I just built one of the last All Star 721's left, thinking it would be a smallie rod. It isn't .


I am looking for a blank to throw 1/16-1/4 6' long. It will be used out of canoes/kayaks...

I prefer fast action. Will use a Stradc 1000 size reel and 4-6lb test...

Tommy,

What didn't you like about the All Star 721?
<>Dave

I just built on a St Croix SCIV 4S66MLF, love the feel of the rod, but yet to fish it. It seems to have enough back bone to set the hook, yet it has a soft enough tip to be forgiving if you're slow to set the hook. I should know in a couple of weeks how well it works and I'll let you know. Mark

Thanks !!!!

How does it cast the small baits (1/16 to 1/4)??

I really want to be able to toss the lures 75-100'...

The best I can do with the Allstar is about 50'...

Thanks !!

Dave, I did not see your post... The allstar is a little too heavy on the action for less than 1/4...

It is an awesome feeling rod, just a little too much power...

The reason I asked was I also use a All Star 721 for smallies. So, I just went and did a test to see how far I can throw the a few lures. I can throw a 1/8 oz lure about 55-65' and I can throw a 1/4 oz lure 80-95' on average. I don't think you're going to find a rod to throw a 1/16 oz lure a 100' . If you would like to get some more distance try moving up to a 6'6" and make sure those guides are spaced right. It can make a big difference.

For my money I like St. Croix SCIII 3S66LF or 3S60LF for a real durable smallie rod.

Good Luck. I would be interest to hear how you make out.
<>Dave

I like the 4S510MXF. That is one tough blank and can REALLY cast the light stuff. Rated 8-12# and weighing in at only 1.3 ounces.

G Loomis SJ700 or 720. My favorite smally rod (SJ 700) by far, X fast action, light, biggest difference from backbone to light tip action I've ever seen, but it's still smooth and pleasant to fish. Would never be without one.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/13/2008 06:37PM by Spencer Phipps.

To get that kind of distance with those size baits, you might have to go to 6'6". My personal favorite smallie rod is the 3S66LF. In my opinion, it's the perfect rod for 6 lb. test and 1/8 oz. baits. You can still whip a 1/16 oz. bait quite a ways, and the rod will handle 1/4 oz. without being too over-loaded.

You may wish to consult the RodMaker Volume 7 #1 issue which has specs for a smallmouth river rod. It sounds exactly like what you're after.

Loomis SJ700 extended from the butt to about 6'4" makes a really fantastic rod.

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

Tom, I may end up with that blank :)

Extending the butt....Hmm...

Let me try that...

The added length will help with both casting distance and hook setting ability. It also makes the action very fast, which for this type fishing I greatly prefer.

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

I've put together a couple of these for smallmouth. Lamiglas LSJ721. MudHole as them on clearance at a very good price. I put them together with a Matrix spinning handle for a very sweet, lightweight rod. The blank is 6ft., 6-10lb line, 1/16-5/16 lure weight. Using this handle you can make it a 6ft 6inch rod very easily.

All the Lamiglas spin jigs at Mudhole are sold out.

I have built a Loomis P842, Lami P844, Allstar 781...

of the three, I must say, I like the balance and feel of the Loomis the best...

And now that my wife understands there is no 12 step program to recover from the addiction of rod building...

She'll understand when I order the loomis. SJ 700..

One other question, How do you all recomend extending the butt on these small ID blanks??


Of the whole WWW, this site gives you better (and more diverse) answers than my other hobbies and interests...

Thanks guys

Tommy take a look in the library at the top of the page.There is a article on extending blanks should get you going in the right direction.RMM #7-1 might be more detailed. but this should get you started hope this helps

Aluminum tube is the hot set up for extending the SJ 700. Keep wanting to try that with my old IM6 version, but never seem to have the time to build stuff for me much anymore.