OK, a basic question from someone who hasn't a CLUE about saltwater blanks. After my first foray into saltwater fishing this weekend and breaking the first rod I rebuilt, I'm got the bug to try another one. While I know a good bit about UL and L freshwater blanks, I know next to nothing blanks suitable for saltwater off a boat. I think people call this 'boat rods'? (Can you tell that I'm quite limited on this?)

I see that there are lots of FIBERGLASS rodblanks in this category. I assume that is for durability. I think there are also graphite ones - are these tough enough to be just leaned on corner of boats etc as long as they are not stepped on? The other four guys i was with all had stock fiberglass rods and they were very relaxed about just laying down anywhere they well pleased.

The one I rebuilt and broke is graphite with relatively thin walls.

I'd like something both sensitive and yet tough - a difficult combination. We were fishing at the bottom as deep as 260 feet most the time. I was using braided and It thought the sensitivity to be important.

Anyways, appreciate any illumination.

Thanks,
Mo

I really like the rouge line of saltwater balnks very light and sensitive. They have rods designed for most of our coasts and best of all the blanks are available. Also have a look at batson's eglass series of salt water blanks if you dont want to spend a ton. They are a nice mix of sensitivity and toughness. Also look at lamiglass thye have to much to list, I think they make a blank for everything.

Mo; Go to the Seeker Rods web site, www.seekerrods.com, and look at the Super Seeker rod blanks. You will find everything from 10 lbs up to 130 lbs. Very impressive blanks.

Take a look at Lamiglas Tri-Flex blanks.

Can you tell us what the blank was that you broke and how you broke it? I'm not asking you to do that in a spirit of criticism toward anybody's product; I'm just wondering if the blank selection wasn't appropriate to the task at hand. Or, if you are used to UL FW stuff (I share that infatuation), perhaps there is a technique issue in doing SW in the surf or from a boat. I have blanks from all the major manufacturers that I use regularly in the salt and I have never had a breakage.

THANKS to all. Keep them coming and I'll check them out.

Marty - we talked briefly about this in a different thread. I was actually using a relatively low cost factory rod that I rebuilt so it did not start as a rod blank. It sure was light for the power though.

Mo