Hi guys, I've been looking for two blanks, both in the 10'-12' range. They will be used for heaving heavy loads and must be very stout. One will be slinging about a pound total (weight and bait), and the other will be slinging 2-3 pounds total. I know this sounds impractical, but it'll get the job done for me. Would graphite offer any significant casting distance increase over glass in these circumstances? I was thinking about getting a glass rod because of the durability, but am open to suggestions.
Thanks for your help,

-Phillip

Just curious. What species of fish are you after, and why the long length of 10' or longer?
I'm sure the best idea is E Glass, but that's an awfully heavy way to go if you can use something lighter or adjust the tecniques somehow for whatever you are fishing for?

Rich Garbowski
Richard's Rod & Reel

I will be fishing for tarpon, jewfish, sharks, and other bigguns with these two rigs. The length is for casting distance from a jetty, pier, or if the surf is very very rough. It also helps keep the line off the sandbars, which will eat right through your line.
-Phillip

Rainshadow SU 1509 for the big rod, it's 12'6" and will handle all you can throw with it. It's the best surf heaver on the market in my opinion. The blank will run you about $180. For the lighter stick, the Rainshadow SU 1266 would be a fine option. It's 10'6" and just a great all around rod for surf fishing. 2-5 oz is optimal for this one. If you want one kinda inbetween these two then it doesn't get any better than the SU 1418 (11'9", 3-6oz). With those three sticks you'd be ready for anything that came your way.

Sounds like similar specs to the rods that hardcore Ulua fishermen use in the Islands except their rods are regularly from 15-18' and sport Penn reels of around 6/0 in size.

I have a custom job that was made for me by a native and it is not something you want to have to move around alot. If you are fishing from a static location however it is fine.

Start doing as much upper body and ab/lower back exercises as you can stand though.

Derek

Phillip, see my post below (first rod is finished), the rod is a cascade 12'6" two piece (the closeout prices are hard to beat) that I purchased from Mud Hole Tackle. Although I'm new to building, I've been surf fishing for 26 years. I cut 6 inches off the tip of the rod to make it extra stout because I plan on throwing about the same amount of weight you're talking about. I plan on test casting it tomorrow, but I expect it to handle about anything I can tie to it. It really feels good to hold, and it's light for it's length. Good luck on your selection.

Bruce, after you test cast it, can you give me a report? What weights you used, how it handled, etc.
Thanks for your responses guys.

-Phillip

I sure can. I'm going to start out with 8 ozs. and then probably throw 12 ozs. or so. I currently have only 40 lbs. for a shock leader, so I might not be able to sling the 12 oz. as hard as I normally would. I'll keep you posted.

Perhaps you fellas should rig up your heavy heavers to a catapult system and let the machine do the casting.