Hey guys...need some recommendations on which CALSTAR blank to choose. Building a matching set of trollers...50-60 pound class...used exclusvely for West Coast USA fishing...so TUNA. What would you wrap and why? Must be CALSTAR.

Thanks all!

Jeff

I like Calstar blanks, for 50# I'd use the 760L, for 60# I'd use the 760M, if you're gonna fish the rail on the long range boats out of San Diego, you may wish to consider going to the 765L for 50 and the 765M/L for 60 which is what I use on summer trips for bft, acid wrapped of course with Fugi LRSG guides. My 760 series I used Aftco HD roller guides, gonna wrap a 765M this summer using the new All American Roller guides @#$%& acid roller guides for my 80# bait rod using a new Tiburon auto shifting SST50 reel.
On the big boats the longer rods allow better line clearance from the boat hull when the fish are in their final death spiral-also gives a bit better bait casting ability which can be important during a picky bite.

Hey Jeff,
I live on the East Coast and do a lot of Giant Bluefin fishing here. Just out of curiosity why does it have to be a Calstar? These are great rods and have built a few for live bait Striper rods. However for Tuna I chose to go with the Seeker blanks.

Tom

Hey Tom,

One reason primarily: I fish them and they work well. I think they have an excellent selection of blanks for all needs, have a West Coast reputation for superb manufacturing processes and are readily avalible.

I have fished Seekers as well. I think they are fine and that they are a really nice rod with very similar attributes. But, CALSTAR has earned and keeps my business until they fail.

Honestly it is primarily about customer loyalty for me.

Regards!

Jeff

Totally understand and agree with your statement regarding customer loyalty Jeff! I was just curious...

Regards, Tom

Hey Tom,

I am, however, very curious about GUSA rods. I think one day I'll do something with one of theirs and see how they compare!

Jeff

That's funny you mention that! I was out on their web site the other day and was thinking about trying them also! Need to find some extra cash to play with first!

Tom

Me too! I am buying three troller blanks this weekend for jobs I have. Maybe I should take some of the proceeds and get that GUSA and see what it's like.

Jeff

Hey guys,
I just got back from Costa Rica fishing for sailfish. I took with me a Calstar Boomer jr., and two GUSA spinning rods and they all outperformed the boat rods beyond my expectations. They took all the sails could give them. I wouldn't hestiate to build either one.
Sanford

Hey Sanford,
which GUSA Blanks were they as I am looking to build a spinning rod to donate to a NWTF banquet coming up in March.

Thanks, Tom