OK, so i got a 5'8" 50-100 lb. vertical jigging blank from mud-hole. I want to match it up with a Fin Nor Offshore (OFS) 55. I would like to know what would be the best option as far as reel seat, grip options and size of guides would be to best maximize this great blank. i will be running 50lb power pro on the reel with a Fluorocarbon top shot. any help is great considering i have never built something to withstand this type of constant abuse.

P.S. i am trying to have this done by the 17th of Jan. to go jigging for blue-fin off Hatteras...that way i can test out my craftsmanship.

I just built one of those a few weeks ago! 14" EVA rear grip, Perfection Ball Gimbal, Cross Cut EVA foregrip cut down to 8", Am Tackle Typhoon guides (40, 25, 20, 16, 12), size 12 Fuji SiC tip top. I did a metallic underwrap, and then a double wrap of thread over the guide feet, epoxying each layer of thread. I went with a Pac Bay Aluminum Channel Lock Slim reel seat, but the Fuji DPSH, Pac Bay Channel Lock Graphite with Aluminum hoods, ALPS Centralock, Pac Bay Channel Lock in a 20 or 22 should all work as well. If you are going after large bluefin, you may want to bump up the braid. Power Pro 50# breaks a lot for me at 24# when I use a knot. If you splice in a hollow core top shot onto the braid and use a loop to loop, you may get more breaking strength from the Power Pro. I would step up to 60# Jerry Brown hollowcore or 65# solid braid at the very least. You should be able to get around 300 yds of 60# hollow core (breaks at 90# for the Jerry Brown) and use loop to loop connections. The 60# hollow, when packed tightly, is approximately 20# mono equivalent.

Enjoy the build!

next time you order the blank talk to them about the rest of the parts. it is cheaper to get it all in one order. They have them there and can check fit and recommend what to use.

Bill - willierods.com

well i got it as a gift. that is however what i usually do with all my other rods i build.