I want something 7-7 1/2' for throwing jigs (paddle tail plastics, gulp), Mirrolures, popping corks with live bait, ect. Occasionally live mud minnows or finger mullet on a Carolina rig. Mainly in the surf and at the jetty.

Any ideas of a cheap but nice blank ($40-60 or so).

Needs to be 2 piece!!!

Rating is up for debate, I guess 1/4-3/4 or so? Lighter is fine as I'll be throwing 1/4 and 3/8th oz jigs often.

I'll pair it with a 3000 Shimano with braid.

I think I'm gonna build this as my first one instead of a surf rod at the advice of rod builders.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/17/2010 12:12AM by Hunter Hudson.

Have a look at the MHX 2pc blanks from Mudhole, specifically the SJ 843-2-MHX. The MB 844-2 MHX might also work (it gives you a beefier tip to throw 1 oz lures), but I would think the SJ 843-2 would be about perfect.

Gary nailed it on the heavier side with the SJ843-2-MHX if you are looking in the 7' range. But if you are looking at the 7'6" range the SJ9000-2-MHX will perform well in the lighter range you listed.

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

I agree with the MHX Travel Blanks, but I would go with the SJ842-2. This is plenty of rod for flouder, trout and puppy drum and you will have plenty of feel. If you are want a little more rod, maybe the SJ843-2, but I am building on this blank now for a bass rod and think it is a little heavy for what you are after. The MB844-2 is major overkill. The SJ9000-2 would be an option if you want to go to 7'6", but the max lure rating is 3/8 instead of the SJ842-2 rating of 1/2.

My leaning toward the 3 power was based on two factors:
1. Throwing MirroLures and popping corks. To get good popping action, I like the slightly heavier tip.
2. I have built on the one-piece version of the SJ 843-MHX, and I find it to be a very versatile blank that will handle the lighter range weights, but also has the beef to throw the bigger stuff.
I will gladly defer to Todd on this. He is much more knowledgeable about these blanks than I.

This blank has been around for many years. Also available in either 7 or 8 foot.

Rainshadow® 2-Piece Inshore Popping Rod Blanks Featuring RXT Graphite
(Power Available: M = Medium, MH = Medium Heavy) (Color Key: M = Matte Clear)
Model Color Length Sections Line Wt. Lure Wt. Butt Tip Action Power Blank Wt.
IP843F M 7’0” 2 8-14 lb. 1/4-5/8 oz. 0.452 5.0 Mod-Fast M 1.72 oz.
IP844F M 7’0” 2 8-17 lb. 1/4-3/4 oz. 0.485 5.0 Mod-Fast MH 1.90 oz.
IP903F M 7’6” 2 8-14 lb. 1/4-5/8 oz. 0.505 5.0 Mod-Fast M 2.04 oz.
IP904F M 7’6” 2 8-17 lb. 1/4-3/4 oz. 0.520 5.0 Mod-Fast MH 2.15 oz.
IP963F M 8’0” 2 8-14 lb. 1/4-5/8 oz. 0.495 4.5 Mod-Fast M 2.36 oz.
IP964F M 8’0” 2 8-17 lb. 1/4-3/4 oz. 0.500 5.0 Mod-Fast MH 2.29 oz.

I will also include a possible build recipe for you to consider. You could easily go with Black components to bring things into your price range.

IP904F
Rainshadow Inshore Popping

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # IP904F-M 7' 6" 2pc Medium/Heavy Popping - Matte Clear
Butt cap: EVABC20 EVA Butt Cap 19.8 mm
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-250 2 1/2" Cork Fore Grip .250" ID "A" Grade Cork
Rear Grip: RG9A-345 9" Cork Rear Grip 'A' Grade Cork
Winding Check: AWC449 Aluminum Winding Check .450" ID
Hookeeper: TCHKS Small TiCH Hook Keeper
Tip Top TCPCT06F05.0 TICH w/o Chrome Plated 'P' Top 06 TICH Flanged Ring 5.0 Tube
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XPTCFCG SS316- TICH w/o Chrome Sgl Ft Fly Gde Grd TICH Zirconium Rg RRD
Guides (see below for size and quantity) TCVS3TCG Single Foot VS3 Frame TICH THIN Ring - TICH w/o Chrome

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st XPTCFCG06 4.5"
2nd XPTCFCG06 9.25"
3rd XPTCFCG07 14.25"
4th TCVS3TCG07 20"
5th TCVS3TCG08 26"
6th TCVS3TCG10 33"
7th TCVS3TCG16 42"
8th TCVS3TCG25 54"

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

Wow thanks for all the great info folks. I appreciate it!