Hi guys,
Fortunately, I have had some time on my hands today. I was wondering what you all think of the idea to use a popping rod for tossing light (1/32 oz) beetlespins. I will be using 4-6lb braid on a Shimano 750 or 1500 for powerfishing for panfish, similar to how most people spinnerbait fish for bass just lighter stuff for the smaller fish. I was thinking of using my leftover p7000 cut to about 6 foot. If you think of better suggestions I am completely open to those as well. I do also have a couple sj590's and sj700's as well.

thanks,
Tom Kaufmann

One that I like is the StCroix SCIII 3S70ULF

DR

Duane,
Do you find that UL is really slow?

It is very "whippy" imo Thomas. I dont see how it got a fast rating.....

DR

shoot, I wish that there was something similar to a sj for ultra lights.

What about the Loomis SJ6400 or 700? I have a Forecast F662-4 which I built with a TN grip. I use a Sahara 750 with 4lb Fireline and it performs great. It is a little whippy - I would prefer something with a faster action - but will throw really light stuff and breaks down to just over 18".

A light popping rod would be fine for working very light lures. Why cut it? A longer rod provides better feel and will get you more fight from the same sized fish.

But, you will have to find a very, very light model. Most I'm aware of are rated for at least 1/8 ounce lures and up, and generally best with 1/4 ounce.

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

Thomas the closet thing I know of is a Batson SB720-4

Clear Gloss
6'0" 4pc 4-8lb.1/16-5/16oz. 0.435 4.5 Fast Lt


This little blank is a tough cookie. I was suprised at how stout it really was. It may not throw the 1/32 AS WELL, but it sure has way more of a fast action and PLENTY of power versus most. I would not be afraid to go after nice smallmouth with that blank. It's not "whippy" for sure and the action is surely FAST as well, the cost is great too. It's a blank that suprised me quite a bit. Just one more to look at :)

DR

I have two of the SB720-4 rods and they are tough little boogers ... they serve as my personal pack rods. However, if portability weren't an issue - I would look real hard at the Loomis SJ6400 - very nice action.

I built the SB720-4 for my son this winter and I agree that is my favorite option for a light bass rod - stout in the butt for what it is, light weight and extremely packable. I think 1/32 is well below the optimum casting range though. I also agree with Tom K. regarding longer rods. I seldom grab anything under 7 ft. The longer rods enable me to throw farther and give me a much more fun fight.
One more thought that is a little out of the box, but a very fast, light weight, 9ft fly blank makes for a fun fight with small fish. Something like a Dan Craft FT in a 2wt might be really cool.

What about a hastings GUSA 701DHX or 702DHX? Very nice blanks indeed.

Thomas, I have two rods I built for that type of fishing, the Rainshadow IP840 (DBI = 8.0/70) and the St. Croix 3S70ULM2 (5.3/67). I prefer the IP840 since it has a stouter butt but can still throw small lures very well because it has a soft tip.

Hi guys, sorry I have been late in getting back to you all. Tom and Marty I think that I will give the sj6400 a shot and see what I can find for a super light popping model too. Duane and Jim, I completely agree about the 720 I did build one a while back for this purpose and found it just a smidge heavy for what I was wanting.. I will say that I LOVE it for 1/16 and 1/8 ounce stuff... makes an awesome roadrunner rod and will toss the tiny Rapala's pretty darn well too.

thanks a ton for the advice.

Tom