Going down to Venice,La. in early fall . Fishing primarly for Redfish and trout. Being mostly a fresh water guy I am not familiar with a couple of things I researched. Want to build a Casting rod befor I go. I was told we should spool up with 30# braid, cast 1/4 to 3/8 oz. jigs. Also what I've read said medium to light rods. Is medium and light in fresh water same as in salt water? Would really like suggestions for a blank from you guys that have fished for redfish. Thanks

P844 is the universal "go to" blank for inshore use. There are TONS of choices ... Swampland (near your intended fishing grounds), Batson, NFC and others. Want something a little longer, look at the P904 - six inches of extra reach.

My favorite blanks for trout and redfish are Batson's RX8 XSB822.5 and their RX8 XP843 and XP844 popping blanks. I see no reason to fish redfish and especially specs with 30lbs braid. I use 14 most of the time, and if I'm going just for trout I may go lower than that. Like Jim said some want a 7'6" blank but I don't feel it's necessary unless you are chasing the birds. A rod that is properly set up will cast farther than is really needed for most situations.

Lane

MHX SJ843 or MHX CB845 are all you need bud.
We landed a limit of trout and redfish yesterday throwing plugs, popping corks and the like on those blanks built as both spinning and casting rods. You won't be disappointed with it.

If I were going to Venice I would certainly check with Lance Dupre of Swampland Tackle. Either a Castaway or Batson blank will do. Lance will be able to tell you which is the most popular blank for the area. I have recently bought three blanks from him and am very satisfied with his choices.

2x drop Lance or Bill (Stevens) an email or call them up. He's right there has the blanks for the area and is familiar with the area and fishing techniques

venice is my back yard so as far as redfish the last thing you want is a light rod. Pound for pound the have one of the stongest fights. I would go with a 7' to a 7'-6" medium heavy with a fast action tip. You're guna want a rod with some backbone and durability. If it's your first time you will be back. Email me if you have any questions.

John, I live on the Texas coast down in Rockport and we do a little bit of fishing for reds and trout. I like the Batson RX8 popping rod blanks especially the XP842 through XP845. I will be building 3 rods on the 843 a later on, I've got to get my 4 grandkid's rods out of the way first. The 843 has a mod-fast action and enough backbone to handle most Redfish. You can even land a big bull without killing your equipment with a little work and having your drag set properly. You can have more than a little bit of fun catching reds and trout on the 842, you'll swear the thing is going to break in half but it never does. I use 30# Prower Pro, not because I think that's what's needed but to help fill up the reel.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/11/2011 09:27AM by Bob Pratt.

843 844 the only thing i have ever used for trout and reds. 12# braid 30# is strictly for meat fishing or tournament fishing go light and have fun my .02

Paul@soonercustomrod.com

Thanks for all the input! Its got me on the right track. Also I do know how to spell "blank". You guys are great!


John