Gudebrod Nylon , Size A, Royal Blue (0245) and HT Metallic size A in Gold

This rod is the equivelent of the Pet Fly Smackdown's "Stanely Cup" - the winning team or individual retains this rod for the year, to return it at the next Smackdown. The concept of this rod was simple; it's a "trophy", so everything, right down to the Pfeulger Reel, had to be as gold as possible.

One other note, I goofed on the inscription, marking it as a 7', not a 7' 6"! Can't take it back once it's under the rod finish - it's mislabeled for life! ;)

This is the first reel seat I've used that I turned myself. At the suggestion of Dave Winslow (Winslow Rods) I finished it with Man-O-War Marine Spar Varnish; I opted for a gloss finish. The results are STUNNING. Of special note, turning the Buckeye Burl was easy; this light wood turns well despite the high number of voids and inclusions. What really surprised me was how much darker the wood became after varnishing; what was originally a blue-dun coloration (the "blue splat" in Buckeye Burl) turned almost BLACK.