I am in distress, I need advise from you all on the perfect sailfish trolling rod. I am from the midwest and have been asked to build a sailfish rod for a gentleman who is 65 to70 years old. If you could help me with the blank, guides reel seat and size of the real seat, eva or hypalon. I was thinking of a 7' blank with sic guides? Any help would be appreciated. Also I heard that you are supposed to triple wrap the guides or maybe the guy was just pulling my chain.

This is different Jerry, I thought the rod was for you and you were local.

A guy of that age may be into a concept of what used to be state of the art. He may be expecting something like an IFGA 20-30# blank with an aftco uni-butt. That is way different from what was suggested below....and what I would fish today.

So, you must find out what he desires, then we can help. Personally I suggest you tell him you must fly down and catch one to build the right rod. Gee, a midwest guy....first time in the blue water....hooks a nice sail on light tackle......man we are talking about something you will remember for life kinda good here,

I would ask him but it is surprise but the thought of coming down and trying my luck sounds like fun

What type of reel? Spinning or Conventional? Where will he be fishing?

If he will be fishing in Florida, Live Bait Kite fishing is very common and Spinners in the 12 - 20 Class are used.

If he will be fishing in the mid-Atlantic and with a conventional reel, you may want a rod with more backbone...

For example - Many of the boats fishing the major Marlin Tournaments from NC to NJ are using 7 ft Calstar 700
blanks with Fuji SIC Turbo guides for pitch bait rods. The key to these rods is light, light... usually foam foregrips and
rear grips with an aluminum gimbal... Some are using Aluminum seats, some graphite (personal preference in play)

The ones I've made have an underwrap with size A and 2 overwraps



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/05/2010 10:33PM by Fred Cory.

Thanks for input, it was very useful this rod will be a spinning rod used for trolling in the keys. When you said you underwrap in size a what size thread do you double overwrap.

I usually use D overwraps, but maybe not necessary