I've just starting to make a set of custom offshore rods for stand up fishing. Which I'm very excited about. I was wondering if any body has built any rods with Status rod blanks? How do they compare to say a Calstar in performance? I know Mudhole carries them but just wanted to know if somebody actually built a rod with one. Also, does anybody know what type of blanks Ian Miller uses for his shortstroker rods? Have a nice day.

Stick to Calstar rods. I see from Mudhole's add that Status has been in buisness for 7 yrs. Leon Todd who makes Calstar rods designed Sabre's rods started more than 30yrs. ago.

I know it was that long ago because I built my first rod, A Sabre in 1971 and they were well known then.

I have no doubt that Status rods are quality blanks, but I doubt they could out perform Calstars.

Most of the rods used on long range trips out of San Diego are Calstars. You won't be diasappointed.

Roley, Have you used a Status blank before? I ask as Im a rod builder in Australia who has used and built almost 50 to date, and I can tell you now that if you have used one of these blanks you wouldnt have made that statement. They out perform Calstar blanks by a mile and then some. Who cares how long a blank company has been going for that tells me nothing, I know how these blanks are rolled and what there made off and I can assure you they will be around foir many years to come.

Stuart Mackenzie
Precision Rods
Australia

Hi Bryan-

The Status blanks are excellent, period. They all have basically the same action throughout the various power ranges. I would call the action extra-fast. Lockup point is definite and similar on all models. Yes, they are pricey, but I feel they are worth it if you are serious and want the best.

The Calstar's will sub nicely (I prefer the Graphiters but glass works well also), but will require shimming to fit the Unibutt ferrule after cutting. The Status blanks are built up at the ferrule end to plug into the Unibutt ferrule without modification. I almost always trim the tip on the Calstar's to get the super-fast action I prefer on my heavy rods; Status blanks I would not trim- the actions are just right.

I have most models of Status blanks IN STOCK from the 1545 and heavier (up to the 80#), as well as Aftco butts, leather strips and anything you need to build this type of rod. Contact me thru my link (Petrochemical) on the left if you are interested in trying them.

Tom Kohl
Petro Chem

We must be talking about different kinds of stand up fishing.
I have never seen a Uni-butt used on a long range rod,our custom rods are made for the individual angler, not for the store rack. For example, one of my customers is the same height I am, 6' 3" our upper grip on the rod is at the same spot on the rod, He has a 10" foregrip and I have a 17" foregrip.A Uni-butt would not work for both of us.

As for trimming the tip of a rod, I don't think you would have many repeat customers on the west coast if you did that,the limber tip does have a purpose.

As for trolling our long range boats don't have rod holders, so we troll a different way

One rod you need for the shorter trips [ 3- 5 ] days would be a 7' live bait rod 12-25 lb. with the lively tip for casting bait to the kelp paddies your short stiff rods would not work for this.

I didn't say your rods weren't good, what I meant is that for our style of fishing Calstar rods work better.
You are justifiabley proud of your product. It is just that your style of fishing is different than ours.

Hi Roley-

I understand your point- I'm a party boat tuna addict myself.

For LR/multi-day fishing I would never use a rod built on a Status blank (or a Unibutt for that matter). I would not cut back the tip on a bait stick, either.

A long, 5 1/2 to 6 ft. standup rod with a soft tip won't do much good trolling marlin lures out of a rod holder, in my opinion.

My understanding of the original question was in regard to blanks used for stand up rods built along the lines of Ian Miller's rods (or similar designs) not LR tuna sticks.

Tom

My apologies to everyone. My lack of culture is showingh. I dont fish for Marlin so my only contact with standup fishing is long range fishing.

Yea it might be, but you did give us some good insight into the type rods you guys are using for the long range stuff. Thanks to all who posted here. I learned a few things.

Reading this old thread brought tears to my eyes. The early 2000s were great and will be remembered as the era of forums

It's bringing tears to my eyes as well.