I would like to build a couple of kite rods, I would like suggestions on which blanks to use
Thanks
Ed

If you read the article in the last RodMaker, the author recommended short, stout glass rods. I believe he specifically mentioned 30lb class glass models which he cut back to 3-1/2 feet.

When you come right down to it, the blank isn't that critical. I wouldn't spend too much and just about any stout trolling type blank would work. If you can find solid glass models, you're apt to find they're fairly inexpensive. I'm sure others here will chime in with the specific blanks they've found suitable.

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If you are anywhere near the coast and I assume you are if you plan to build Kite rods, get yourself to any local yard sale and pick up some ratty old Magnaflex rods on the cheap. Any 20, 30 or 50 pound model will work great. Trim from the tip to about 3 or 4 feet. You can strip and redo the rod if you want nice ones, or try to salvage whats already there. I have taken some and managed to use the existing wood butt and metal seat. After cutting back all I had to do was install a new tip and maybe rewrap the butt guide. Probably did not invest a total of $10 in any of the ones I have done.

Batson fsu56h or xh blanks work well.

Kevin

Ed Fontes Wrote:
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> I would like to build a couple of kite rods, I
> would like suggestions on which blanks to use
> Thanks
> Ed


We are thinking about the rod that the kite is attached to right? If so the above answers as well as any heavy short heavy blank will do in most cases but we are custom rod builders.

There are many variables.. I have flown three Kite at a time in West Palm Beach, FL . none had a rod attached the the reel. The reel was attached to the rail on the flybridge one port one starboard and one center. One was flown center rigger the others one in each outrigger deployed. It was a handful to handle but sure was fun when a pack of sails decided to crash the baits. Multiple hook ups were common including quads.

If you are intending on using the "kite rod" for just kite fishing it depends on what you are fishing for. I hear and see "Kite Rod" called both ways so many time it helps to clarify. My "Kite rod" is a Super Seeker 6463 4x heavy and I am catching yellowfin tuna over 2 hundred on it on the west coase. On my sailfish stick is a Super Seeker 6470 on the east coast. We fish a 7' long rod for logistics onboard from the upper deck. It makes it easier to get the release clip to the deck hand below just drop the tip and he can clip the line into the clip rather than in reverse. On smaller boats the short stick works fine and is preferred. It is all about preference on how you want to fish the kite even on a small boat I prefer the longer kite stick it keeps the kite line above my head as well.

Thad
Dutchman's Creek Tackle