This Spinning rod will be used for small crankbaits, tubes, senkos, topwater, and small sized swim baits, small spinnerbaits. Lure wt. 1/8 - 5/8 oz. The rod needs to be fast action with enough power to handle stippers up to 8lbs and smallmouth up to 5lbs. Swim baits fished with 3/8oz and 1/2oz heads.

I am considering the following blanks...

Rainshadow ISB822.5
Rainshadow XSB813
St.Croix 3C66MLF (might not have enough power)
St.Croix 3S66MF
St.Croix 3S70MF
St.Croix 3C68MFX

Your input appreciated.....

Dennis Scott

I'd have gone with the ISB822.5 or 3C68MXF until the swimbait, crankbait and topwater were in the mix. Personally I'd grap my 3 power Rainshadow IP popping or maybe the St Criox MM blanks for an overall. I'd worry more about keeping a fish on considering the area I'm fishing, hook and line sizes involved and less about the fish size, they don't weight anything in the water. I've fished the more moderate blanks more that than the extra fast above over the years so I go where my comfort zone is, till I have more time on them.

The Best all around would have to be the St.Croix 3S70MF or the 5s70mf. I use the St.Croix 3S70MF built as a spiral wraped casting rod every time I am in the boat. Just my opinion

Let me throw this out, buy a lighter power rod, such as the one you noted "might be too light" and extend it. You'll have an extra fast action rod capable of throwing that light stuff but also have good reserve power in the butt. I build all my rods this way. There was an article in a past RodMaker with all the "how-to."

Just one more avenue to consider.

..........

I'm kind of with Spencer on this. I use two ISB822.5. and one SC3C69MLXF. They are great for drop shotting, light jigging (1/4 oz bitsy jig with lil craw trailer, Brewer slider heads, small tubes ect.) They are probably a little two fast for crank baiting however. I haven't landed an 8# stripper with one yet but I have put a couple of 4.5# large mouths in the boat. You will also love they way they fish flukes on the river. If you are only going to pick one go for the ISB822.5. It has a little more back bone but you can't go wrong with either of them.

That extra fast tip is a beautiful thing when dealing with finnicky bass. Which is the reason that using for a crank bait is not so hot.

Good Luck.

Dennis,
the SCIII ML DOES have enough power. Built tons of them for anglers and fishing clubs. By far the most popular for smallies and walleyes in my area. The only blank that I have built into customs and sold more of is the SCV in the med light. (Brown gloss finish)

Dennis I have evolved to St Croix rods for all of my spin fishing. As I read your post I mentally began to picture the excitement and fun of catching a 5 lb smallie on my medium light 6'6 SC 111. Wow! What a blast that would be. I fished walleyes in Canada last year on a remote lake. Two to Four pounders were very common. I used several rods during the week. The SC V 6' one piece could handle everything up to 15lb Northerns. Great rod but you pay a pretty penny for it but it is totally worth it. For the $ it's hard to beat the St Croix SC 111 rods. My rod of choice by the end of the week ( and the one the other guys wanted to use at times for the sheer fun of the catch) was an SC 111, 5'6 two piece, fast action. Remember, a good reel with a solid drag and light, strong line can handle a lot. Have fun with the whole decision and building process!