Have any suggestions for a 6'6" to 7' Bluegill rod? Like something capable of throwing a 1/32oz jig a fair distance. I'd forgotten just how much fun those critters are and I've never built a rod for them.

Thanks

St Croix SC3 ... 3S66ULF or 3S70ULF.

My favorite bluegill rod is a bit shorter ... a G Loomis SJ720-IMX. I like mine a tad bit beefier AND really fast. The action helps with the little lures, but the additional power is helpful when I snag other species that are larger and more resistant to being eaten.

You will have a lot of fun with a 7 ft mod action blank.

Bill - willierods.com

For gills with their sideways fighting and sharp bursts, I prefer a softer rod. My favorite for just such action is an inexpensive 7 ft IM6. This rod serves me well either wading or from my kayak. With the soft action, I often spool quality 2 lb test line if I'm fishing areas without lots of obstructions. The 2 lb and the soft rod helps with casting the smaller lures and baits. Bluegill rods do not have to be the top of the line in order to be pleasurable to fish and effective.

Another suggustion would be to build one from a 7' 2 or 3 wt fly rod blank, I have one made that way and love it. Also have a 6' 6" Shikari ultra lite and that is my most favorite, we are actually going on a river float trip Monday to fish just for blugill/red breast and the like, it is a blast.

Neil you may want to look at the Batson IP840 [www.batsonenterprises.com] it will go down to 1/32oz and I built one and it is a blast to fish.

I like to use the Batsons SP-721-2 blank which is 6 foot great for bluegill. Also have built one on fly rod blank which is also a nice rod for bluegill and crappie. Maybe try one first see which you like then built one to meet your needs.

Edwin Kime

Thanks kindly for the suggestions. Appreciate them.

My last build has become my favorite rod for not only panfish, but other fish that require really small lures. Just caught a 22 " walleye on it with a tiny "beetle spin" type lure. It is built from an American Tackle AMF 763 blank, 3 weight fly blank. It is 7 1/2 feet long, and I think that length is right-it casts Norman Deep Tiny N's like rockets, and lighter stuff quite well also. Check out the grip design on page 4 of the grip photos. I had never done a grip/seat like that before, and it really is comfortable for this very light rod. The rod is designed for a Shimano Sedona 500 size reel, used micros as the running guides. I use 8 # braid for line, no leader, no problem.