My new son in law fishes for bass using a spinning rod (give me time and I will convert him to flies) and I want to build him a really nice bass rig with great grips and reel seat. While I have built many flyrods, I have never built a bass rod. I am looking for suggestions as to what blank/reel seat combinations work best. I would also like some recommendations as to guides and guide spacing. Cost not really the object.

By the way what happened to Custom Tackle's website; I used to buy a lot of blanks and accessories from Bob.

Bob moved on to Mudhole. Guides to a certain extent depend on line size and the diameter of the reel's spool lip. The guide sizing and spacing are all explained in the library in the static distribution article. I'd look at a 2 or 3 power 7 ft spin bass (SB) or mag bass (MB) blank. The Mudhole MHX and the Castaway blanks a Swampland would be great places to start.

Don,

There are many quality blanks out there it may come dow to the style and technique of fishing he does. Batson Rainshadow RX8+Bass and RX8 Bass blanks are some great blanks and the Batson team are top notch in my book. They are very knowledgeable and will answer any questions you may have.

Tight lines,

John Hernandez

Ditto on the Batson products. They even have a suggested use chart on their website to help.

Don -- I am now at Mud Hole Custom Tackle. I will be more than glad to help you put together a set-up for bass fishing. You can contact me via our toll free number - 866-790-7637 and my direct extension is 114. If you get my voice mail, just leave a message and I will return your call. Alson, my e-mail at Mud Hole is listed below. Thank You for asking about me.

Bob McKamey
bobm@mudhole.com

John M. Hernandez Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Don,
>
> There are many quality blanks out there it may
> come dow to the style and technique of fishing he
> does. Batson Rainshadow RX8+Bass and RX8 Bass
> blanks are some great blanks and the Batson team
> are top notch in my book. They are very
> knowledgeable and will answer any questions you
> may have.
>
> Tight lines,
>
> John Hernandez

+1

I personally use several of their blanks and would recommend the XSB822.5-TC for dropshot / shakey head type of finesse fishing. For Senko's and heavier techniques I would recommend XSB843-TC. I like the AMTAK Aero reel seat because of comfort and I have large hands. I like the Fuji Alconite guides and use 25 16 10 7 6 6 6 6 on both models. If you want to use micro guides I'll let someone else chime in as I have not used them on spinnning rods (yet).

Have fun and good luck on converting him, if he is a diehard bass guy it will be a challenge.