The internet has been a great help to rod building, however, there is one big catch to buying blanks online, you cannot handle them first. I find this worry provoking, as I am never sure exactly what I am buying.

Does anyone use this blank, SB841-3? I am going to build a pack rod, and tend to use mostly 1/8th to 3/8 lures, but it is hard to tell if the manufacturer's rating is going to jive with mine. It would be used for stream trout, smaller smallmouth bass, and shad,


Tim

I think you might find the SB720-4 more enjoyable AND it packs really small, just 18". I own a pair built with short grips and Fuji Alconite and have caught nice sized smallies and plenty of trout (brook, rainbows and browns to 4#) with NO problems whatsoever. Great little rod and a lot stronger than you might think.

The SB841-3 is very fast and has a stiff butt and would be premo for Bass and Shad. Will be an over kill for small Trout. Sounds like you need two rods :)

I built a SB843-3 and found it was a great rod for bass when I traveled to Florida. The rod will break down to a length of about 30" so that might be a consideration when putting it on a pack. The rating on the blank is very accurate. I personnally think it would be a great rod setup for what you are fishing for.

Forgot to add, I would talk to the guys from Midwest Rod & Reel. They helped me with the multi-piece blanks since
they have been building some for other customers. I know Bill Pulk from Midwest is building a set to head down to
Florida next month so he would have first hand knowledge of those blanks (841, 843, and 845).