We all like knowing what the Pros fish, but what about the staff at Mud Hole? What do they fish? There must be a preferred guide set or handle setup or a specific blank that is chosen above all others.
With 78,000 sq ft of rod building supplies at their disposal, they could seemingly choose anything they want. So, I sat down with Hunter “Left Hand Man” McKamey, Mud Hole’s Vice President and Co-Host of Mud Hole Live, to get his take on the top three rods to build. I even got in on the action as I have a few favorite rod builds as well.
You can find all the Signature Rod Kits on Mud Hole's site!
Hunter McKamey's Rod Kits
Now, let's see what Hunter has on his front deck. From growing up in the rod building business to winning multiple College Bass events, I would say he would be the one to listen to when wanting to build a custom bass rod. Hunter now co-hosts Mud Hole Live where he shows tips and trick to help any level of rod builder.
Hunter talks about his first kit, "All around versatile casting rod! The MB873 is my rod of choice for throwing jigs, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and lipless crank baits. It can also be utilized for topwater lures such as a buzz bait or walking bait." The extremely popular MB873 from MHX comes in at 7'3" and medium heavy power. If you can only build one, build this one. Rounded out with MHX branded Winn grips and LZR guides this rod is tournament ready but won't break the bank.
Hunter ups the ante a little with his next kit. Featuring the NEPS90HF-MHX this blank comes from the Elite Pro Series where lighter weight and more sensitivity without sacrificing durability puts more fish in the boat.
Hunter describes, "Workhorse rod for fishing in heavy cover! The NEPS90HF is perfect for pitchin’ a creature bait or 3/4 oz. jig around vegetation such as grass, lily pads, or pencil reeds. I also use this rod for larger reaction baits such as a 5” paddle tail swimbait, swimming worm, and a popping frog." He stays the course with MHX Winn Grips and LZR Guides because he knows as a tournament angler he can appreciate each rod having matching components.
With his last kit, he knows every tournament angler needs a great spinning rod and his choice is the SJ833 from MHX. "The SJ833 is my go-to spinning rod for any finesse application, whether it be a shakey head, drop shot, ned rig, or wacky rig. This rod can also handle small hard jerkbaits and spy baits with ease!", said Hunter.
Some might think this pick is out of left field, but once you have fished this blank, you know why it is Hunter's pick. He finished the build out with the American Tackle AERO Spinning Reel seat, matching MHX Winn Grips and LZR Spinning guides.
Chris Adams' Rod Kits
Well, last but not least I do have a few picks for the salt water angler as well as the traveling fly angler. The ability to have so many MHX Rod Blanks to choose allowed me to pick the perfect blank for a very specific technique I use on the flats. My kits were created to give my self and my clients an advantage when chasing some of the most challenging flats species on the planet.
My Technical Flats Rod is built on the NEPS86LMF from MHX. It comes from the Elite Pro Series and at 7'2" is it a perfect length for throwing flats jigs to wary fish but still light in hand for delicate presentations. The light power coupled with the moderate-fast action allows my clients to be successful when they are hooked up to a fish of a lifetime. This rod is set up to throw light weight flats jigs to bonefish, permit and redfish. I chose the Fuji VSS Contour seat and handle along with the LZR Spinning guide set for optimal performance.
My next kit, The Versatile Inshore Rod, is built to handle anything you may throw at it. From Paddle tails to MirrOlures or DOA Shrimp to Live Bait this Mud Hole IS701L will get it done on the flats or over hanging mangrove edges. I have this rod built out with the Fuji VSS Contour seat and handle as well as the LZR Spinning guides as the comfort and durability are unmatched. Countless Permit have been landed by my clients on this build and it continues to prove itself against some of the toughest game fish.
Finally, I had to throw a fly rod build in the mix. The Allwater Fly Rod kit is built on one of the best all around rod weights, the 7wt. The F907-4 from MHX is a great option for both fresh and saltwater fly anglers alike. Built with a traditional cork full wells grip, a CRB all aluminum double locking seat and fly guide set, it is ready for Redfish, Bonefish, and any of the bass species from Peacock to Smallmouth.
Well there you have it, hopefully we have added a few new suggestions for all rod builders out there. From Bass to Surf and the Flats to Fly we covered the why, what and how Mud Hole Staff members choose their personal rod builds.
Check out all the Signature Rod Kits on Mud Hole's site!
