North Fork Composites

This past weekend, I attended/worked a booth at the International Custom Rod Building Exposition (ICRBE) in High Point, NC. We sold Batson, St. Croix and North Fork blanks and various other rod building components. I currently fish St. Croix and Batson rods, but no North Fork.  Since we sell 'em, I figured that I better acquire one so I can talk intelligently about them.  For those that don't know, North Fork Composites is Gary Loomis's new blank company.

My preferred method of fishing is dropshot, so I chose model DS 6107-1(IM).  It is 6'10", 1pc Mag Light power, X-Fast action.  Rated 4-8# line and 1/8-3/8 oz lure.  The first thing I noticed when I picked it up was it's weight, or lack thereof.  I had to throw it on a scale to see how light it was.  It's 1.52oz.  My favorite St. Croix blank (5S69MLXF) weighed in at 1.71oz., and I thought that was light.  The St. Croix is rated at 6-10# line and 1/8-1/2oz. lure, so that probably explains the weight difference.  Until I get them side by side, I won't know the power difference.

First impressions: I like the feel of it.  We'll let the Erie smallies make the final verdict.

Stay tuned for updates and pics as I turn this blank in to a fishing tool.

It is my understanding that the Z-Bone rods are not actually North Fork models, but are OEM'd by North Fork to Kistler's specs.  If you buy a North Fork blank, it's not gonna be the same blank as the Kistler.

Sweet Scott and I really like the handle for the Reel

Exactly, they are made by North Fork, they are not North Fork models.

Excellent craftsmanship.

I finished the NFC a while ago and have had a chance to field test it on some Erie smallies in June.  My initial impression was correct.  This rod is lighter in power than rods I typically dropshot with, but it did not lack the power to boat some 4# and 5# smallies.  Overall finished weight of the rod is 2.94 oz.  Couple that with the 7oz CI-4 and the combo comes in under 10oz....a touch over 10 oz with the composite cork handle and line.

Blank:  NFC DS 6107-1(IM)
Guides: Fuji TYSG 25, 16, 8, TLSG 4 & MCAT4.5-4.5
Hook Keep:  Pac Bay Ti/Ch hooklatch
Reel Seat:  Fuji 17mm Skeleton (Cobra finish)
Grips: CG-1 Natural & light & burnt burl composite
Thread: Gudebrod nylon Charcoal with Pewter metallic inlays and red metallic trim
Finish:  Threadmaster Light and Threadmaster Hi
Decal: Decal Connection peel & stick

Red on rod and reel is soo sexy. Nice work

ORIGINAL: Loomis

That rod is so nice, casts soo far too.  Can't wait to get mine.

I completely forgot that you want one of those MB703's.  They're not going anywhere anytime soon!