I would like to build a bait casting/casting rod 6'6" that I can enjoy for catching Spekled trout. I would like it to be fast ,and medium to medium light action. I am looking to spend around $150 on components. I need the following:

Blank
Reel Seat
Guides
Corkhandle small


I would like it to be as light as possible. Anyone have any good ideas or suggestions for parts? I would like to get the highest quality in parts for 150 that I can....If you think you can get the above for less please suggest.

Thanks!!!

You can build one fine spec rod for that price even at retail price. Look for a popping rod 843 for trout only or 844 for trout/redfish. Exposed blank reel seat - 10 " split the rear grip - either none or three inch cork foregrip -winding checks - titanium frame SIC rings - in low frame V and fly guides and spiral wrap the thing. Guide set will probably require 12 Dbl Ft, 08 or 07 Dbl Ft Bumper, 10 Single Foot, 1 - 8 Single Ft , 3 or 4 - 7 Single Ft and one 5.0 or 5.5 tube tip top with 7 ring. Ask the guy you buy the blank from to fit up a top and the right size reel seat before shipping. TiCh hook keeper. Use A threads and do not gaudy it up too much with early stage butt wrapping - Meet up with a local builder close to you and go for it!

The titanium frames guides are the best on the market and fall within your budget. If you want to shave about $ 25 off the cost of the parts you can order the TiCh coated stainless steel frame guides with gold rings with nitride coatings on the rings which will hold up pretty well if properly rinsed with fresh water.

I like the Lamiglas and the Rainshadow Popping Series Blanks both of which are high quality.
Good luck.

Gon

Gon

Jeff,
I live nine miles south of Humble and one mile from the cemetary on 59 north. You are welcomed to stop by and look at my "light" rod if you live in this area. Just shoot me an e-mail or call me. I am in the phone book as E P Mendiola. I will be glad to help you out.

Mudhole has some of the Cascade Composite (built blanks for Rainshadow and others) XP 843 blank at a great price. They are all the way down under the RX8 bass blanks listing. From there you could go pretty high end and still stay under your limit.

Jeffery I live in Spring Branch if you are close just drop me an e mail and we can get together if you like. I am just getting back into building myself finally retired. I primarily fish for specks myself. Gregg