I'm looking to build a Shakespeare GBU 84-5 for kingfish this fall but can't find anyone that still has shakespeare blanks. Does anyone know where I can get these blanks from? If not any recommendations on a good substiutue. I'm looking for something with a soft tip for livebaiting.

Scott

Scott - 'Sorry I can't help you find that blank (my Shakespeare kingstix are factory). But if you get stuck looking at unfamiliar lines of blanks, this subject came up last week. Take a look at this Post: [www.rodbuilding.org]

Re: Anyone ever.... Tom Kirkman (Moderator) July 5, 2005 04:39PM
"It [the tip on the Seeker CLB-70-8 series] is soft for a reason - it allows you to use live bait with great success. I'd be careful before I started trimming that tip - I've used the CLB702, 04, 06 and 08 over the years and really, really like those blanks just because of those soft tips. It would not, however, be my first choice for throwing plugs. But for live baiting, it's a hard blank to beat." -Tom Kirkman-

Scott,

I am the person that the above excerpt was written about, I'm building a Seeker CLB 708 right now. I have not fished with it yet, and have decided not to cut the tip down and just see if it works for trolling spoons as well as live baiting, which I am sure it's perfectly suited for. I'd recommend it.

The only thing I have had trouble with was it took time, about 6 weeks, to get the rod made and drop shipped from Seeker. You may want to ask your retailer if they have it in stock or if they'r ordering it made at the factory and drop shipped.

Best of luck

William:

I can't beleive I missed that post as i check this website about everyday. It appears you made a good decision not cutting the blank, based on what people were saying. Thanks for the info.

Scott

Anyone try the Rainshadow SWS597 for Kingfish?

We also have a new composite stick designed for these applications. It is 9'0" rated for 25 lb.


Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

One of my customers is a competitor in the SKA (Southern Kingfish Association). Most of these guys fish Penn International 12 LT's spooled with 20 lb. test mono. We've decided between us that the Seeker CLB-704 is the perfect stick for this application. Tuff butt rear grip, Fuji Graphite gimbal, Fuji 20 graphite reel seat and a 9" flocked foregrip. Spiral wrapped with Fuji NSG's for the stripper and transition and single foots to the tip. Just our opinion.

What Lynn Said.
I have also used the Forecast SWB70M spriral wrapped with good feedback. That one is all fiberglass and considerably cheaper than the seeker.