I just built a 5S66MLF and love it. Actually caught a largemouth around 6 or 7 pounds my first time out! For my next build I'm interested in going a step lighter - say using 4lb mono and a Shimano 750 Symetre - and was wondering how the above options would compare to what I just built. I like very fast rods so I need something that will be light/quick in the tip, but I don't want it to feel mushy and whippy down in the butt.

Sorry to not be answering your question Marty, but if I had a rod that delivered a fish like that on the first trip, I'm not sure I'd be fishing with anything else for awhile. I just gotta ask, how big would it have needed to be for you to officially declare that your lucky rod? You South Carolinians must be spoiled by 6-7 lb. bass : )

Lucky! I like to think it was my "finesse" presentation of a 4" senko. Seriously, this will probably be my go-to bass rod for the ponds I fish, but I'm looking for something lighter (but still fast) to use for panfish and trout.

The 66LF is stout in the butt, but light yet crisp in the tip. It's very nice. The added length will aid in sensitivity and hook setting ability.

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

You should definitely consider one of the new SC5 series. However, currently my favorite rod for panfish and trout is the G Loomis SJ720-IMX.

I think the 3S63MLXF is going to be way too much rod for 4# line, so I would drop that one from your list, but a move to an SC3 Lite Power blank would be a good choice too.

Marty,
In addtion to the blanks you are considering, you might take a look at the SC3 C 6-9 ml ex f.
Note, the C rather than the S in the designation. This blank is actually a casting rod blank according to the St. Croix catalog. I was in a similar situation last week for a client who wanted a very fast tip on a good jig rod.
I was shown this blank and bought it on the spot, because of its light fast tip. The tip is substatially faster than a simliar - different length - spinning version. Actually, the butt section is a bit heavier as well. However, the actual tip section itself is lighter and thus gives excellent feel.
It is a tad heavy for 4 lb line, but if you want a very fast tipped strong rod, you might take a look at this blank.

Take care
Roger

Like Jim, the new SC5 for sure.... one beautiful blank in every way.

DR

No, the SC3 69MLXF is definetely not what Marty is looking for. He just built a SC5 66MLF and is looking for something lighter. The 69MLXF is actually heavier/stronger than the 66MLF. It has a light and fast tip, but way to much power in the mid and buttsection.
I used this blank for a spinningrod, fishing with 10lb braid. My record with that stick is a Zander (Pikeperch) measuring exactly 100cm. Thanks to the backbone of that blank I was able to control and land the fish.
I don´t know any of the other blanks Marty mentioned above, but personally I´d go for the 5S66LF or 4S60LF. With that 3SMLXF I´d be carefull, cause it might have the same ore compareable backbone as the 3C69MLXF.

Greetings

Max





>In addtion to the blanks you are considering, you might take a look at the SC3 C 6-9 ml ex f.
>Note, the C rather than the S in the designation. This blank is actually a casting rod blank according to the St. Croix catalog. I was in a similar >situation last week for a client who wanted a very fast tip on a good jig rod.
>I was shown this blank and bought it on the spot, because of its light fast tip. The tip is substatially faster than a simliar - different length - spinning >version. Actually, the butt section is a bit heavier as well. However, the actual tip section itself is lighter and thus gives excellent feel.
>It is a tad heavy for 4 lb line, but if you want a very fast tipped strong rod, you might take a look at this blank.

>Take care
>Roger

The 66LF is the best light rod I've ever fished. It has enough power to do any number of things with 4 or 6 lb. test, but has a fast enough tip not break off very often. I've caught a number of large trout and bass on this rod. You're not going to be able to get them out of any cover, but the rod will surely hold up in open water.