I'm looking for some feedback on a couple of GUSA DHX models. The 700 and 701 DHX. And the DHX graphite in general.

Every summer I take a Walleye trip to a trophy lake in NW Ontario. Fish over 5 pounds is the norm. The method for catching quality fish that seems to work best is split shotting. Casting up shallow to rocky structure. I usually use a pair of Water Gremlin pinch-on bullet sinkers and rarely am I fishing over 3/32 of an ounce of lead. The business end is a #6 Gamagatsu red Octopus hook with a leech. Pinched barb.

I have a Shikari SHX PSJ661 with titanium SiC's that has all the feel I need for split shotting. VERY happy with it's feel. What it lacks is length for long casts in very clear water. Last year I built a Rogue SJ702 for split shotting. I set it up nearly identical to my PSJ661. Ti guides, etc. It does a great job at getting the distances I like. However feel is lacking. It is not nearly the rod blank that the SHX is.

How does the DHX graphite compare with SHX/IMX/LE type graphites? Is it on that order?

Right now I'm kinda leaning towards the 700DHX as my next split shotting rod. Phyisical stats look very good, ratings look excellent. Does anyone use that blank for similar presentations?

I have both the blanks you mention. Very slim, thick walls and fast action. Nice blanks but somewhat heavier than the Shikari you mention. Not bad, but there is a difference. The extra durability of the GUSA blanks come at a bit of a slight weight penalty - smaller diameters and thicker walls. Some people find this a real plus, however.

I think you would like the GUSA models. They're nicely finished, straight, tough and fish and cast very well.

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That's a compromise I'd more than be willing to make. I fish hard and am tough on my gear. Durable blanks get my vote, even if they are a few grams heavier.

I haven't made or fished with a GUSA DHX yet but hope to build one in the near future. I was wondering if any of the CTS blanks may also be suitable for this style of fishing. I have just finished building a couple and I am super impressed. They have all the qualities Tom mentioned above. They may be a good alternative?

The same gentleman, Dick Kantner, had a hand in setting up both companies and working with their initial design philosophy. It's no coincidence that the blanks are somewhat similar. And I've used one of the CTS blanks and also found it to be very high quality.

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Matt,
You may also wish to check out the B70LXF. It has a different feel from the 700DHX or 701, but it has proven very effective on everything from bass and walleye to king salmon. I've tossed lures as light as the Rapala CD3 with no problems from a baitcaster. I've abused the daylights out of this rod even flipping four pound bass into the boat with it. Just another blank to check out.

I'm sure the GUSA DHX are excellent blanks and very strong.

Also, the new SCIV St. Croix Walleye Tournament Series blanks would be worth taking a serious look at. These are very light and sensitive blanks with some new reinforcement technology of note for 2005. I'de look into something like the 4C69MLXF, 4S63MXF, or 4S66MLF as possible candidates. A fellow that took first place in the Rainy River tournament did well with large bait with his sensitive SCIII 3C68MXF, so the 4C68MXF may well be his next winner. The 9 pounder wasn't too shabby in placing and his lodge displays a 14 pounder he caught one year. For northwest ontario trophy and tournament walleye fishing the St. Croix name has achieved top honors over the past several years. I believe with the addition of the SCIV will continue to raise the bar in excellence with these blanks and take in some good hauls of walleye next season.

Rich Garbowski
Richard's Rod & Reel