Dear all,

looking for a 10'6 long blank for baitcasting and need some recommendations from your side. I intend to complete this rod with an Abu 3600 or 3004/6 baitcaster with 12 pounds test line, most common lure wait is 0,6 - 0,8 ounces = 18 - 22g)

In my first post I received the recommendation for Batson / Rainshadow IST 1264 which looks nice for me. Parralel I found out through the sponsors links that also Lamiglas, St. Croix, Pacific Bay, and even Sage have something in the required length but nobody even mentioned these blanks.

Any recommendations, does somebody know the 10'6 Steelhead blanks from St. Croix, Lamiglas, Sage and Pacific Bay (e.g. rod action and durability I' am quite interested in)? If somebody has experience with more than one of the mentioned models like a professional or semi-professional rodbuilder and is able to compare would be perfect.

Please let me know your opinions, thanks in advance for all your help.


RGDS,
Ole

Would help a lot if we knew if your throwing bait and how easily it comes off the hook on a cast, or if your throwing plugs/spoons/spinners that you can get a little muscle behind.

... the baits I' am using are mainly spoons and wobblers, made of metal and plastic. So I need something what helps me to make "distance" without the necessity to take care of natural soft baits.


RGDS,
Ole

Haven't any experience with Pac Bay blanks that long. Haven't tried any St Croix steelhead blanks lately, but the earlier one's (5 to 8 years ago) I tried didn't stand out in performance. Rainshadow, Lamiglas, GLoomis, Talon and Sage have been in the steelhead/salmon business for a long time. Don't see many rods of your length in the US for other than float fishing, very popular in Canada. Andy Snedden at Rodbuilder Supplies to the left would be an excellent source of information and supplies. The rods this length I fished in Canada from Rainshadow, Talon, Lamiglas would be excellent tools. The Sage are really nice rods, but the difference in price I just don't see/feel on the river. Andy is well versed in these rods, carries many of the brands and a great guy besides. The Rainshadow 4 or 5 power will be real hard to beat for price/performance. Weight and tip power between to two is very similar difference is in the backbone. The Lamiglas Certified Pro XSH 1262 MH is nice also, but twice the price. I'd also look at maybe 20 lb Fireline or another braided line to maybe improve the long distance hooksets. Good Luck on the rod.