I have a request from a co-worker. He would like me to build him a rod. Since I’m a fly fisherman I am not too familiar with the type of rod that he has requested. Here is the info:

He wants a boat rod for Striper fishing in the Delta between San Francisco and Sacramento. He specifically requested a 5’6” rod with a lot of backbone – but he wants a pretty sensitive tip. Both he and another coworker who has been fishing with him tell me that he sets the hook HARD! Full body, lean back and yank!

He has been fishing for a hundred years and it is said that he really knows his stuff. He has had many different rods over the years. I’d like to build him a good rod with the specifications that he mentioned.

Can I get a few suggestions regarding blanks that I should look into?

Thank you

Mike

MIght want to find out what rod he is currently using, and what fishing methods. The only SW blanks which are 5'6 tha I am aware of are made for Offshore fishing, although I may very well be wrong. My guessumption would be you are goign to need to get a composite rod such as a Calstar 600L, Lami CGBT721 or 781M - and cut some of the butt to get the length you're after.

Do what the rest of us do. Take him to a tackle shop and let him pull on a few blanks. I'm not from the bay area but I understand that Hi's Tackle may be the shop you'd want to visit. Soft tip with a lot of backbone. Maybe a Seeker blank?

Would cutting down a longer blank destroy any of the integrity of a glass rod?
Would it reduce any of the backbone strength?
Would I be better off looking for a 6’ or 6’6” rod to cut down as opposed to a 7’ rod?
Would it make a difference in the strength or/and integrity?

Cutting as little as possible is best to maintain the same action. Look for a 6' to cut down to 5'6".
How about a Super Seeker ss-cjb60xf rated at 15-25 # test?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/19/2007 01:53PM by Mel Shimizu.

I grew up fishing that area and I'm heading down there this weekend small world. Not sure why he wants a 5'6" but I would go with theRainshadow RCLB70ML or L also the SWB70ML or M all are 7 foot. I use the Rainshadow SWS597 for Gator fishing and I just love it but is 7'10" long. The added length helps you set the slack and keeps you from setting head over heels LOL..

Thank you all for the info. I've paged through the internet and investigated all of the rods/rod types listed in your responses. I feel better about my knowledge and placing an order. I'll have to talk to my coworker regarding his cost preferences before making a decision.

Karry - I have no idea why he wants a 5'6" rod either but he definately specified that length - more than once. And he is apparently a very competent fisherman who has been around quite a while, so I'm definately not one to argue his preferences. One thing that I do know.......... my coworkers, who have fished with him in the past, have mentioned that he has a habit of setting the hook hard and it's not uncommon for him to whack it against the boat cabin cover behind him (jet style boat Jeep-type cabin covering that zips on and off). It's possible that he wants a shorter rod so that he doesn't reach as far back when he swings the rod up and back. I'd ask him but I have a feeling that I wouldn't get an honest answer out of him. Pride you know. lol

In that case Tuff stick TS60M would be the one then solid glass tip :)