Hello Everybody.

Long time lurker first time poster. I've made a half dozen freshwater rods, but my Dad is headin to Key West for a month and I thought it would be a nice gesture to build him a rod to take along. I'm thinkin something along the lines of a 7' spinning rod MH with a fast action. He's gonna be fishing along the reef, as well as in the shallows along the back side of the islands. I had been lookin at an Inshore Seeker rod from Mudhole. Using the AMtak A-frame guides. I'm havin trouble picking out a reel seat/ grip combination. As of right now I don't have the capabilities to turn my own, so any help would be appreciated. Also.....Any thoughts on a nice reel would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

I have built two such rods using Batson's 3 piece spinning blanks, one in the RX6 and one in the RX7 series. Their SS316 PVD coated guides are a good choice to use in a salt environment. Very sensitive tips, plenty of backbone in the butt end, price for a 3 piece travel spinning blank is great too. I use them vertical jigging for lake trout here at home. Check out Fishsticks4u or or Utmost enterprises. to order. My friend and I have caught permit and various jacks on them. Make it a 3 piece rod and make travel easier for Dad! Not many choices in 3 piece spinning blanks, I think St. Croix and American Tackle are the two others I found.

Personally, I would very much suggest a Lamiglas Travel IMP844-3. There isn't a better all-around choice for Florida, IMO.

Thanks for the info. While the travel blanks sound nice, I would like to get a 1 pc blank. He's drivin down there and will be fishin off his boat, so travelling with it is not a problem. I've got a new Quantum Boca PT 60 that I was gonna pair it with. I'd like it to be a pretty versatile blank. Any other suggestions would be great.

Unless you are planning to go tarpon fishing, that Boca 60 is a bit large. I don't suggest anything larger than a Boca/Cabo 30 ... and truthfully, I am not a huge Quantum spinning reel fan due to the weight.

IMO, the best all around inshore rod is a 7'0", 4 power, popping rod. G Loomis P844 in the GL2 series OR a Lamiglas IMP844 in the IM700 series.

Spool up with 15# braided line and 20# leader and you are all set. Wait until you get here to purchase lures ... go to small local shops and buy a license, lures and ask for information.

Jim -