Got a client looking for a decent quality (but modest priced) blank to build into a kayak rod. Rod recipient is upper east coast and fishes for stripers out of kayaks.

The client requesting is buying it as a gift for this kayaker. I don't know much about this (nor does my client), so I'd appreciate any blank suggestions.

I know kayak length is one factor to consider. Just wondered what some of you have used in the past.

Thanks in advance!

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I cant help you with the blank weight for stripers, but the kayak guys like a long enough blank to get the line around the front tip of the kayak. Usually 7'-6" is a minimum and 8' is better. They like longer foregrips than rear grips like a float rod.
Marc

Hi Alex,

I had recently requested suggestions for the same info for myself, for kayak fishing in new england for stripers. Search and you'll see some of the great suggestions I got. I settled on a 7'6" "big show" castaway blank from swampland AND a 7'6" 12-25 lb lami (item t520-95) from mudhole. The castaway was much cheaper, and by all accounts so far is just as worthy. I've fished both quite a bit so far and both are just terriffic for the task at hand. some of the seasoned kayakers recommend a shorter butt, Ibut 've gone with a split grip the length of my forearm much like any other rod I build; and it suits me just fine. I just dig it in when the time comes. I've tried the shorter butt, and just dont like it. I do have more of a foregrip than usual, as I find this a definite necessity kayak fishing - others dont. Anyway, good luck.

Thanks,


Steve

PS - there's a rodbuilding section on the new england kayak fishing web site that might offer you additional info.

If this is a fly rod I'd go with a 8 or 9 wt switch rod 10'-6" blank to help keep the line off of the water on the back cast. Beulah and Batson make them

John... Casting rod - but thanks for the option! I'll remember that one!

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I would recommend you take a good hard look at the Lamiglas TF90-15.

[www.lamiglas.com]

Either call Bob McKamey at Custom Tackle OR Todd Vivian at Mud Hole. Both gentleman are very familiar with that blank and do carry them as well. They are a PHENOMENAL blank for your purpose ... durable as a tank and priced nicely.

Jim -

I have a lot of experience striper fishing from a kayak. There are many available blanks that would work great. You want something 7'6' to 8'. Personally I like 8' rods better as it helps to clear line around the front of the kayak and makes grabbing a fish a bit easier. You want something rated for 20# line. If fishing artificials you want something rated for around 1-3oz. This is important. I regularly throw jigs in the range of 2-3 ounces, and have found many rods just can't handle them (even though they are rated for them). Whetever blank you pick, make sure it can actually throw a 3 ounce jig. Additionally, make the handle shorter than normal. Long handles make casting difficult out of a sitting position while in a kayak.