Looking to build a yellowtail snapper travel rod for myself. I've fished for them several times off of the Florida Keys, but would like to bring my own gear next time and maybe rent a boat rather than use a charter/head boat.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a sandball/freelining travel rod that will fit the bill? I'm not too familiar with travel rod blanks.

Thanks,
Steve

Take a look at the Batson's Rainshadow line of three and four piece travel rods. The SB series and a bit heavier IC series. The ISP series 3 piece are rated for 6-17 #. If you think you might run into something a bit bigger, look at their new SWT 3 piece blanks, originally designed for peacock bass. All of these blanks will fit in an overhead storage unit for easy traveling.

Are you wanting a 2 or 3 piece rod for travel purposes and what total length

Bob McKamey
bobm@mudhole.com

take all three of these and you will have a rod for whatever swims by :) That sandball free lining technique is interesting I can see why it works so well :)

SWT70M-3 7'0" Mod Fast
1/4-
3/4oz 10-17lb. 3 M 0.593 .094 / 6.0 3.69 oz $73.72
3pc SW travel
medium power /
redfish / trout /
bonefish
SWT70MH-3 7'0" Mod Fast
3/8- 1
1/4oz 12-20lb. 3 M 0.652 .094 / 6.0 3.93 oz $79.21
3pc SW travel
Medium Heavy
power / permit /
big redfish /
snook
SWT70H-3 7'0" Mod Fast
1/2-
2oz. 12-25lb. 3 M 0.662 .100 / 7.0 4.385 oz $92.45
3pc SW travel
Heavy power /
peacock bass

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

Yup, a little more detail would help.

What pound test do you wish to use.
What size fish do you typically catch.
What length rod and what can longest piece be?
What price range on the blank?

I use a St. Croix. It is a little stiff in the tip IMHO. Works well when the big trigger fish move in and can handle a ten pound bonita.

I'm starting to become enamored with hot shot rods. Very limber tips but a ton of backbone with very fast shutoff. Mudhole offers a HS900, a light power hot shot in two piece. It would be wonderful for bonefish too.

Edit: I should mention I fish on the light side. Normally 8 pound mono and never anything more than 12 and that is for 5 pound+ flags (which I don't see much anymore).

Russ in Hollywood, FL.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/28/2010 03:14PM by Russell Brunt.

I'd be flying in, so I'd like a 3-4pc rod that I can carry on. i'm not stuck on any length, i'm looking for some guidance here... i've used 6'6"-7'6" rods which success.

I'm talking about 12lb test, with floro leader. size 1/0 bait hook. last year we got into some really big flags in late september which was surprising, but i'd say more than likely 2-3 lb fish on average.

I'd like to keep the blank at about 100 bucks or less if possible.

Go with this one and you will have good reserve power when a UFO grabs a hold!

SWT70M-3 7'0" Mod Fast
1/4-
3/4oz 10-17lb. 3 M 0.593 .094 / 6.0 3.69 oz $73.72
3pc SW travel
medium power /
redfish / trout /
bonefish

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

UFO's...I like that!! You just never know! The Batson SWT's are sweet, but I think you still want something lighter? If so the Rainshadow SB783-3 is rated at 10-17 and will also go in the overhead storage. The cost is also well under your price point.

I know American tackle has some in your price range. The St. Croix is more like $120 retail. I have been very happy with every rainshadow blank I have tried. I too would go a little lighter in power.

Some use a fly rod blank. A longer rod has an advantage in setting the hook. The typically slower action could be a plus on sudden hard runs, especially near the boat.

You are going to be holding the rod the entire time. I'd place a premium on blank/build weight. If you need a reel take a look at shimano saros. Hard to beat for the price and the extra spool allows you to fill one with 8# for the picky fish and another with braid with a 12# top shot for anything up to kings and dolphin in the low/mid teens size.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Well, when all else fails, build two rods... LOL. I'll be ordering the SWT and the SB 3 pc's and just take them both.... can never have too many. my guess is they will be a nice smallie rod too for up here in Michigan.