I have been asked to build several boat rods for a boat owner/angler who fishes offshore of central Florida's east coast. He has specified a 6 1/2' rod for #20-#40 line, a fast tip, a powerful butt, a gimble butt, a slick butt - and they are to be spin rods. Any suggestions? [I confess I would rather direct him to a factory-built rod than charge him for the uncertain reception and the labor of custom-built rods.]

It might help if you knew what he intended to do with them. These days that list might suggest vertical jigging rods.

I just did one on a conventional build where the slick butt can be much shorter. I used a pac bay channel lock seat, perfection ball gimbal, and american tackle 8" smooth butt. It looks sharp but it added a ton of extra weight.

I have a st. croix sc3 that I plan to build as a 30# spinner. No way I'd consider adding that much extra weight. I'm not even sure you could get a long enough slick butt.

Sorry I can't be of more help. Best I can do is suggest you find out his plans....style of fishing, bait, intended fish, etc.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

get rid of some weight with these [www.mudhole.com] graphite seat

he does not need a gimbel - it's a spinning rod will not spin on him Guides are at the lowest point But if he wants one ??

Build him Plain Jane rods no frills

Bill - willierods.com

Batson RCLB70M, cut 6 inches off the butt. RCLB's are amazing, super light, and very affordable. [www.getbitoutdoors.com]

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
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The gimbal is not for rod twist, it's so people can use a fighting belt. Are these for sailfish possibly? They may be trolling out of a rod holder, then switching tp using a gimbal belt when hooked up.

Yes it is It is for a casting rod with guides on top to keep it from twisting so the reel stays on top

Bill - willierods.com

I have built on the rclb70m that GEt Bit suggests. The first thing I thought of reading the post. Real nice blank. Put a gimbal on if they want it.

Spiral wrap it Nice and easy to fish with Looks funny -- but

Bill - willierods.com

Gimbals prevent the rod itself from flipping on a conventional rod, yes, but that is only one of their purposes, not their only purpose! On a conventional rod, the guides/blank may still twist over even if the butt is held in place by the gimbal, so the gimbal only holds the reel portion upright. Gimbals are also used so someone can use a fighting belt to gain more control over the rod and fight larger fish more efficiently. Gimbals also help keep rods properly aligned in the rod holders when trolling. If a conventional trolling rod did not have a gimbal, the weight of the reel would pull the reel to the bottom and the rod would be upside down. Not a good thing if you are using rollers since the line would rub on the frame and not the roller! Gimbals are not just to control rod twist! I build spinning rods for jigging and popping and they have gimbals so people can use a fighting belt for better control. I wouldn't put a gimbal on a freshwater bass spinning rod, but on a rod that can see larger fish, why not if it helps the person fight the fish better?

Based on your description of the slick butt and fast tip, powerful butt, I'm thinking sailfish rods or something like that for trolling. Gimbal is a good thing to have, but you may be able to use a graphite or rubber gimbal depending on how exactly they will be using the rods to save weight.

Ya your right Even to put one on and not use it It can be covered if not used Good to have and not need

Bill - willierods.com