I've been asked about building a number of IGFA trolling rods in the 12 / 20 / 30 / 50 / 80 / & 130# class. I typically build bass rods, but have built a couple salt water rods over the years...a long time ago. The components used with these rods is a little foreign to one familiar with bass rod construction! lol. With the expectations of my client being high...just as it should be...I want to make sure that I do this correctly. Searching the internet failed to turn up very much on the construction of these rods. Can any of you direct me to a source of such information? I'd appreciate any information you'd be willing to share. BTW...I'll have to reseach the back issues of my RodMaker magazines to see if Tom had any articles regarding their construction.

Thanks!

George Roth

Yes, the volume 5 #6 issue had an article on building line class stand-up rods, complete with the specs required to be admissible if records are to be counted. These would be the same whether you're talking about stand-up or sit-down trolling rods. Pay attention to the maximum rod length behind the reel and the minimum rod length forward of the reel.

Also find out if your client is going to be using the rods from a chair (will need to be longer) or in a stand-up situation (should be shorter). Specifics are in the magazine.

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A rod is a rod. Most steps are the same but you have to build these rods a little tougher. Underwrap and double overwrap is the norm for me. use 2 coats of high build finish. Consider how long you want the rod total and trim from the butt to shorten if needed. Keep in mind the length of the unibutt you'll be using. For the 30 pound and up rods I'd use glass instead of graphite. You want ultimate toughness. These rods can take real punishment.

Aftco rollers on the heavier rods. I know the Aftcos are simple in design but that's what makes them so dependable. I think about all the uni-butts are equally good now but I'd stay with the real deal on the guides. On the lighter rods like 20 pound and under, I'd go with Fuji LRSG guides or the new American Tackle Titan Turbos.

It's a "personal thing" for me. I like All American roller guides on everything up to 80lb class rods. I've never built a 130lb class rod but I suspect that might be the 'cross-over' point for AFTCO big foot guides. The Titan Turbo guides or the Fuji guides on the 12's and maybe the 20's as well. The difference might be cosmetics - dependant upon what the customer had in mind for a "set" of rods (color matching to boat or scheme) And I think I'd definitely spiral wrap all the heavier rods.

I appreciate all of your comments. Tom...I'll take a look at that article. I also received an informative email from Jason Alvarado that I tried to paste below, but I can't.

Once, again.......Thanks!

George