I am very new to rod building, and have ventured into it because of a lack of a quailty rod available commercially for my needs. I'm sure eventually I will want to build all sorts of rods from surf launchers to bream poles, but for now I'm am looking to build one rod specifically. The rod closest to what I want to copy is a 7' Ugly Tiger Rod, MH, 30-60 line class, 1-8 ozs. It's a very durable composite rod thats not too heavy, and has a sensitive tip. Here is what I'm looking for- 8' rod thats not to heavy with an action as close as possible to the afore mentioned.
**8' 1pc, MH, Mod, 30-60 Line, 1-8 ozs, fast taper, fairly sensitive tip, durable but not heavy.
Throw some suggestion out there, maybe even a couple of different price ranges.
I plan on making 8 of these once the blank is determined, and then 8 more in a slightly lighter class.

I would recommend the Rainshadow RCLB80M Clear Gloss 8'0" 1 20-50 LB n/a 0.950 7.5 Extra-Fast 10.53 oz. Salt Water Live bait / iron / all purpose / Yellowtail $77.30
This is about as close as i can get to your recommendation. I fish 65 lb braid on this rod and it perform flawlessley.
If you have nay question please feel; free to contact the sales staff at Batson Enterprises.

Batson Enterprises
Rainshadow/Forecast/ALPS
877-875-2381
www.batsonenterpries.com
batson@batsonenterprises.com

Greg...I'm curious...what will the rod be used for??



Dave

The rod will be used almost exclusively for catfishing. I do alot of main lake drifting in the fall between 50 and 80 ft, using 1 to 8 oz weight with huge bait. I use circles almost exclusively so a softer tip is a plus. During the summer I flathead fish with 3-8 oz No Roll sinkers and 3/4 lb bream, those things can be tricky to cast. So in short, the rods will used for big catfish.

Thr RCLB line mentioned is popular with the catfish guys. If you want to go cheap you could check the gator glass closeouts at mudhole and see if they have anything left. Their gorilla series is their new line and worth a look.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Thanks, I was curious about the gator glass blanks, but was afraid they would be a bit heavy. I don't mind paying for a quality blank, and the RCLB seems fairly priced. My only concern is if it will handle all that weight (8 oz lead + bait).

If you have the time, why not get one and build it and try it out. I like to do that myself before I recommend something to someone. I need to know how the blanks work and since
you are going to build 16 rods, testing 1 only makes sense to me. This would also let you get a Gator Glass and see if it really is too heavy. Do each one and test them both.

Glad I looked back at page 2 posts today as I just had the opportunity to visit Batson Enterprises this morning. Wanted to check out the new 3 piece SWT series of blanks. My original thought was to go with an RCLB for an upcoming Mexico trip so I bent several today. Believe me, you will have no problem with 8 oz. on these blanks. Good actions and great lifting power. I can't find any blank weight for the Gator's but the Rainshadows are pretty darn light given the line ratings for them. Good blanks, great pricing.

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm gonna order the suggested RCLB and a gator glass as well. Batson Ent really seems like a top notch company and has a heck of a selection.