A new requirement for a Halibet Salt Water rod blank.
The client expects to be catching an average size Halibut of about 50 lbs.
He will be running a two speed reel - salt water heavy duty - spooled with 100 lb line.
He is asking for roller tips and first roller.

Any thoughts on specific blanks or roller guides for such a rod?

Thanks much
Roger

Seeker makes rods that are pretty much spot-on for the purpose. In that target weight, PacBay also makes some very strong rods that we use here on the Outer Banks for cobia and grouper.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Roger,

The 127 & 135lb Halibut in this photo --> [] were taken on a $30 Forecast FSU56XH (50-80lb) blank with All American Roller Guides on 100lb line.

Depending on the waters that your customer is fishing, he may need something different. A Calstar BT6455H (30-80lb) is a very popular blank for that application. It's quite a bit softer in the tip than the Forecast, but has every bit of the backbone, and can be a lot more fun on the smaller fish. Same for a 6455H Seeker, but it's even softer than the Calstar and I'd question if it has as much backbone.

Need more info to really nail down a recommendation.

Mark Griffin
[]
C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

Mark,
Thanks for the specifics.
Roger

I use the TS66MH for big Butts!

Mr. Don Morton was nice enough to build me one up many years ago and its still kicking hali Butt.

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

Hi Roger,

Saw your post and wanted to give a couple more options. Shorter rods are fine but I prefer more length so I am going to suggest some 6' and 6' 6" models.

A lot depends on where or how your guy is going to fish but for the average size fish in not super deep water I like the following
AXGC60H 6' 30-60# line 9.5 top
AXGC66H 6'6" 30-60# line 9.5 top
They are graphite composite composition fast action blanks that are extremely durable with a lifetime warranty. (obviously not your basic economy blanks)

Also, new this year and soon to be in stock, is the ultimate in creative design our new "VIPER" series blanks.
AVGC60XH 6' 50-80# line 12 top - for the heavywight applcations
AVGC66H 6' 6" 30-50# line 10 top
In the tradition of innovation American Tackle is known for, these blanks are truly different from anything else available. They have an aluminum powder coated Texalium twill material incorporated into a graphite composite construction blank. Super high end product without a high end price. Available in an electric blue and silver metallic finish they have no cosmetic comparison. Their beauty is only matched by their performance which will allow a fast action blank to load in the tip with tremendous power reserves in the butt for heavy lifting. Offered with a life time warranty.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

Darrin Heim
American Tackle Company

Roger,
From both a blank and finished rod stand point we sell far more 5'6" & 6'0" models than all the others combined.

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

As you know Alaska is the Jurasic Park for Halibut. I have used the Batson TS66MH too. You can never go wrong with Forecast/Rainshadow products-they are truly the best bang for your buck no matter what you compare them to.

Tight Lines

Thanks for all of the updates.
I will consider them all carefully.
Roger