I am new to the site and a beginner rod builder. I want to build 2 trolling rods and need some advice. My main target is walleye but will use them for salmon also. I want to end up with 10 foot rods, and am interested in building them using the spiral wrap system. I am having a hard time picking them out though. Would a composite or straight graphite or glass be better?
I am thinking 10 foot medium moderate action , because I use mostly fireline. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,
Julie

I don't know if they would have anything in that length, but I use Seeker CLB and CW blanks for trolling crank baits. They're glass, with an outer wrap of graphite up to about 2/3rds of their length. This gives them a decent power to weight ratio but allows for a very soft and fast tip. I can see the tip working as the plug wobbles. That's important for what we do with them.

Just some ideas.

..............

Julie,

It will be tough to find a blank that is 10', that will do both trolling applications effectively. The Batson RDR100H is the closest I can think of. It has like Tom described a graphite reinforced bottom end with a glass tip section. The RDR's action is relatively slow which will make it work for pulling cranks or spoons for walleye, even crawlers on boards, but will be overpowering in the fighting area. They do make a very nice board rod for salmon and even pull divers up to the mags nice. So, you could do a dual purpose rod in that manner, it will just be more at home with the salmon. If you step down into the 8'6" or even 9' blanks, you can get a much better dual purpose selection.

I'm a big walleye fisherman, I wanted something that would handle planer broads and clip waits but can handle a fin shad at .5 to 5 mph some little baydanock I like using St. Croix surf blank 2srs100m2 and nanolite ring so it could handle lead core I ran 6 colors

Thanks for the advice, I was thinking surf blanks also as I would be using them for boards on Walleye the most. I am going on my first salmon trip in a month so maybe my choice of species will change. Darn it that means building more rods -)

Thanks so much,

Julie

I grew up fishing in MN. I LOVE walleye.. But once you get hooked on salmon fishing.. You'll be ruined for life. Walleye have 0 fight compared to a healthy salmon. I still prefer to eat walleye though. So if anyone feels sorry for a misplaced MN boy in Alaska. You can send me some Walleye!))

email your address and some walleye may come your way. When it is open of course -)

Your email is hidden Julie. lord_dark_paladin@yahoo.com is mine. We can touch base. I could send you some salmon if you like as well. I'm going to be smoking and canning some here this spring.

Regards,