Is This The Future Of Fishing Rods?!?! Build To Catch With The Tsuka 2!

[@johnwhite993]

So nice to see a pro building rods instead of pushing $400 rods the average angler can’t afford. Thanks Matt. Going to check out your building videos. I want to get into building. Might take a course at mudhole so I can at least get the basics

[@MattStefanFishing]

You can do it!

[@Woefman911]

This is a $400 rod except you not charging yourself labor to build it. I agree nice to see Pros build their own. I followed John Cox when he was with MHX.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

I’ve used north forks version and I love it. I’m able to get down to 2 ounce’s even using an X-ray carbon air 3 power. I cut it down to 6’8”

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@justinmalone8640]

I’m so freakin lazy, but when I’m in… I’m all in. Do you have a video on your rod building table? Maybe I can trick my wife into thinking I’m doing wood working.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha yep check out all my build to catch videos

[@kirkreusch5704]

Just built on that blank for one of my high school anglers! He always used my 871 drop shot rod so I built him one on that blank. Love them.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very cool!

[@naturecutsinc1108]

They need to make blanks to match these handles. By cutting it you completely change the flex pattern of the rod and the same for making it longer by not having the blank go to the bottom of the handle. Or the need a cut point marker on each blank to keep the overall length correct for specific handles similar to ferruled hand rods.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That would be nice

[@cg-keuka]

Would have enjoyed watching and learning how you put the guides on the rod. Thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

check out my build to catch playlist. lots of full rod build videos.

[@phil2470]

@@MattStefanFishing You should have mentioned the video where your boys built their own rods. It helps us old guys gain confidence in being able to do this process. Thanks Matt.

[@joepworther2284]

Nice to see , how you build your rod with the new handle, Matt ! good explanation too , thanks !

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@Woefman911]

One these days gonna build a few. Love watching your builds, i have list of blanks you tell us about.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Give it a try

[@davidcrump2348]

I have one on a MHX 7’9” FP935 flipping rod and paired it with a Lew’s super duty reel that has a flipping switch on it. I did cut about 6” off to make it a true 7’9”, but I made two-3” cuts instead of one 6” cut. Watch the video on the mud hole site that talks about how to mount the tails 2 handle. . It is super light weight and super sensitive!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep since it’s tapered multiple cuts can lead to more accuracy

[@davidcrump2348]

Also cut it twice instead of once. Watch the midsole video. I also put in a few in a couple of 1/2 oz lead weights in the end of the rod blank with some epoxy to help balance the rod.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I tested adding weight and didn’t like it at all so i didn’t add any.

[@itllkeal]

I will add that over 2000views and 250 likes is ridiculous for this. This deserves better

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@douglasspickler4925]

Another nice job on rod building. It works great, too. The smallies love it. 😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@willperryman4559]

The action of that rod,once you hook one looks perfect 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s sweet

[@joeschmoe1301]

If they decide to make this out of molded graphite and cut the price in half, it will be a no- brainer for future builds.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@itllkeal]

I love this channel because it's everything fishing not just bragging. I do have a question 🤔 do you ever use fiberglass rods and if so what for?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@the900bot]

I been watching the videos then come across this, think I’m gonna get into a first build with this. Thank you for the great videos also!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it!

[@CAN43725]

That is a nice-looking handle reel seat, but you are losing sensitivity and gaining weight with all the arboring that is required. A split grip with exposed handle is still the way to go. In addition, that is not a cheap unit. Very nice looking and simple installation though, if that is what you are after.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@maxcole3930]

Building rods sounds fun. That real seat/ handle looks like what Shimano uses on their Zodias, Expride B series rods. Their very sensitive! I have 1 zodias spinning rod & a spinning & bait caster in the Expride B series. Their my best rods & worth saving up for.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@boognish.]

You’ve inspired me. Thank you for the new hobby

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad to hear it!

[@dougfudge-ko4qk]

Have you looked into a arrow saw for making your cuts ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nope but it’s a great idea

[@valentinloghin4004]

Super nice ! What are the guides used for the build ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I used CRB guides

[@davidcrump2348]

I like the Winn grips also but I also like the carbon grips

[@MattStefanFishing]

They are nice

[@smalliehound]

They are cool handles. It's actually a knock-off of Gary Loomis' XO Skeleton that's been out for a while now.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I’ll check it out

[@grandpa5206]

I think that if the taper inside the tsuka handle was the other way you could leave the rod blank full length and not have to cut it off at all just arber it up to get your length that you want

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@joeschmoe1301]

Man, watching a Tournament class angler catch fish, is SURE different than watching an average joe!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@farrzmd3038]

Does cutting down the blank effect the action / feel of the rod flex? For example i play ice hockey, anytime I cut a stick down it makes the hockey stick feel stiffer, less flex.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes you change the action by cutting or adding to blanks.

[@joelbabin4365]

Did you use 11 guides plus the tiptop? I like the Tsuka concept, but prefer an up locking configuration as I keep my hand mostly in front of the reel for leverage. You do make me want to try out the higher end MHX blanks, wish they would run more sales on the blanks as it's a bit pricey in comparison to some other brands of high modulus blanks. The purple thread complements that build perfectly. Well done.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes i did and i love it!

[@williamphipps9889]

I build rods too, Batson blanks and components. How is the rear part? Solid? I love the blank through so not sure about that.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s great!

[@Longshank413]

I enjoy your content. You always seem to be able to present useful information and deliver it intelligently. Thanks for doing this.

[@MattStefanFishing]

My pleasure!

[@willperryman4559]

You’re a great rod builder, and I have some Shimano and Poison Adrena rods with the monocoque handle and a few Edge rods with the carbon fiber handles and they are tacky when they get wet, and I was a cork guy for decades , but I would love to have that MHX 872 with that carbon handle,if you ever want to sell them 🤷🏻‍♂️😜 from the video, it looks like you can build them in 12 minutes 😂😂 I don’t trust myself or my eyes to put the guides on .

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha maybe in the future

[@phil2470]

Kinda like building a Zodias rod, yes? Great video Matt. Thanks for showing it to everyone.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@af4od02]

I know you build all your own rods. But what I wonder is, the rods you built last year and the year before are still excellent custom built rods that were purpose built for various applications. Do you retire or decommission these older rods as you continue to create new more modern rods?

[@MattStefanFishing]

a good rod is a good rod. i am still using some of the ones i first built in 2015

[@justaperson8768]

Nice build. I had made one as well and enjoy it very much.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good to hear!

[@ThePlayonit]

Hey Matt, I'm trying to figure out which winding check you are using right there.. It sounds like metal?

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s plastic

[@jeremychase2893]

@mattstefan have you thought about adding some thin winn grip tape? It would solve the grip issue and be perfect elsince you already prefer the winn grip

[@MattStefanFishing]

I might

[@rvfishingyet]

Look forward to seeing the casting rod version. Is there ever parts that fit without the need for masking tape arbors?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Not really

[@ceciljohnson5997]

Seems like you would lose sensitivity with all that tape. Maybe a type of graphite rings glued on would be better.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s super sensitive

[@CAN43725]

I agree, all show, no go. This handle creates a barrier between rod blank and handle with tape Arbour and glue adding weight. Better to use an exposed reel seat for greater sensitivity and weight.

[@SpookyRedz]

Does Tsuka make any shorter split grips ? In one piece

[@MattStefanFishing]

not yet

[@Howie_fish]

Hi Matt, what is the weight of the Tsuka2 including the locking nut?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I’m not sure off hand. Im sure it’s on the mud hole website

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Thanks Matt, I personally LOVE my NRX+ bass rods and likely will never switch brands but if I was into rod building this would definitely be something I would have to consider🤠.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on!

[@joeypanel1493]

Put some rescue tape on the grip, super tacky and feels better then Winn grips

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@oldfishermanandhisdog]

Matt, what's your thought on microwave guides, have you tried them?

[@MattStefanFishing]

They are ok

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

At first I didn't think I would like the looks of it. But once assembled on a rod it doesn't look bad. So you're saying it doesn't have any soft grip material? If so that is a bummer

[@MattStefanFishing]

Correct

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

@@MattStefanFishing interesting

[@MarkHough-lw6kb]

I THINK I GOT SUBSCRIBED MY COMPUTER KEEP LOCKIN UP LEARNED ALOT FROM YOUR VIDEOS HAVE A GREAT DAY

[@MattStefanFishing]

Welcome aboard!

[@Nate_Higgins]

Very cool. Man, i gotta get up that way for some fisbing someday. The water, and the smallmouth are so beautiful. I love my home here in the Ozarks, but I'd love to fish some natural lakes up there. Seems like a totally different vibe.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You should!

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

Hey Matt, have you ever tried the northfork composite blanks tgat are available??? Im just curious how they sre

[@MattStefanFishing]

I have not

[@CAN43725]

They are not even in the same ballpark. I have built many rods using both blanks. NFC blanks are very crisp and light, super sensitive and made by Gary Loomis in the USA for close to the same price.

[@bronzebackwrangler]

Hello matt, i know that you build your own rods but what are your thoughts on dobyns rods?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I haven’t used them

[@bronzebackwrangler]

@@MattStefanFishing you should give the fury or champion series a try they are made from Japanese carbon fiber. Some of the best bass rods ive ever had

[@CAN43725]

@@bronzebackwrangler I have a few Dobyns. Other than being heavy and not very sensitive while using mediocre guides, they are ok. You can build one for the same price out of an NFC blank (Gary Loomis, made in USA) with titanium guides, fuji reel seat that will be far lighter and more sensitive.

[@bronzebackwrangler]

@@CAN43725 ive never built my own rod before

[@SpookyRedz]

Can I ask what MHX blanks do u prefer the Elites or I think they called the Mag , I think one is a lil more expensive at mud hole the reason I’m asking is cause I know u are more familiar with these MHX blanks and if I buy a few I don’t mind buying the better one ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like the elites but use both for certain techniques

[@SpookyRedz]

@@MattStefanFishing thanks so much Matt , loved the video and I will be trying some soon , seems simpler with the handle than all the reaming

[@mikeeller557]

Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@thomasray4107]

How do you determine where the spline is ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Spine finder

[@brucebennett2143]

Thanks Matt, I have a Shimano rod I really like but the cork handle was damaged so I don’t use it. Do you think it would be possible to replace the cork handle with the Tsuka2 handle. Thanks, Dale T.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@chasevanover]

That thing is the price of the blanks. I like it but can’t bring myself to it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Not for everyone

[@Longshank413]

Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@stevelo9770]

Would you use it on a jerkbait rod?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yea

[@justinreese7391]

I think you just built a 6th sense rod for less money lol! Don’t tell Milliken!

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@Getindeeper]

I wish I had room to build rods.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You can do it

[@Getindeeper]

You put that tape on fast!!! LOL

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@chasevanover]

What guides are you using?

[@MattStefanFishing]

CRB

[@chasevanover]

@@MattStefanFishing have you tested different guides or have a preference for one over others? LZR vs Fuji vs Elites

[@BigGuy86ed]

I can't help but think that the tape arbors make the rod less sensitive. Sorry firstbtime seeing this. Graphite handle, 50 T blank, tape shiming. Not being critical just thinking out loud.

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s what recommended

[@BigGuy86ed]

@@MattStefanFishing I hear you and understand, just blows my mind that there isn't a graphite high end tape of some sort.

[@SpookyRedz]

I like the handle

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too

[@jimbo0411]

Not for me. Reminds me of a St Croix Legend Extreme handle meets Expride.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Kind of

[@ctious]

I dont like tape arbors. I think it costs sensitivity. I like carbon arbors.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Fair enough!

[@jeremyduncan9165]

I’ll take one!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@rahimi420fr]

I have this handle I fish with it I don't like it to slippery not comfortable

[@MattStefanFishing]

Bummer

[@timmoore1252]

$100🙀

[@MattStefanFishing]

expensive but nice!

[@siryarwammowray3445]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@williamknight5142]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@williamfaragher3671]

May all your spinnin rod handles be Tennessee ! Ban the Tsuka 2....

[@williamfaragher3671]

The Tsuka 2 will be the ruination of the art of rod building...

[@tp2273]

@@williamfaragher3671 A one piece handle that can be used on any rod blank. The cork Tennessee handle. Best ever!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching