I am just getting interested in surf fishing for stripers here in California, Been throwing spooks , 5" fishtraps with 1/2 to 1 ounce jig head, and 2 ounce cotton cordells with a heavy salmon spinning rod I had. I have only wrapped fly rods so far but I want to build my own spinning rod. Would the Lamiglass ISU 108 2M 9' 2pc be a good choice? I'm not interested in lead and bait. Gonna have to study up on what type of grip to do, too.
Thanks,
Greg

Greg -- Lamiglas is one of the most trusted names in the surf blank business. The ISU 108 2M is a very good all-around choice. You will never go wrong with a Lami surf blank. If I can be of any help assisting you with guide or handle choices, feel free to contact me.

Bob McKamey
bobm@mudhole.com

Hello Greg-

Man, this is exactly why you get into building rods. In my opinion, specialized rods - like a particular surf rod for a particular application - are some of the most fun to work up and build. Surf rods are different animals and can challenge you in different ways. As you mention above, handle construction is different, you need MUCH bigger reamers, If you are like me you don't have the reels the typical surf caster is going to use on hand in your shop, etc. But these rods are tons of fun and an area where you can really get GREAT performance out of a rod if you do your homework and put in the time.

To me, this is a type of rod where breaking with tradition can yield dramatic performance improvement. Go slow, test everything twice, don't be afraid to experiment, and it will blow your mind how great a rod you can build your very first time.

I echo Bob's sentiments that the Lami blanks are tops in the surf. I have also had very good luck with St. Croix and Rainshadow blanks, although I think I was building heavier rods than what you are talking about.

But the single most important piece of information anyone can share with you is that Rodmaker Magazine Volume 7 #1 is THE definitive source on all things surf rod building. If you will get that back issue and read it thoroughly, you will be in great shape. I really can't recommend it enough. That issue alone is worth a 3-year subscription. Highly recommended. Too bad I had already made a bunch of mistakes on a bunch of rods before it came out...

Good luck and let us know how you do. Post some pics when you are done!

Bill

Rainshadow has one I am considering, too. RX7 SUR1023F . I have been using an Okuma Epixor 80 series reel with 12# line that I will use to lay out the guides. Thanks, Bill, for the enthusiasm and for pointing out a good reference for building a new surf rod. My collection doesn't go back that far, I just ordered it!

Greg



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/28/2010 10:01PM by Greg Foy.

Pretty hard to choose without casting each rod. You're working in an area where a 1/4 oz. either way can make or break a particular blank. The Lamiglass GSB108-1L is very popular for throwing those weights



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/30/2010 06:19AM by Clyde Hunt.

Greg,
We have just taken on a new line of Surf Blanks that are destined to take the industry by storm. They were developed by a gentleman named Tommy Farmer who is a long distance casting champion in North America and has placed 3rd in the world.

Tommy took his knowledge of Casting and Fishing here in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and developed a full line of Surf Blanks.

The Blank that would work perfect for you would be the 10' 1-4oz, this blank was designed to do just what you are asking in a blank, it is also a very high end blank but not the high end price. You will not be disappointed in this blank at all.
Thanks
Scott Parsons

I will look into it, Scott. I am trying to stick to a 9 foot 2 piece that I can lock in my work truck so I can run down to the beach after work if I see the birds working. Target is stripers in the 5 maybe up to 20 pound range.

Greg

Greg,

Would a 4 piece 10' surf rod be of interest? Lamiglas GSB 120 4M. They are lightweight and have a very good action.

I did set up a web page to make it easier to browse through blanks.
On the page, select blanks. The headings are sort selections.
Sadly, I have not had time to keep the page up to date.

[www.donstacklehawaii.com]

Don

Don Becker

HELLO GREG, BEING A SURF GUY MYSELF THE BLANKS I WOULD RECOMEND WOULD DEFINETLY BE LAMIGLAS OR SEEKER I AM A BIG FAN OF THE GSB SURF/ BAR SERIES SOUNDS LIKE THEY WOULD FIT YOUR NEEDS WELL. I WOULD SEE IF YOU CAN GET A FEEL .I USSUALLY USE A 1 PIECE MYSELF BUT BOTH THE 2 PIECE ALSO FEEL NICE. I HAVE A 1081L,1081M,1201M,AND A1321M AND I ALSO SEE A 1201L IN MY FUTURE AS YOU CAN SEE I TOLD YOU I LIKED THIS SERIES. I THINK THE LAMIGLAS IS GOING TO BE BETTER FOR YOU THAN THE SEEKER ONLY BECAUSE I AM NOT TO SURE OF THERE 2 PIECE SELECTIONS.IF YOU DO HAVE ANY SEEKER QUESTIONS THEN BILLY V IS YOUR MAN, AND HE CAN BE A TREMENDOUS HELP. I HOPE THIS INFO CAN HELP YOU. GOOD LUCK.

GREG ONE MORE THING DONT CUT YOUSELF SHORT WHY 20LBERS THINK 50'S INSTEAD ALWAYS KEEPS YOU WORKIN THAT WAY.GOOD LUCK AND TIGHT LINES

MIKE