Can anyone suggest a good all around spinning blank for walleye and pickerel. I have a customer heading to Canada and wants a rod to handle mostly anything they will run into. I would like to look at something from the batson lineup because I have had nothing but quality service from them. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (Rod would be used for throwing spoons and jigging minnows)

I have built several of each of the
ISB781 - medium light
ISB782 - medium

For canadian fishing . Both work very well. Either rod will catch about anything that a person is likely to encounter. If one is targeting larger fish and or fishing deep water with heavier weights, then it makes sense to use the ISB782 - due to its heavier lure rataing and action.

For those very light biting walleyes that you run into at times, then the ISB781 is a better choice with lighter baits and jigs.

The 6'6" lenght is a nice compromise for line settng ability, casting ability and handling. Some folks like shorter, some like longer, so if only one rod is going to be used, my choice is for a 6'6" rod.

Note: These are spinning rods, as opposed to a spin and jig rod. I have found that the SB rods are a bit better suited for different fishing styles compared to the SJ or spin and jig rods which have a heavier butt section.

Good luck
Roger

Good suggestion Roger. Those are good blanks - very strong. I have built several for clients. I think I'd lean towards the 782 if there is any size to the pike.

You might consider the Batson RX7 IP843 or 844 Popping blanks.
They are also available in 2 pc.
A light tip with a little softer action in the middle, with backbone for hook setting.
Here is a link, look towards the bottom of the page.
[www.schneidersrods.com]

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

I would use a popping rod blank with an upper rating that matches the weight of the heaviest lure or rig that you are likely to use. Popping rods are great. Plenty of butt, with a light tip makes a very versatile rod.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

Is your client going to a fly-in camp? Make sure to get a 2 piece or the rod won't make the trip in the float plane. Most have a 6' length limit. The rod recommendations above are right on as long as your client isn't fishing for large pike.

jeremy