I will be building some new rods this winter with two friends. One of the rods we want to build will be for trips we make each year to the Keys and Bahamas. We want a spinning rod for throwing live crabs to permit. Looking for something that breaks down to three pieces, for line up to 20 (maybe 25 pounds tops) and with enough backbone to fight the fish quickly. The heavier spinning rods we have used are suitable for tarpon fishing, but the heavy lines weights result in a rod that does not throw a crab very well. Since this rod will see salt water action, we are also interested in guides that deal with the corrosion problem well. I realize we could go with titanium framed guides, but those are pricey for a rod used one or two trips a year. I I see mass manufactured rods that sit on the guide's boat all season with little or no care, without guide frame corrosion problems, so there seems there should be a solution other than throwing money at it. Thanks everyone!

J.C. Smith

The three piece requirement is going to limit your choices.

Scott, thanks for mentioning that. If we need to go with a 2 piece blank, then that's the way it is.

If your financial justification removes Fuji Titanium SIC - Amtak Titans then go with Batson natural SS 316. If you have to use a coated frame use black - Do not use chrome, gold or holographic coated frames. While they sit on the unused rack you may find that you do not like the color green.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/24/2007 01:59PM by Bill Stevens.

Wash it all down very well after each trip!!!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

If 7 ft rods are ok, look at the 3 piece travel blanks in the bass section of the Rainshadow/Forecast catalog to the left. Also the travel series Lamiglas blanks. Lamar Fishing could probably suggest a 3 piece CTS blank in the specifics you need. Then there is the Sage SP 470-3 and 570-3 blanks.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/24/2007 03:56PM by Spencer Phipps.

I WOULD GO WITH SPENCER IF 7 FOOT IS OK...THE RAINSHADOW RX7 IC847 3PC....ALONG WITH XVS3TLG SPINNING GUIDES IN THE SS316 STAINLESS STEEL...MIDWEST ROD AND REEL WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SET YOU UP...CALL US FOR PRICING WE WILL TREAT YOU RIGHT IF YOU GET ALL THREE RODS THRU US

Bill@midwestrodandreel.com
www.midwestrodandreel.com

Haven't fished permit in a while, but if I remember right crab fishing was a light 1/8-1/4 oz weight and a small crab quietly thrown at least 25 ft in front of a working permit. A lighter tip than a IC847 may be better. Andy at Lamar Fishing lives saltwater fishing. CTS also has the saltwater fishing nailed.

Consider a St Croix 3S86MHF2 with Fuji Alconite Guides with Black Chrome Stainless Frames. With a light rinse each trip, it will last you as long as you care to own it.

The Lamiglas Travel Series may meet your needs.

Here's a link that lists several Lamiglas blanks in a "hopefully" easy to use fashion.

[www.donstacklehawaii.com]

I use alconites on my surf rods and have not had any problems. I always wash down my rods with fresh water after use.

I built the CTS surf rods that I designed and tested with alconites. These guides were subjected to abuse by large shock leader knots and have not failed. I continue to use the prototypes for surf fishing and the alconites serve me well.

Don

Don Becker

JC was kind enough to post this message as we've been discussing potential 3 pc. saltwater rods. I've got the new Batson catalog and was looking at two of the Forecast spin blanks. I'm leaning towards two blanks, the SB843-3 (7', 3pc., 6-12#) and the SB843-3 (7', 3pc., 10-17#) for throwing crabs at the smaller permit we've had the good furtune to see while stalking tarpon and as double duty rods casting to the smaller fish in the shallows and taking the kids out on the party boats or some light pier / shore fishing.

I'm pretty well set on a 3 pc. rod for travelling and would appreciate any thoughts if you've used these blanks before.


Bill Pulk Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
ALONG WITH XVS3TLG
> SPINNING GUIDES IN THE SS316 STAINLESS
> STEEL...

Glad to see you mentioned this particular guide as it was one I had in mind.

Think about a two-piece rod, if you will, in the PacBay 78X series. The lighter end of their Mag Bass line might easily do what you want, but I can't remember whether they have a three-piece offering.

I've also got a couple of rods built just for the fishing you're doing in the Forecast line. Great sticks.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

St Croix has some NEW blanks in the 2008 catalog that fit the bill - there are three 7'0" models ... 8-14#, 8-17# and 10-20# plus three 7'6" models ... 8-17#, 10-20# and 12-25#. These are all very reasonably priced SCII Inshore models.

I used to build these blanks before they were discontinued at the end of 2006 and can vouch for their quality, durability and appropriateness in the inshore market. Bob McKamey at Custom Tackle has the new 2008 St Croix catalog in PDF and can forward it to anyone who calls and asks ... I got mine a couple of weeks ago so I could get the jump on ordering for this year.

Jim -

P.S. And a huge THANK YOU to St Croix for bringing these blanks back this year!

Russ and Jim, thanks for your tips.