Hello all. I have a question about blanks. I would like to build a 12' conventional surf rod to use down here on the Texas coast. I will be throwing 4-6 ounce(spider) surf weights using bait. The rod I currently have states 3-8 oz but it almost folds in half with that much weight. I also would like a blank that is not going to cost an arm and leg. Any help much appreciated.

For that weight range, the Loomis 1448 is hard to beat. The Rainshadow 1418 is great too, but you're at the upper end of the weight range for that rod. The Rainshadow 1508 should fit the bill as well, as would the Lami 150-2MH.

The SU 1502F at fishsticks4U 'specials' seems to hit the middle of what you ask and Robert there is most helpful
as are most sponsors. At 12' 6" it is a bit long but I got mine just the other day and it sure seems to be a
real nice blank.

Thanks for the replies. I have a loomis gwr9000c, so I know their quality as well as their price. I ran across [shop.mudhole.com] earlier today. They have a 11'6" for under $50. It's under the Cascade liquidation but I called and they said it is a Seeker. Don't know about either company so opinions are invited. If I found a steal please give me first crack at it. Also I've never built a rod this big, should I use different thread?

Seeker mades GOOD surf rods.

I'm going to wait and get some more responses before I hurry up make the wrong decision, but I was hoping to hear that. At that price I'm skeptical, so please, anyone else?

The Lamiglas SB1215M is a good blank for throwing that amount of weight, however it is a 10 footer. That's really all you need though.

Thanks. I have a pretty good 10 footer and even with the difficulties with my 12 I still get greater distance from it. I'm almost exclusively a surf guy and I guess sort of a freak about distance. It could be my casting method though, I've screwed worse things up.

I suggest the mudhole, cascade su1502. it's like 95 bucks and a great deal. I am building three of them right now. and it will throw as much wieght as you would want and not get spongy feeling. The lower end on this rod is probably 6oz and a small chunk. but with a properly tuned reel, this rod will put 6oz over the rainbow. You will like it for sure.

I have bought a plenty of the Mud Hole Special Surf Rocket LSB1322M rods, they're 11 feet but in my opinion all the length you need. They say they're rated for up to 10 oz. but that's the top end, they work with 6 and bait very well. For their price you can get two of them and guides for the price of a comparable Lami and while they may not have the mystique of a higher priced blank, they work just fine and I'd rather have two rigged up than one!

That's pretty convincing. Sounds like a plan. I'll keep you updated.