Hi all, I'm planning on building my first rod which will be mainly for surf fishing for corbina. I could use some help finding a good blank. Here are the specs I am looking for: 1 piece, 7'6" - 8', 6# line, 3/8-1/2 weight, moderate or mod-fast action. Does anyone know of a blank that fits that description? Or do you recommend anything else? I already have a 7'6" extra fast shimano clarus, so I want this one to be mod or mod-fast to try something different. Right now my top choices are the Lamiglas GFW90-2M or the Phenix X12-B. The lamiglas one is 2 piece though, and the Phenix says it is for 8-20, so will running 6# not be ideal? Also a guy at Tuner's suggested Seeker, so I'm also considering the SP753-1, but Seeker doesn't say what action the blanks have. It seems really hard to find a 1 piece rod over 7'. I know lots of people think it doesn't matter but lots also think it does, and for my first rod I think it might be simpler to not use a ferrule etc. I'm looking to spend around $100 for the blank.

BTW the rod will be matched up with a Shimano Stradic CI4 2500.
Any help or suggestions is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

You might want to look at the MHX CB903or the new MHX L902. The line ratings are going to be a little heavier than what you're looking at but but they'll both cast that range of lure weights well. Plus they'll both be great combos with that reel.

Hello Jamil

That 6# throwing 1/2oz is a tough one, but the St. Croix 2SW76LM is a 6-12, 1/8-3/8oz, 7'6" Mod Action with a Light Power, Butt: .430, Tip: 5, A 1Pc. that weights in about 1.7oz. $90.00 at MudHole. pg 52.
Have a good one.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

You will love fishing this one and would be great for working small top waters for the early morning explosions :) The RX7 IP902 is nice too if you want to shave some cost.

XP902
Rainshadow RX8 Inshore Popping

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # XP902-TC 7'6" 1pc Mod Fast medium light 6-12# 1/4-1/2oz - Titanium Chrome
Fighting butt: HESGFB1.5EVACC-350 Grip Split Fighting Butt High End EVA/Cork Comp 1.5" Long ID .350"
Trim ring for fighting butt: AWCCO453-TC Aluminum Winding Check .453" ID
Trim ring for Rear grip: AWCCO433-TC Aluminum Winding Check .433" ID
Rear Grip behind seat: HEFG3.5EVACC-250 Grip Fore High End EVA/Cork Comp 3.5" Long ID .250"
Reel Seat trim ring: TRS17-TC Trim Ring for Spin Seat size 17 TiCH
Reel Seat: GSTG17C-TC Threads down Textured Gray Graphite Spin Reel Seat w/Cushion-Real Light TICH
Reel Seat Shim: SHIM/17/SPIN .660" OD 4.05" Length
Fore Grip: HEFG2.5EVACC-250 Grip Fore High End EVA/Cork Comp 2.5" Long ID .250"
Winding Check: AWCCO384-TC Aluminum Winding Check .384" ID
Hookeeper: XDSHKSS-TC SS316 Drop Shot Hook Keeper Stainless Steel-Titanium Carbide
Tip Top TCPCT06F04.5 or XTCPPCT06R4.5 TICH w/o Chrome Plated 'P' Top 06 TICH Flanged Ring 4.5 Tube
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XPTCFCG SS316- TICHw/o Chrome Sgl Ft TICH Zirconium Rg RRD
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XTCYTCG SS316- TICHw/o Chrome Sgl Ft Y Frame TICH Zirconium THIN Rg-TICH

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st XPTCFCG06 4.5"
2nd XPTCFCG06 9.25"
3rd XPTCFCG07 14.25"
4th XPTCFCG08 20"
5th XTCYTCG08 26"
6th XTCYTCG10 33"
7th XTCYTCG16 42"
8th XTCYTCG25 54"

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

That Rainshadow XP902 looks great and is really light! Where can I buy those? I have a buddy visiting this weekend who has a Phenix X12-B and a Lamiglas GFW90-2M, so I'm gonna see how those feel and then make a decision.

Corbinas do not grow big like they used to in So. California. 5 pounders used to be the biggest we got out of the SC surf but now they are more like a 1-1.5 pounders. Assuming that you are using mostly baits as they don't take artificials well. Most blanks used for steelhead fishing is good for corbinas in the surf. I would look at the Lamiglas or Rainshadow as both of these can be found locally to you so that you can try them out. Phenix is nice but way to expensive for the use in the surf. Contact some of the rod builder shops for help in selecting a blank. Turners would be no help as they do not stock any blanks.

Hate to sound like a broken record...and it is a fast action rod....but I have MHX's copy of the HS9000 in a 2 pc mated to a 2500 stradic and think it would be ideal. I have spent some time at the local lake and it will fish 4# and toss ultra light lures for bluegill. On the other hand mudhole recently posted a link to a guy that got a 36# cobia on one so it has the ability to turn a big fish. Very versitale blank.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.