I just got back from the Florida Panhandle and was able to do a little bit of fishing for trout and redfish while there. The trip got me to thinking about building a spinning rod to use for in-shore/flats/bay fishing. My fly casting style needs some work and while I love fly fishing, I really love being able to catch fish.<g>

Is there any reason that a salmon/steelhead blank like the Forecast/Rainshadow IST1024F wouldn't work just fine for this? It is a medium-fast blank intended for 8-12 lb test line and 3/8 to 3/4 oz. lures. I like the fact that it is two piece and would think that the extra length would give some extra casting distance.

Am I off base on my assumptions about a spinning rod for light saltwater fishing using a salmon/steelhead blank?

Thanks for the help and suggestions.

-John

No reason it wouldn't work at all. I've used some light salmon/steelhead blanks for flats fishing myself. I don't do it all the time because I prefer the shorter 7 foot popping blanks that are out there as I like to fish jigs as much as shrimp. If I were only fishing shrimp under a cork, the longer 8 foot blanks would probably be perfect.

Phil

I use the Rainshadow IP904 - 7'6" , IP842, 843 - 7' for inshore casting and spinning rods. These things are the ticket for trout and reds in the marsh and bays. If you can find some of the older blanks suck them up and hold on!

Gon Fishn

You might also consider how you plan on using the rod, ie., out of a boat or wading. Down here (TX coast), many find the most comfortable casting rod length for wading is 6' 6", with a shorter rear handle, something like 6" - 7" vs. 8" or 9". For a spinning rod, I think the longest I'd want would be 7' if I were wading. Fishing from a boat would be different. In either style (casting or spinning), I think you can comfortably use a longer rod.

Another thing to consider is the type of bait or lure you'll be using. For example, my favorite rod for free-lining shrimp out of a boat is a 7' 6" casting rod. On the other hand, when wading and switching between topwaters and soft plastics, the above-mentioned 6' 6" casting rod with a medium-light, "tippy" action works best for me.

Hope these thoughts are helpful...

JBB

John R,
Are you implying that you don't catch fish with a fly rod (lol)? Seriously, I go along with what John B. has stated. For wade fishing or fishing out of a kayak, I too prefer a 6'6" spinning or casting rod with a short handle. I can work a topwater lure a lot better with a medium powered rod and fast tip. I have even gone to an extra fast tip like the St. Croix. For free lining shrimp a 7 to 7'6" rod is just fine. As a matter of fact, I fished this past Saturday out of my yak and used a 7' Batson for free lining shrimp and I didn't catch any fish either John R.
Cheers, Ellis

I'm in the process of building rods for my sons with the Rainshadow steelhead blanks for use on the flats. I'm using the 1024 for a spinning rod and the 1025 for a casting rod. I think they will be perfect for casting walk-the-dog plugs and jerk baits.