Build a Kayak Rod with John

For me, one of the more intriguing ways to fish is from a kayak. There is something to the special stealthy approach that is hard to duplicate in a boat. About 15 years ago I decided I would get into a little bit of kayak fishing. It was simplistic - I only carry what I needed - and it was very effective. The only downside I experienced was mobility. We had heavy currents in Jacksonville and if not properly planned, you could have one heck of a paddle home.

Fast forward to present day and seeing the Hobie peddle kayak that John Graves rolled into Mud Hole with…now that caught my eye! I knew that Hobie peddle style kayaks existed for quite some time, but John had his set up like a serious fishing machine - outfitted with a fleet of custom rods he built, of course.

For those who fish from a kayak or interested in getting into fishing from a kayak, you are going to want to stick around and listen to how John builds to fish from his Hobie.

When we got to chatting about the builds and how he sets up his kayak, one quote stood out to me, and I think it will remain the genesis of this article. I said, “John, is there one particular type of fishing you build your rod to do or something you prefer between different species or types of fishing?” He simply replied, “I do it all man.”

So, let’s get into his builds.

American Tackle LS7 10/20

The first one John grabs I can see a certain grin on his face. It is the American Tackle Bushido Light Saltwater. The LS7 10/20 is a medium power with a moderate-fast action.

He sort of chuckles as he says, “Chris the LS7 Bushido blank with the 12 inch Carbon handle and Aero CCT seat was my very first rod built before I even knew how well it would perform for me.” He adds, “Her finish work isn’t the prettiest, but of the rods I have built since, it by far is my favorite.”

Specifications: 7'0" | 10-20 lb. | 3/8 - 1 oz. | Moderate-Fast Action | Medium Power

I think this is why I like meeting and talking with rod builders and anglers who are finding their way in the craft. John has this easy going, humble personality about him and just tells it like it is. I think the rod is sharp and I certainly do remember my first, so I understand where he is coming from.

The good news is, I still have my very first build and it fishes just as good as the prettier ones I have built since.

His Bushido build stood out to me because I hear about so many kayak anglers shortening the handle since they fish seated so often, But John described to me how his Hobie has more of an elevated seat than the earlier fishing kayaks and in addition, he fishes standing up, so often the length of this carbon handle isn't really a worry. 

John describes his LS7 build, "The mod fast action and MicroWave guides combined allow me, while sitting in the kayak, to just absolutely launch the lure I'm using. It has the meat and potatoes to fight big inshore fish like Reds and Snook while at the same time can be a great rod for landing Largemouth out of heaviest of vegetation." 

His setup is the 12" G2 Carbon handle that mates up perfectly with the AERO CCT Seat. Since the build is a 10-20 pound class rod, he uses the MicroWave 25 set and matches the Penn 3000 size reel perfectly. 

MHX FP885

The next rod in John's arsenal is also one of my personal favorites, the FP885 from MHX. I love this blank for a do-all big bass rod. It is an excellent frog, magnum speedworm, and swimbait rod. 

This is one of his builds that John centered around big bass. "Florida is smothered and covered with vegetation like Hydrilla, Kissimmee grass and Lilly Pads that we don’t have so much of back in the Midwest. So when it comes time, and it will happen sooner or later, that 10lb Bass smacks the lure, I want to have a rod that will bring it to the net and that’s why I went with the FP885." 

Specifications: 7'4" | 12-30 lb. | 3/8 - 1-1/2 oz. | Moderate-Fast Action | Heavy Power

There are so many builders that use a unique approach to tell which rod is which. Some use thread colors, some use handle colors but I like John's approach. He says, "Since this FP885 is in the metallic series, I chose the lime green because not only does it looks great, but I use it “in the green stuff”. So when I approach that thick vegetation I reach back grab the green one and it is on."

I can't argue with that! 

In addition to the performance I do like his overall setup. John chose the the American Tackle P-Seat with the compressed carbon construction. The seat is light, sensitive and virtually indestructible. He went with the 2-tone cork and composite split grip, which is a favorite of mine as well. For the guides he chose the CRB LZR guide kit. "The LZR guide kit makes it easy for a new rod builder like myself and the Gunsmoke finish is really cool looking with the Pro Wrap Metallic Green and Gold twist", John points out.  

I will add, this FP885 also makes a great larger snook rod. So, if you are kayaking in areas where you might run into a large linesider, this blank will get it done in the saltwater as well. 

MHX SJ833

The next one out of John's rod rack is a cool build and I would say is somewhat of a unique choice. It isn't a surprise pick because it doesn't work, but I am happy to see the SJ833 blank being used as it is a sleeper. 

It is a great choice because it is very multifaceted to do saltwater and freshwater. The sub-7 foot length makes it extraordinarily accurate and can skip a fluke under a dock for bass just as good as a shrimp under a mangrove for redfish. 

John describes how this one came to be, "I originally built one for my brother to go Walleye fishing up in Lake Erie. Upon receiving it he questioned how such a little light-weight rod would work for him? Ultimately big brother caught more Walleye than anybody and won the cash pot."

Well as you can imagine, John was soon building the same rod for those buddies that got taken! 

Although I have not built with the American Tackle Dagger seat, I love the look and feel. John's set up includes the Dagger but he inverts the reel seat so the longer section is towards the rod tip. It is ideal for those who hold the rod farther out front of the spinning reel. In addition, he chose the ULH hood which allows for a cleaner look, hides the seat's threads, and provides a built-in grip where you can add cork or EVA right to the hood.