any suggestions on rod blanks? length? I'll be using 50lb wire on a penn 113hlw.
Thanks

Tom,
I've built several using the Lamiglas BBT 963M blank. I trimmed the tip to fit a #12 and made the rod 7' 6" overall length. On the western south shore of Long Island these rods are pretty popular. Hope this helps.

Sounds good, I was actually thinking of using the bt1083m and trimming it to 8' so at least I was on the right track. My only concern was the line rating on these blanks. Is the bbt963m rated for higher strength lines(wire)?

The BBT 96 3M and the 108 3M are rated for the same line strength. I think either blank will make a nice spoon rod because they are limber enough to allow the rod to bounce when the spoon is working properly. Using the heavier line will get you a little more depth while trolling just don't sock the drag down super tight and you should be fine. Of course this is just my opinion.

Hi Tom,

I used the Lamiglas BT 108 3M, 30 # test line, tip cut to fit a # 14 UST 12 (SIC) tip top. I used Fuji HNSG (SIC) guides, a Slick Butt with gimbal and a heavy duty reel seat.

I think a trolling rod is an excellent place to use a spiral wrap. This rod has also been used to work parachute rigs with the rod up not down.

The Lami catalog shows the BT 96 8S as 50 # test.

It must be brute as it has a # 30 tip top and the butt is 1.070.

Capt Neil