I would like to build my first rod. First of all, what equipment books etc. should I buy before I try to build my rod. What is the best crankbait blank out there for throwing small crankbaits such as bandit 200's? I would like for the rod to be 6' or 6'6". What are some good quality guides to put on it that aren't too expensive, and what reel seat would you suggest that I use?
Thanks

I built my buddy a crankbait rod for throwing bandit 300 series and 200 series. I built it for spinning reels with a 17mm reel seat. It was built on a cascades blank IC723. It is rated as a 10-17 linemed/heavy fast action. However I noticed that is was more of a moderate action than fast. Built on the SC-14 handle kit it bent a little less than halfway down. The moderate tip lets the crankbaits really work and throws these little sized crankbaits a good distance with ease. I don't know if this blank is the best or not (there are better blanks out there). But with the deals that Mudhole as on these it is hard to beat the price for the quality of the rod. The rod is 6ft in length. As far as guides I use Fuji Alconites or sometimes Hardloys (the Alconites are better, more durable, and have a better ceramic). Hardloys I use for crappie rods and rods that don't need to be super lite.

Buy yourself Tom Kirkman's Rod Building Guide read it and you will find what supplies you need and what you can get by without.

Dan Grulke

I just built a casting rod for the same application but with a forecast fiberglass blank 723

St. Croix SCIII model 3C66MM is ideal as a crankbait blank for lures up to 1/2 oz.
For guides you could consider ATC Tichrome frame/zirconia ring or the lesser cost black or chrome stainless frame with either the blue or gold zirconia ring. We keep these in regular stock.
Fuji alconites are also a good choice for guides on that blank.

Rich Garbowski
Richard's Rod & Reel

email: info@rodreel.com

I've been researching rods for the same purpose the last few days. I've decided to go with the Rainshadow/Forecast SPG723. It's an E-glass rod. It is relatively heavy at 2.5 oz., but it only costs $10.50. I have also considered the St. Croix 2C66MM. It is a graphite blank so it weighs less, at 1.5 oz. It can be had for under $50. Might just build both of them to see which I like better.

I'll second what Rich said about the St. Croix 3C66MM, and will note that although it is listed a "casting" rod in the catalogs, it can just as well be built as a spinning rod, which is what I did. I also use St. Croix SCIII MLF (3S66MLF) blanks for light crankbait applications (up to 1/4 oz lures), I like the casting and sensitivity aspects of those blanks better, although the action of the moderate action blank is better for handling the fish. (Hint: build both!)

Batson Enterprises - Rainshadow/Forecast has also come out with an RX7 graphite Crank Bait Blank. You will be pleasently surprised with this choice. Please feel to check them out on our New Website at www.batsonenterprises.com. If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our many Authorized distributors or us. The SPG is also a good choice. If you have not received our new Blank catalog please feel free to contact us.

Bill Batson
CEO
Batson Enterprises
Rainshadow/Forecast
877-875-2381
wbatson@olypen.com
www.batsonenterprises.com