My seemingly neverending search continues.

I am looking for a relatively lightweight casting rod for lures from 3/4-2oz , 12-20# line and an Abu 6500c3 or Penn525 reel, mod-fast to fast action, length from 11'6" to 13' (preferred), and a price tag of under $60.

Does such a thing exist? Looks don't matter, cosmetic problems can be fixed, maker does not matter, as long as it works, 2-piece rod or more is ok, don't need the rod for a couple of months yet so I can build it for my annual Northern California fishing trip.

Is this a possability or should I seek counseling?

Thanks to all.


Derek

Sounds like a long steelhead rod blank might work, but that's a tough length at that price. Hopefully someone can recommend something that will get the job done for you.

................

Derek,
Normally blanks that long do not come in fast actions and are not that inexpensive. Toms suggestion is a good one and maybe that is as close as you are going to get but none of the Steelhead blanks that are that long, that I am familiar with, are fast actions and you are going to really be pushing them casting 2 ounces. Your best bet may be some of the Surf blanks but they are not going have very fast actions. You could look at some of the Salmon and Live Bait blanks and consider extending them because they are not going to be long enough for you. Extending them will in effect make them faster actions. A shorter blank that you extend will normally be less expensive as well.

I was considering a butt extension as I am learning how to do them anyway from a local builder, that would probably bring the length of the blank down to 10' or so. Probably the most viable option but it never hurts to ask does it. There is an amazing spot just north of Trinidad, Ca that needs genuine 100 yards casts....Why you ask....Because it has near shore, deep water access and my biggest ling from the spot bottomed out a 25# scale. Numerous slab rockfish and greenling as well.

Iching fingers and shaking hands in fond rememberance.

Derek

Batson SW 1207 with a butt extension will do the trick if you can deal with a 1pc blank?
Blank can be bought for $50-$60.......

Mud Hole ISP1445F [shop.mudhole.com] 12 ft - 1/2oz--2/1/2oz Fast action it's a spin blank just build it as a casting blank it won't know the difference! about $50.00

Some of the sponsors of this site carry the Sevier Tiger Eye blanks.They can get the 10 footer that will fit the bill. Just add an extension for the length you want.

Derek,

We have the 10' two piece Tiger Eye fly rod blanks in 7/8 or 8/9 weight. With an extension one of these should work. The action will be more of a med-fast. I just built one of these for myself as a steelhead rod and it works well.

Joe
Black Dog Tackle

Joe Douglas

Joe,
I think that if Derek extends even a 9 or 10 weight 10 foot fly rod blank and then attempts to cast his 2 ounces a long distance with it he is going to have big problems. I think that he is very likely to turn that two piece rod into a three piece on the first cast.
I agree with you that they can sometime make nice Steelhead rods particularly for bobber and jig fishing or for boon doggleing. or when casting very light terminal gear. But if I understand him, Derek is basically lookin for a surf rod that will cast a couple of ounces 100 yards or more.

Derek-if that happens, just go to the Glossary and check out "Mistake" . LOL!

Putter
Williston, ND

Shame on you Putter! I have been researching your marbelizing styles and am starting to get the bug. Pens and rods are cool.....But I am thinking over doing something seriously demented and trying it on a Penn Jigmaster Jr Reel and a couple of spools....See what you started.

I had though of extending a fly rod blank as suggested above but tried one built by a local along the same lines and no thank you very much. The weight was good and the balance was ok but there was no way I could load the blank properly for REAL (pun) casting. I tried to explain the conditions to the guy but he tried to show off and that was all she wrote.....Schwiiing.....SNAP! In his defense....It was a rather heavily fished rod.

Thank you for all of the responses.

Derek

I've marbled 4 reels, now. I think that Ken (Shoshola Rods) did a Penn reel's sideplates, too. I did one spinning reel and 3 baitcasters (two linecounter reels). They're beautiful, but I'd never do one for a customer-warranty thing, ya know!

Putter

Well, DUH!

Sorry, I didn't read the original post correctly. Ignore my $.02 and thanks.

Joe

Joe Douglas