I am looking at building a 8 or 8 1/2 foot two piece light saltwater rod for tossing bucktails for stripers in the Indian River Inlet, DE and for light surf casting duties when fishing in South Carolina. I really like the Rainshadow rods and was wondering whether the Salmon Rod (ISA1026) would work.

Another blank I was looking at whas the Rainshadow Hot Shot HS1025. I expect to be tossing lures of around 1-3 ounces. I need this to be a two piece. Thanks,

Tom

Tom,
I bought that blank for the same purpose (stripers and blues from the surf). I think it's going to make a fine stick, but I probably won't have a chance to wrap it until March. Having had it in hand, I'm sure it would throw 3/4 to 2oz without a hitch. 3oz will probably be pushing things a bit, but so long as you don't get too agressive I'd bet it will hold together nice. It's my first rainshadow and I'm impressed with the fit and finish of the blank.
Jud

I fish the south shore of Long Island. I built an HS1025 this summer for casting 2.5-3oz. Hopkins and 2oz. plugs. It's very nice. I also have a HS1021 for jigging and plugs and it can handle big stripers. I use it more than than the 1025. I built the 1025 to throw a heavier lure in snotty weather.

My overall favorite for fishing the "outside" of Indian River Inlet and the beach in Delaware is the RAINSHADOW 1264 (since the 1262 was dropped from production). It's longer than you were looking for though at 10'6" but will do sub 1 oz and out over 4oz with "optimum" performance (rod loading) around 3oz. I've built this blank as spinning and conventional casting rods for myself and several customers and have nothing but good things to say about them.

Thanks folks, I appreciate the information.

Ken, I have a rod that may be somewhat similar to the 1264, an Allstar 1265. I was looking for something shorter that I could cast underneath the bridge without worrying too much about hanging up a line on the support structure.

Thanks again, everyone.

Tom