Anyone have any suggestions on purchasing a blank and components for making a spinning rod for my nephew. He loves to fish for smallmouths on the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers in Pennsylvania. Is building a spinning rod much different than making a fly rod?

Volume #7 , issue #1 of Rodmaker carries an article of Tom Kirkman's describing the rod ypu refer to.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

I have a 6'6" lite action St. Croix SCII spinning rod that I love for smallmouths. Granted it's a little light for some of the Susky lunkers, but other than that I love it. It is well suited for tossing finesse baits and light cranks. Its a perfect match for the smaller bass on the Juniata.

Hi Bruce,

Wrapping guides is wrapping guides. The actual building is the same. Guide placement is a little different depending on the system you choose, but if you read through the NGC article in the library you should be just fine.

As for the blank, you've got a whole ton of options depending how he likes to fish. If I am throwing artificials mostly, I prefer a shorter rod. If I am throwing bait I like a longer rod. For the Susquehanna down around Wrightsville, The St Croix 7'6" 1/8 - 1/2 isn't out of place. For throwing a nice shiner with 2 medium split shot that would be a good bet. If you are talking the Susquehanna around Sproul or the Juniata close to Raystown then you're in smaller water and a 6'6" - 7' rod is perfect.

St Croix Avid and Rainshadow RX7 all have good rods at good prices. Just pick the one that fits the length/wt you want.

Thanks,
Rick

You might consider a Tiger Eye 6' or 6'6", 2 pc. At about $30, they're a great value and have a senstive tip and stout butt.

I have a Graphite USA 5'6" B55UL Ultra-Lite and a St Croix SCIII 5'0" 3S50ULF Ultra-lite that I use on the Shenandoah Smallmouths. You would probably want something a little stronger, but catching a strong fighting smallie on light tackle is a blast! I am currently building a 5'6" St Croix SCV Lite action spinner that will hopefully see some action in the Susq/Juniata area this summer. Can you recommend any canoe rental places for that area with campgrounds in the immediate vicinity that have cabins for rent?

I fish river smallies a good bit on the Potomac and sometimes the Susquehanna and Juniata. I built Tom Kirkman's river smallmouth rod (referenced above) using the St. Croix 3S60LF blank and took it out a few times last year. For small lures like Rebel craw, tiny torpedo, in-line spinners like Mepps and Panther Martin it is great. Also very good for small jigs with soft plastics. I unexpectedly caught a 7lb. tiger musky on it using a Mepps #3 Black Fury and although it was a helluva battle, the rod can handle it so it can surely handle a trophy smallmouth. I agree with Rick though that for bait I would want something a little longer, especially if wading or bank fishing.

Hi Tom! Try this:

Earl Sanderson, 717-734-3692. His canoe place is near the Port Royal Bridge. He bought out Miller's Canoe near Mifflintown. I called him and he is taking reservations. Also, there are campgrounds in the area. I don't think Port Royal is far from Lewistown on Route 22. I hope this helps. Thanks, Bruce

I fish the Susquehanna and the Juniata rivers regularly for smallmouth bass. I have a whole bunch of rods I use, several of which I have built. I find that my favorites are 6'6" one piece medium light (6-10# line rating) or medium (6-12# line rating). I seem to like IM6 blanks - they seem to be pretty tough blanks for pulling snagged jigs from the rocks. Also rods built on this style blank can handle the occasional 20 incher while still being light enough to have fun with the zillions of 12 inchers. I have built rods on Pac Bay Tradition series, Shikari walleye series (6'3"), All Star, and low end Cabela's kits. All do just fine.

Rog