Im looking for a blank to build as a baitcaster for river smallmouth. Line will be 8 lb mono on a daiwa sol reel. Lures will be 1/8 oz spinnerbaits, in line spinners like rooster tails, small top water and weightless 4" senkos. The fish aren't huge with a big catch being around the 3lb mark. I was looking for a 6'6" blank. Had may eyes on the lamiglas LSJ 781 or Phenix UMBX-S606L-B. Has anyone built on either of these or have any other ideas.

Thanks.

Mitch,

Go a few inches longer and get an 822.5 from Batson (I use mine for all kinds of finesse fishing techniques). I use the RX8+ model personally, and it is a phenomenal blank for throwing the little stuff with plenty of backbone for fish of the size you are catching. This, along with the slightly more powerful 823 have to be two of the most versatile blanks I use. You won't be disappointed. I know the Batson 1 powered spin jig is a tad underpowered for what you are looking for, but have no idea on the Lamiglas.

Joe

We have built a couple of Batson Rainshadow IP840 for exactly that, the customer using a small Daiwa special bait casting reel and 6# test line.
The blank is fairly soft in the first half, with some backbone.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

A little longer rod will allow you to more effectively set the hook. I'd be looking at something around 6'6" or more.

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

The MHX-DS820 or DS821 will cast that lure a country mile and set the hook like a mad man. It;s just depending on whether you'd rather have a 0 or 1 power.

What reels are you using that let you cast lures that light?

I'm a big fan of the St Croix 4C69MLXF or the 4C68MXF for those applications.

AC
FishinFreaks
Rogers, MN

Ken,

I started building because I wanted casting rods that suited my style of throwing small lures. I use the Shimano Citica 100DSV and the Curado 100b. Both models are discontinued now. The Bass Pro Carbonlite reel looks like a good prospect for when I need a new reel, but that likely won't be any time soon. Look for something that holds between 100 and 125 yards of 12lb. line, and you are in the ball park for finesse casting reels. The goal is to find a reel with low spool inertia, and that either comes at a steep price, or having a good idea of what you need.

The most important thing when considering finesse baitcasting is the rod blank. You want something with a limber tip and a fast to extra fast action. The limber tip on the lower power extra fast drop shot blanks allows lures in the lower weights to load nicely. The drop shot type blanks make for phenomenal light casting rods, and still have a surprising amount of power in the butt section. The low powered spin jig blanks are also nice for open hook presentations.

Joe

Mitch, I have the xmg spin-jig Lami and have been using it to fish for white bass for the last 6 years. It is a great small river rod . I think you would find it a dream for river smallies. It will handle the baits you listed very well, I use a Revo Premier with mine and it is one of my all time favorites.