I've got a guy interested in a 7' crappie rod, and I'm not a crappie fisherman. He will use a spinning reel, and wants a split grip. Mike B., this sounds it's right up your alley. I have a two part question:

Part 1) Can anyone suggest a good blank for this application?
Part 2) Why is your suggested blank a good choice?

Thank for the help, crappie guys.

Fran,

The St Croix avid 7' 2 pc UL. It is rated down to 1/32 oz and it will throw lighter stuff with light line, but will also fish a 1/4 oz jig well. It has a moderate action which for crappie is a blessing. A fast action will put the hook through their paper mouths. The intermediate modulus of the Avid series is very sensitive too.

Thanks,
Rick

I built 3 7' 1pc St Croix SCII Ultra lights for fishing partners on a recent perch trip and a 7' ipc Rogue Ultra light for myself and they loved them and the Rogue is my favorite U/L The rod that I did green marble split grip no foregrip that I sent you the pix of awhile ago is the Rogue. Sweet Rod!!!
Here's the link [www.fishingphotos.net]
I used the American Tackle CRSC-16T* Palm seat [www.americantackle.us] (near the bottom of page)

Mike

Fran,
7'0" St. Croix SCII UL. Very good crappie rod and a favorite of the crib anglers who vertical jig fish for big gills and crappies in my area.

Buzz

Outstanding! Thanks to all of you. Mike, I'll check those pics again. I may email you for help on the split handle later. I haven't got the order yet. I haveb't built on a Rogue yet, but I have built a lot of St. Croix rods, and never been disappointed.

That 7' St. Croix is a good choice.

Loomis and Shikari also have a couple of models in the Spin series. NOT SPIN JIG. Dynamite rods. Doug Stange's favorite all around Panfish rod is the Loomis S842-2. The 841 will get it done too. And Shikari's comperable models.