I've a request to build a 13 ft sufcasting rod. It's to cast 5 oz and to be used with a baitcasting reel (Avet), so guides would be in "casting" style.

Commonly used surfcasting rods in Spain go from 13'6" to 16"6". I've seen this sizes are not common in the US so it's not easy to find suitable blanks.

I've thought about Purglas blanks, but this is the first surf rod I have to build and would need some advices:

- Wich black could I choose (2 pieces to really cast 5 oz)?
- Advice about guides for this "casting" style?.

Thanks again,


Daniel

Daniel, I mainly build surfrods here in North Carolina and I might first ask if this is a customer in the US, a 13' rod for 5oz. seems it bit long but to each his own. There are a ton of great blanks on the market for this weight but all are shorter lenght rods. Do you know if your customer is planning on throwing metal/lures or is this a rod for cutbait ? The Purglass is an option because they do have 13' rods in that weight range, also check out a Breakaway/Rainshadow 1508, I have used this rod from 5oz to eight and bait and it's one of the best blanks around for the money. The 1508's are advertised at 12'6" but they come from the factory at 13'6" I believe, I have always had to trim the ones I build to achieve a 12'6" length. The Rainshadow 1507 might be another suitable choice but I'm not sure if you can get this rod at 13' or 13'6" from the factory. As far as guides go I generally purchase the Fuji BMNAG Alconites from Mudhole for all the surf rods I build and have been very pleased with the performance and price. I'm by no means an expert but these rods have worked very well for me in the past. Good luck.

Ron

I live in Spain. In the Mediterranean Europe, surf rods are longer than in the US. It's to cast 130 gr lead weights (of course with hook and live bait).

Daniel , Rainshadow has a 13' , it is a SU 1569 , 5-12 oz , not in the book or on our website yet , but the word is getting around and getting many calls about them . Talked to someone who finished his and tried it out. He said he could not beleive something so lite could cast so good . 13ft equal piece, easy to get around , fits real nice in the back of a short bed pickup . Have any questions call me at 804-746-9711 or email . We are also on the sponsor list Fishsticks4u . Robert

Daniel - I am building a surf rod based on the SU 1569 and it is an amazing blank. It is very light. with a lot of power. Five ounces may be a little light for it unless the person you are building a rod for someone who has the casting technique to be able to access the power in the blank. Once I get the rod built I will post a report on it.

One thing I really like about the blank is that it breaks down into two equal pieces.
I am told that Rainshadow makes some lighter versions -- known as the SU 1568 and SU 1567.

Robert and Ray of Fishsticks4u are great folks to deal with. Good luck! Tom