I need a bit of help with rod blank selection.
Last year, while fishing Islamorada, I was spooled by a very large tarpon (the guide's estimate was between 225 and 250 lbs). I like to fish light tackle, and I was set up to handle fish to 100# or so, having been told by a board member that the big fish had already migrated.
I just purchased a Shimano Calcutta 700 reel, and want to build a boat rod for it. Something with plenty of flex in the upper 1/3 or so of the blank, but plenty of cajones in the butt section. A rod that will let a 60 lb fish put on a good show, but will handle the big boys. (Here in Port Canaveral, the big tarpon are present through the summer, fall and winter.)
Any suggestions as to blank choice? Thanks much.

Success is the result of making good choices. Making good choices is the result of experience. Experience is often the result of making bad choices.

One of the more stout Hot Shot blanks would be a good choice.

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

Gary,
I think you are looking at something more like a GF700/800M or ML.

[www.mudhole.com]

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Seeker Hercules Inshore Light or Heavy has taken a LOT of 100#+ Tarpon in Trinidad.

How are you fishing for the tarpon? Out of Canaveral I assume you are drifting pogies in the pods and maybe something similar in the keys. Without more info, my all time favorite tarpon blank is the RCLB80xl. You can throw an unweighted crab a half a mile with it's super soft tip, while its backbone will stop a Mack Truck. The tip is crisp yet flexes enough through the first 1/3rd of the blank to absorb the jumps and head shakes making sure the hook stays put. They are pretty darn light as well.

I use RCLB80xls on my guide trips in Boca Grande and have lost count of the # of Tarpon we've caught between 60 and 200+ on these blanks. We've sold over 20 of them this month alone to clients who fished with me in BG.

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Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/29/2011 12:07PM by Get Bit Outdoors.Com.

I fish live crabs and live pinfish. Fishing takes place at Ponce Inlet, Canaveral Bight and in the Keys.

10-4, I would highly suggest the Batson RCLB80XL. I personally cut 6 inches off the butt to make the rod 7'6, much easier to handle and get in and out of the truck.

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
407-542-7840
www.GetBitOutdoors.com
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I'd go to something stronger. I love the rclb80xl but use it with 15-20# test for a kingfish rod. I would want something much stiffer for tarpon. When those guys want to reach the pilings you need to put the breaks on.

St. Croix used to sell a tarpon blank. I don't know if they still do. It was something like 8 foot, 20-50# rating. It was a beast. If you are willing targeting fish over the 250# mark I'd suggest a stronger reel something closer to a tuna blank.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I used to build all my tarpon rods on the Lamiglas Tri-Flex series (no longer available longer than 7'0"). I bought a lot of blanks to find a replacement and I found a new, and very nice, option in the St Croix 2SWS76MHF. The blank is built with the new 3M Nano-Matrix technology. It is VERY strong and quite light for the class.

Russell, I would agree with you on the RCLB if you need to keep them out of structure but even then, most people don't understand how powerfull that blank is. Keep the rod low, let it load through the entire blank and it will stop a freight train. The Batson boys in WA use it for Monster Sturgeon, when Karry from Batson had me try to break one several years ago at ICAST, I was amazed at the power it had and have been sold ever since.

If you are drifting baits back with the current then there is no reason not to step up to a slightly heavier blank such as a RCLB80L or M. But if you are needing to cast unweighted baits such as crabs or baitfish, the extra distance of the 80xl would definetly be my weapon of choice and it is.

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
407-542-7840
www.GetBitOutdoors.com
www.facebook.com/GetBitOutdoors

Could be me but I always had a hard time getting the hook sunk intheir bony mouth. I just like more of a tradtional MH or H power spin/jig type.

If you know "Doc" he landed a marlin in record time on the 80xl. Quite a testament.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I use circle hooks exclusively, and they set themselves. I hooked my huge tarpon on a 7'6" Castaway spinning blank rated at 5 power. I had previously caught tarpon of up to 120# on it, and if the fish ate, he was hooked. Every time. So I'm not worried about the hook set. Razor-sharp Owner circles are well worth the money. As for the soft tip, I agree that letting the fish load the entire blank is critical. It's the midsection to the butt of the rod that is going to be doing the work here: those are the guides that are under the most pressure, and the portion of the blank that will be as well. No high-sticking for me...the blank is going to do the work.
I appreciate all the suggestions. Now I'll make my decision and take my chances. Thanks all...

seeker hercules inshore heavy is perfect for this. contact billy v.