I did a search and couldn't find this exact topic, but I apologize if this question has been asked before.

I'm looking to build a surf plugging rod, and am going to give a Rainshadow blank a try. I'll be using a Penn Slammer 460 with 30 lb. braid to throw artificials, both on open beaches and in more sheltered backwaters. Though at times I'll throw lures ranging from an ounce or so up to 3 1/2 or 4 ounces, at least 90% of the time I'll be throwing plugs in the 2-3 ounce range.

I like plugging rods in the 8-9 foot range, so at 8'10" I figured the SW1087 would be just about perfect. The blank's action (medium-fast), also seems to fit well with what I'm looking for, and I also like that it's one piece. And the lure weight range (3/4-4 oz.) also fits the bill.

It generally seems about the perfect blank for me, but because I have no experience with Rainshadow blanks, I figured I'd see if anyone here could shed some light on it for me. Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I have built several rods on this blank and I think you will be very pleased.

Skeet Bennett
www.skeetsfishingrods.com

Chris, I can't speak to the 1087 specifically but I can speak to the quality of the Rainshadow blanks. I've got 5 surf rods built on Rainshadow blanks (1145, 1266, 1387, 1417, and 1508) and they are all fantastic. In fact I am in the process of building 3 more. Each one casts great and they have held up extremely well.

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I've long heard so many good things about Rainshadow blanks that I'm eager to give it a shot. I was hoping that someone had built a plugging rod on this blank -- and maybe someone will still chime in -- but I'm 99% sure I'm going to order it.

The first rod I built was this blank. I wrapped it with a simple spiral and I love it. I use it for 2-3 oz lures while surf casting. It is the perfect blue/spanish rod.

I would recommend it without hesitation.

I've only built on the older Rainshadows and found the SW1087 works great 1 oz to 2 oz, and the SW1088 2 oz to 4 oz (with 4 pushing it).. I just hung a 3 1/2 oz custom plug on an SW 1087, a bit too much IMHO. If I were you I'd build one of each!!

Mike

NERB that types with a bar of Ivory soap in his mouth.

Mike from a plugging perspective, do you prefer the SW series or the SU series? I have been contemplating the SW1207, SW 1208, SW1209, or the SU 1207, SU1208.

Tony

Tony, I have never used the SU series, so can't comment.