orders and they will try to match my requirements but the woods are not
always the same as on a particular build. They are by far the best in
reel seat quality and so far they have been great. Their varnished or
stabilized woods are simply stunning.
Here are some pictures of the latest build I've done for Alternative
Tackle. This is wrapped in classic chestnut Gossamer silk (my last
spool) and has a beautiful stabilized maple burl insert that complements
the wraps. Thanks for looking!"
To see more of George's work, please visit the Tightloop Fly Rods website and follow along for the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.
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