Has anyone used the new Seeker"X" blank which is the S glass. This supposidely is superior to e glass which is the standard of the industry. It is used in the aerospace industry and has 30% more pulling strength than the e glass blanks. These blanks would be used for tuna or big game fishing. Thanks,
Sanford Hochman

Lots of guys are using them out WEst and even up in teh East. There's a bit of information on teh WC Tuna boards, as well as Noreast.

Billy,
What board would have this information either WC or EC? Thanks,
Sanford

They're great. Seeker has improved upon what was already a great blank. If you liked the old ones, you'll love these. The weight difference is noticeable.

.........................

Noreast has a few guys who have used them. I believe I saw posts on both senor tuna and bloodydecks, and I'd assume Allcoast might have some info. A friend of a friend of mine owns a tackle shop on Long Island, tunafishtackle - and he was raving about these to me inteh chat room teh other night. I also know MArk GRiffen from @#$%& knows a bit abotu thee blanks as he was telling me stuff earlier this year. The one issue with them is the availability of them, it sounds to me like Seeker is right now making the blanks for Factory rods first, adn rodbuilders are having to wait a while before tehir orders are filled. Don't quote me on that though.

I have a Super Seeker SD8 and love it. One thing to note is that not all the super seekers have graphite in them. The SS-SD8 has no graphite and it is a heavy blank.

Being on the west coast I have built 4 Super Seekers to date.....They are like Tom says ..."noticeably lighter" than the "E" glass.
Anglers Workshop for one stocks these blanks.

Tight Lines
Tight Wraps
Fishin'Stix by Fred

Thanks to all. I have to make 6 of them, so I don't want to make an error in judgement.
Sanford

They are a LOT lighter than their predecessors!

If you are new to stand up fishing and building I'd suggest picking up the Rod Maker issue that explains it. I just had some interest in building this type of rod and received a copy and it points out many things that you would not take into consideration. Very well written.

Scott,
I am not new to the building of tuna rods. I have done many before this, but I the East Coast fishing community is a bit different than the West Coast fishing, and I have heard a great deal about the S glass being used on the West Coast. I have been using Calstar and Lamiglass blanks and been very satisfied, but would consider the newer materials to try. Thanks for your thoughts on the subject.
Sanford

Just a thought, and it was about a magazine article not materials or the differences between WC vs. EC preferences.

Line class for line class, most of the east coast blanks are much stiffer than the west coast counterpart. Just be careful when selecting the blank. At one time, Seeker even had two listings for their IGFA blanks, east and west coast ratings.

"S" glass for offshore work isn't new. In fact, Fenwick used it many, many years ago on some of their IGFA offshore trolling and live bait blanks. They were very light compared to most E glass models but were very well designed and held up nicely.

............

Tom,
If that is the case, using a 70 or 80 class reel, would you choose the XX or XXX blank?
Sanford

What type and size fish are you going after? I don't think I'd start with the reel. I'd start with the fish I plan to fight and then select the rod and then the line and then the reel.

.................

Tom,
We are fishing for tuna in the 100-500# range. Of course, we always gear up for the big one and anything less will be brought in. These are boat rods obviously, and we use 80-100# line. The reels are fairly standard in size, being the 50's, and 70-80 class internationals.
Sanford

Sanford, when do you get the Giants up there?

Billy,
The giants start in July in the area of Stellwagon Bank Sanctuary. Then they travel South towards areas such as the BC Buoy and the Regal Sword. You would need a map to get a better idea of what I am describing. That is about 30 miles off the coast. If you get out to the canyons where you find lots and lots of boats, there are giants and swordfish, mahi mahi, and others. As you know we use spreader bars for the lesser size tuna ( 35-70"). We have had three great years so far. It is usually not if we get them, but what spot to go to. I have a anglers permit and am permitted one giant/year (73" and up), and three fish in certain lengths per day. We concern ourselves with weather up here, being foggy and windy part of the time, not like the West Coast or Mid Atlantic, where you can count on relatively good days most of the time. Sept and Oct are the best months for the big ones, but there are always other sizes most of the time. It is really exciting fishing, and we are concious of preserving as many of these fish as possible, releasing most, and only keeping those we will eat.
Sanford

I assume you are also using wide spool reels - 50W's loaded with 80lb line? 80W's with 100lb line?

I would use nothing less than the 80lb class blank - east coast rating. The 100lb would be fine as well but I would not drop to a 50lb. Cross reference whether the XX or XXX would put you at least at something that would rate at 80lbs minimum. I see no reason to match to anything much over 100, certainly not the 130lb rating.

..........................

Tom,
I was thinking in that direction. Thanks.
Sanford