I'm in search of a good 7' casting blank that can handle 1 to 2oz. jigs for deepwater vertical jigging (150'+ down) lake trout. (Fish average 5lbs, with an occasional over 10lb.) I really like the St. Croix SCIII lineup, but not sure of the model. Is a rod with a "Heavy" (3C70HF) power rating (to handle the lure weight) overkill? Also, with setting the hook in mind, would a moderate action (3C70HM) be better than a fast action to buffer the strike a bit? Any other favorite brand blanks? Many Thanks, any help is greatly appreciated! Mike

I'd go the MHF for the jig weights you discribed. I find that the lure casting weight X 2 is a very close guesstimation to the water soaked lure weight with most blanks. Used a telescoping flipping stick with a roller tip for my laker rod for many years as it let me use it for just about anything including wire line trolling. The 3 piece Rainshadow blanks have been getting rave reviews from some of the travelling fisherman I build for.

I'm a little out of my league here, but with a 150 foot drop, wouldn't you want as stiff a rod tip as possible, and as long a rod blank as practical, to take out all that line stretch, if you are using nylon monofilament? ... The amount of line stretch is so much (over 5% - over 5 feet with 150' of line down), that you are just stretching the nylon on the first lift.

If you are fishing braid, which has no stretch, maybe then rod taper would make a difference, and a moderate-fast taper may be preferred, as you seem to be suggesting. ... Later Gators, ... -Cliff Hall+++ , FL-USA

Here are some interesting vertical jigging blanks to take a look at.

[www.ackfishing.com]

Pete
ACK Fishing & Tackle -Board Sponsor

Thanks guys, and you're right on Cliff - I was thinking of using braid but will stick to a fast action with mono line for this depth (150'+). Thankfully, these fish follow bait to shallower waters throughtout the spring and summer!