Ok, I do some bass fishing, but not a lot. I mostly build surf sticks. I have a friend that is starting his first year in teh BFL this year so I decided to build him a rod, This is a freebee. I need a blank reccomdation for a shakey head rod that wont break the bank.This is a gift and I dont want to go over board
Thanks

I am building my first rod right now and its for Shakey Head. I am using a MHX SJ843. So far, the build has gone well. It is a very economical blank @ $50.00. I will probably go with another blank next time so I can get a side by side comparison in the future.

Tony Wilson
Cincinnati Ohio

Chuck -- There are several choices in the MHX blank series, available at Mud Hole Custom Tackle, that won't break the bank. These blanks are high on performance and light on the back pocket. Besides the spin jig type blanks, a couple of models that are my personal favorites for the shakey head technique are the P843 MHX or P844 MHX. These two models have just the proper tip flex to shake/work the jig and the amount of butt power you need to set the hook. If the fellow you are building for wants a extra fast tip action, I would then look at the SB 811 Blend.

Bob McKamey
bobm@mudhole.com

I hear this blank has taken a few Bass on Shaky heads :)

ISB802.75
Rainshadow Spin Bass

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # ISB802.75-M 6'8" 1 pc Med Spin Bass - Matte Clear
Butt cap: SBC20B Black Butt Cap 19.8mm ID
Reel Seat: GSTG17C-TC Textured Gray Graphite Spin Reel Seat w/Cushion-Real Light TICH
Reel Seat Shim: SHIM/17/SPIN Proof Board .660" OD 4.05" Length
Fore Grip: FG25A-350 2 1/2" Cork Fore Grip .350" ID "A" Grade Cork
Rear Grip: RG7A-345 7" Cork Rear Grip 'A' Grade Cork
Winding Check: LTCWC490 Lt TitCar Pltd Winding Check .490" ID
Hookeeper: TCHKS Small TiCH Hook Keeper
Tip Top LTCPCT06R05.0 Light TiCH Plated 'P' Top 06 Ring TiCH 5.0 Tube
Guides (see below for size and quantity) LTCVSCG Light TiCH Plated Single Foot V Frame TiCH Ring

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st LTCVSCG06 4.5"
2nd LTCVSCG06 9.5"
3rd LTCVSCG07 15"
4th LTCVSCG08 21"
5th LTCVSCG10 28"
6th LTCVSCG16 35.5"
7th LTCVSCG25 44"

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

Also check out the Mudhole CRB Inshore blanks made by Lamiglas. The ISP703 in particular. I have one I use for shakey heads and I am very happy with it.

The ISB802.75 is one of the finest rods I have ever fished with. I use mine for 1/4 to 3/8 oz spinner baits. Light, responsive, sensitive and durable when it needs to be. I had a catfish over 10 lbs almost took it away from me today (literally). I had to cut the spinner bait in half just to get the blades back and the fish back in the water. Could not get the hook out. Also the RX8 ISB 843 or 842 could be a good option as well if you like a 7-0 rod.