My nephew a Naval Coreman just got back from Iraq after spending a long year + as a medic for the Marines. He lives in S.W. Florida and loves to fish lights at night for snook usually in the 2lb to 6lb range w/ an occasional bruser up to and over 20lbs making an apperance. I would like to build him a one peice spinning rod in the 7' range able to peg 40' to 60' casts around the shadow lines an dock pilings w/ enough backbone to pull a big girl out. He likes using 20lb braided line. Any suggestions on resonally priced rod blank?

Snooker Pete

You could look at the heavier popping blanks. They'd be fine on the 2lb to 6lb fish although a tad light on the big 20lb fish.

As always, a nice light tipped Hot Shot blank could be the ticket, since they'll cast very light lures a long way but have tremendous backbone.

I'll let others give you specific brand and model recommendations.

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

Considering the ways of snook I would suggest something like the GUSA B70M , very tough blank
John

I was going to say the GUSA SW70M, which is a litle heavier than th regular B70M which John recommended. I think since John lives in Florida, he knows better than I do, lol. I've got both of these blanks in stock (along with a ton of others), in both gloss grey and cobalt blue, and the SW70M I have in Metallic Purple as well.

FW blanks in stock: [northeastrodbuilders.com]
SW: [northeastrodbuilders.com]

This is my "cup of tea". A very reasonably priced blank that can handle the conditions ... a G Loomis P845. Another option would be a Batson CB70MH. Either way you will have the durability and power needed.

Hello all,
I have been bulding rods for awhile but am new to the forum. I enjoy reading the posts and everyone seems great. I wanted to input on the light snook rod. I live in south florida and snook fish almost every other day. I use a ATC II SB702 blank by (www.advancedtubularcompsites.com). It is a 7 foot, 10-17 lb test, fast action blank with a size 30, 20, 16, 10, 10, 10 single footed guides and a #10 tip top.The guides are American tackle NIA titan spinning guides. I also have a ATC II SB703 8 -15lb test, 7 footer with Fuji hardloy's that I use as well. They have a pretty decent back bone and with braid, I can cast pretty well with an 1/8 oz lure or more. These rods have been flawless for me. I also use them to fish in the redfish tournaments as well.


Tight lines to all and to all big fish,
James Williams
Redneck Flies



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/06/2008 10:51PM by James Williams.

Thanks to all of you guys for responding! The knowledge in this forum is incredable, I'm so glad I found this place! I now have several nice options to think over before I buy one for my nephew and maybe one for myself! I live across from him on the S.E. Florida coast and we have snook lights here too! You guys are great!
Thanks again,
Pete

Snooker Pete

I would say definitely a "5" power popping blank (These often include "845" in the model number)... casting distance is not an issue... he is pitching to docks, those are short, accurate casts, not long casts. Plus, the braid casts further than mono to start with. Pulling the fish away from the docks is the issue, the heavier popping blank is what's needed.