I'm looking to build a trolling rod for the fall striper run in Jersey. I've never built a trolling rod before, and consequently have no idea where to start in terms of picking a blank.

It'll be used for the classic Northeast inshore striper methods -- Mann's strech lures and similar, which run around 1-2 oz. It'll be paired with something like a Penn 330 GTI (I haven't made my mind up on the reel yet) spooled with 40 or 50 lb. braid. 7 feet seems to be what most guys use for trolling rods, so I'm leaning in that direction, but could be swayed. I'll be using ceramic guides, and I'll almost certainly be doing a simple spiral, unless there's a good reason not to. I'm looking for a blank that's fairly light, but will have enough beef to handle a 40 or 50 lb. striper (if we're lucky). I can handle picking the components, but I looked in a couple of catalogs and at a few websites, and my head is swimming.

Any suggestions? I'm not that familiar with boat trolling (I'm mostly a surf guy), and I know less than nothing about trolling blanks. What make? What model? Glass, graphite, or composite? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Your head is swimming because there are a zillion possibilities. I break my own rule occassionally, but I try to keep the line strength within the range or the rod rating. Or darn close. 20-40lb blank perhaps from what you are mentioning, or a 15-40 for a lighter tip. I'm building what Mudhole has as LSBB841MH in its Surf Rocket specials. Not terribly well disguised when it comes in a Lamiglas wrapper and matches CGBT 84 1MH
description and specs. :-) 40% off from officially buying the Lami. I'm building one now, with the idea of light trolling and deep jigging. Just one idea for you anyway..

Thanks, Dave. That helps.

By the way, I've been telling people for two years that Mudhole's surf rocket blanks are the best surf blank value out there. The first time I tried one it was because A) it fit what I wanted to do, and B) the the price was right, but when I was done, and I fished the thing, I was so pleased with the performance that I haven't built a surf rod on anything else. Now I think I understand why I like them so much...

Chris;
I am building one Now Rainshadow RCLB 70M that I picked up from Custom Tackle Supply while on Vacation

The Seeker BT 20 is what you are looking for! I trim from the butt to make the rod 6' or 6'6" I use Fuji LBSG's on the south side and a USG 20 or (25 with a GTI 330) on the top.
Good Luck!!
Ed



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 07/14/2007 06:35PM by Ed Grella.

chris let me know if i can help i have a few blanks here ..LOL and i am only 15 minutes from the phila stadium area..i do have some Rainshadow ..

NERBS