A friend who does alot of catfishing on the Snake River here between Idaho and Oregon wants me to build him a custom rod. He would like a casting rod that can handle a minimum 20lb. line and be able to throw 6 ozs. of lead. He prefers a 2pc rod. He uses an Ambassator 5600 reel and would like to beable to cast around 100 ft. His old set up, a 7 footer will do only about 60ft. To achieve this I think he would want a longer pole. I took a brief look in Angler's and Batson's catalog but found nothing definate. Whay kind of action would I want to handle this type of fishing, slow, mod. or fast? I would appreciate any of your recommendations for a blank, components and set up. I asume the spiral wrap would be in order for this rod.
Lon

Hi Lon
Check my big cat rods from Europe, I got them in 8 and 9 ft. they come with Alps reels seat, handle and butt cap.
Best Regards Mark Crouse ( They are with the MSC Blanks)
www.munichrodmansrodshop.com or on the left The Rod Shop

Lon,

Next time you are headed to Orofino, let me know and I'll show you some of the heavy duty rods I have in stock. Joe

Joe Douglas
Rod Builders International
208-476-5708
joe@rodbuildersintl.com

if you are looking for a Blank go back to Batson / Rainshadow and look at the Saltwater listings I used a SU-1209 for my casting rod, Will most definatelly cast MORE than 100 FT. it is one pcs but look for 2 Pcs

Neal's Fishing has a good deal on Forcast SWB 70 in 20 - 40 lb class, but they are 1 piece. Might do some checking with him on 2 piece blanks.

You could build a nice catfish rod from a MH, H or XH steelhead or salmon blank.

Batson/Rainshadow possible blanks:
ISA1087F 9'0" 2 15-30 lb. 3/4-2 oz. 0.660 7.0 Moderate Fast Extra-Heavy 5.37 oz.
SH1026-2 Clear Gloss 8'6" 2 12-25 lb. 3/4-1 1/2 oz. 0.525 5.5 Moderate-Fast Heavy 3.41 oz.

Lon I live in Caldwell Idaho never have I needed 20 # line for catfish in this area is it the current he is worried about?
I have landed up to 25 # cats on the Snake on Rainshadow 10-14# blanks.

Look at Pac Bay. They have some two-pc rods in that class. Their wholesalers are on the left side.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

SW967F would be the one I would use from the Boat. I use it for Steurgeon with no problemo. I'm sure you could get 100 feet out of it if your a good caster. I'm surprised no one mentioned it! Well it is kind of new I guess.

Karry, That has to be one of my all time best blanks, SW967 I've built 3 for chucking swimbaits but used it for cats also and all I have to say is WOW, That is my favorite blank for all type of freshwater fish. Going to try the one I buildt for salmon this year on the Sacramento river mainly back bouncing flat fish. Thanks Steve