I am looking for a blank to use with 50-80lb line with an Aftco curved unibutt. I like the Calstar Graphfighter blanks but have not seen too much feedback about them as a stand-up rod. Anyone have any revoews on them? Any suggested rod lengths 5'6"?

They make great standup rods IMHO. 5'6 is my preferred length for stand-up. The shorter you go, the more power you have against the fish, but I don't like going any shorter cause the rod won't clear my outboard when a fish goes around the boat.

Seeker Black Steel blanks are nice too. I'm wrapping some of each right now. The heavier rods are Cal-stars, the lighter one's I'm using Seekers.

You using the short curved uni-butt I hope?
Phil

HI Al - Yes Calstar Make excelent stantup rods. Both Graphiters and Glass rods. Iuse both quite a lot for the long rangers out here. Also th Boys going to baja for the marlin have fallen in love with them. Most choose the 5'6" rods both for the one piece gear and the rods used in the short curved butts. I have also made several that are used on the stand up bluefin rods used out east. Drop me an email if you have any specific questions. docski377@aol.com.

Phil Richmond Wrote:
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> You using the short curved uni-butt I hope?
> Phil


Yep short bent butt. What is the difference between the E-glass and Graphfighters? I know the E-glass is all fiberglass and the graphiter is graphite and glass. But how about when they are fished? I like the graphiter because most of the action is in the tip and the butt is very stiff.

Graphiters are lighter and some believe they pull better than a similae glass rod. I have had great luck with both. I think it is more a matter of personal preference. All my largest Yellowfins have been caught on glass9 Baja Boomers or Boomer Juniors but I dont think I would have had any less luck with the Graphiters. If you have a good shop near by go and pull on a couple.

On lighter blanks, you can see a big difference between the E-glass blanks and the Graphiters. The E-glass have very soft tips in comparison, and will bend most the way to the handle on a heavy load. The same blanks in Graphiter models won't be quite as flimsy in the tip, while still soft, and the Graphite in the butt for a stiffer butt section. Same concept on the heavier rods, although some like the Baja Moomer Doc mentioned will take all you can throw at it. All boils down to personal preference. I started off with all Glass models, switching to Black Steel or Graphiters now.

Phil

Personal preference and use. I prefer the CalStar glass rods because they do flex over a greater percentage of the blank. I feel (no proof) that they provide a better "shock absorber" when the fish is close to the boat and the line is short - this I think is especially helpful when fishing from a smaller boat with tighter quarters.