Morning All,

I've been asked by my father-in-law to build a 60 - 80 lb class standup rod, and since I have never built one of these Titans before was looking for some advice on componets.

I already have the blank. It's a 6' 80 lb club, but would like some suggestions concering seats, grips, and guides for this type of setup.

This is where I'm at so far: 1) The rod will be used 1 to 2 times a year for large grouper and tuna. 2) He does not want rollers. He wants guides and wants them spiral wrapped. 3)The rest is up to me as to the setup.

As Always...Thanks in advance
PS: I'm sure there will be many more questions before this one is done!

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

Dear Doug:

Starting from the bottom, I would begin with an aluminum gimbal, then a 10 or 12"
length of Hypalon, then install an all-aluminum reel seat (the Pacific Bay channel-lock
aluminum seats are really nice). Then, slide on an F-12 or F14 Eva Foregrip.

For Guides, consider the Pac Bay models BSG or RBSG, Then top it off with a heavy
duty top, model RBST.

The SIC guides I have mentioned will be a bit pricey, as compared to the Hialoy
equialents, but if the rod will be used for Tuna, I cannot envision using anything else.
You mention that you purchased an 80 # class blank. Be sure it is designed for standup fishing, and not an IGFA regulation 80 blank, which would be designed
for use in a fighting chair or swivel holder, with a regulation length aluminum butt.

Best of luck,

Dean Pertot
Donart Components

For my similar standup rod which used Calstar 760 and 765 blanks, I used hypalon top and bottom(don't like the harder eva), Aftco black reel seat(color goes with all color reels), I like the #2 size, may consider #3 depending on reel size. I don't use a gimbal but use a butt cap as I fish the rail with big tuna and wear a day belt.
For guides, all my standups use Fugi SIC for less heat buildup and line wear, worth the extra few bucks imo. The specific Fugi guides I use in such instances are the LRSG or turbo guides. On the real heavy rods I start with a #25 and end with a #12 and use a #12 tip. All are acid or spiral wrapped, I spiral to the left so I can use my left thumb to level out the line coming back in. I 've caught bft up to 106# with these setups no problem.

In addition to the great advice above, you might consider the Fuji Silicon Nitride II guides for this application as well. I'm currently using them on a standup rod for the first time and they seem very nice... lighter in weight than many other comparable guides but very strong and robust.... not at all wimpy.

Also, for the butt grip, a nylon sleeve style grip is nice if the rod is going to be in and out of rodholders alot... something like the Stuart Slick Butt or equivalent... although they generally weight more than Hypalon.

Check Volume 5 #6 of Rodmaker Magazine, which went into great detail on building Standup rods...

Erik

Dean, Jim and Erik, thank you for your replies and time. I now have a good idea on which way to go concerning componets.

Regards......Doug@
TCRds