I have a few requests:

1) Drop Shot blank recommendation
2) Big box store Drop Shot rod recommendation
3) Senko blank recommendation
4) Big box store Senko rod recommendation

I have not owned rods for these techniques, and would like to visit my local big box store to get an initial feel for how they are normally set up. What I found from my first build, Shaky Head technique, is that I placed the reel seat 1"-2" to far up the blank. The added length in the butt section of the rod makes it a little uncomfortable for me to fish with it, and is actually discouraging me to build another rod because I am not 100% happy with it. I believe I could have avoided that by checking out a few big box store rods before building it. Not to copy what they do, but to get an initial ergonomic assessment to guide me before I build mine.

Any help here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Tony Wilson
Cincinnati Ohio



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2010 11:41AM by Tony Wilson.

Tony,

I use the Batson RX8+ S822.5 and S823 for those techniques. Both are extra fast action with soft tips and some power in the butt.

On the shelf, look at the St. Croix 6'9" MLXF and 6'8" MXF offerings.

Edit: Sorry, I was thinking shaky head instead of senko. The S823 will work, but the C812 was made specifically for senko fishing.

Joe



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2010 12:52PM by Joe Vanfossen.

Batson RX8+S822.5 6'10" Medium X-Fast 6-12 1/8-1/2oz 1.76oz. Satin Black- Drop Shot

Batson RX8+C812 6'9" Medium Fast 8-14 1/4-5/8oz. 1.85oz. Satin Black- Senko Special
In my oppinion You'll not find a better blank for either appilcation

Can't help you with the box store stuff

Rather than check out the "feel" of a store bought rod, why not just ask Batson's for their recipe? It might be generic, but it is certainly an excellent place to start your build. I build a lot on their blanks and can honestly say that the recipes they offer are pretty much on the mark when using the components suggested.

When building longer rods in the 7' range I will add weight to the the inside of the rod blank at the butt. I use led tape when doing this. I feel that balance is more important than weight when fishing with the rod in a vertical position. This will enable you to have a shorter and more comfortable handle. Simply add the reel to the rod and roll the tap up and dry fit it into the end of the blank. When you know how much you need coat the tape with epoxy and put into place. Set the rod in a vertical position till it dries. You can also fix the rod you made by cutting some of the handle off add tape and a new butt cap.

The ergonomic requirements of the handle length for the 3 techniques you listed are pretty much the same. Since you know that your shaky head rod handle is 1.5 inches longer than you prefer, simply build the new rods with handles 1.5 inches shorter and you should be happy. Most of the blank recommendations you get here don’t have a big box store equivalent to compare, but you can still get good info from factory rods on things such as handle length, just hold and wiggle lots of rods until you find one that feels right or match one of your favorite current rods.

The castaway 842 in xp3 makes a very nice drop shot, split grip plus micros and you can get completed rod down to around 3.5 to 4 ounces depending on finish, etc.