Looking for a 7' blank, that will give me the best casting distance for throwing 1/16 oz jigs, I presently am using 4 lb. XLT on an open face reel and have a 7'6" 5 wt fly rod blank. It does an ok job but lacks the back bone for hook sets. I know I am probably looking for a ML rod with an Xtra fast tip. Can't find one, and any suggestions on reel selection guide selection and placement for increasing distance would be appreciated.

Clint,
For 1/16th oz jigs, I believe that you really need a light action rod; compared to a medium light action rod or perhaps a 7'6".

[stcroixrods.com]

or

[stcroixrods.com]

I have also built some North Fork Composites in the light action that do an excellent job of pitching these light jigs. You will find that the North Fork Composites blanks do not have the extra fast tip of some other blanks, but really do an excellent job of both pitching the baits as well as hooking the fish.

[www.northforkcomposites.com]

Another thing you will find from the NFC blanks is that they are very light compared to many rods on the market and of exceptionally high quality.

Good luck
Roger

I used a MHX9600 but they also make a 9000. Line weight is 6-12 and lure weight is 1/16-3/8.

Works well for throwing unweighted crabs at permit.

Used with the new Powerpro Super 8 (super slick) line...you can cast across the ocean.

Jess,
I missed the name of the ocean that you can cast across with this rig. Come again?

Roger

The Atlantic ocean. From one shore to the other.

Batson popping rods are an excellent choice for this application. 840 841 and 842 will all work depending on how much power you want. If you contact them, i bet they will even give you a recipe to build it for your purpose.

Wouldnt a slower action (with a whippy tip) help toss that weight farther too? Though it may need help setting the hook with a bite.

Derek

Jess,
Works for me.
Roger

Derek,
I don't believe so.
The idea of the popping rod is a great idea. Lots of bottom end backbone, but a nice light tip to work well with lighter jigs.

Or, the original post of a typical Waleye m-l rod with a faster tip is also a great choice.

The stiffer butt and midrange sections really get the bait and tip accelerated during the cast to pitch it a long way.

A whippy rod with a light tip can not get the bait accelerated nearly as much.

Good luck
Roger

Roger...works for my guide clients too.

Sounds like Batson XP841 would work well for you.
Here is a link;
[www.schneidersrods.com]

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

I built a six foot SJ720 - MHX Spin Jig rod that is rated: Four to eight pound line, 1/32 - 1/4 baits, Ultra-light / Extra Fast.
I epoxied a piece from another blank inside of my rod and placed the joint and extension inside the handle / reel seat.
The finished rod is six and a half feet long and throws 1/16th jigs and 1/8 oz. Panther Martin's very well.
I had previously tried several UL 6.5 and 7 foot blanks, but was disappointed with how mushy they were.
They might be fine for live bait but I wanted something with some snap in the tip, to power my spinners!
This blank was inexpensive and the rod seems to fill the bill.
Garry2R's

Clint Davis,

1. What lb test are you using?
2. Please unhide your e-mail. I have a blank that is perfect for your application and designed specifically for it.

Mo

I throw 1/16 to 1/8 jigs for redfish and speckled trout and the MHX SJ841 is the best blank I have found so far has plenty of backbone for setting hooks

Clint,
The problem with your hookset may be the stretch in the line over that long distance cast.
You might look of a 9' 5 or 6 weight fly rod blank, the additional hook sweep can help the problem.
Look for a fast to moderate fast blank with a light weight and a large butt dia. St Croix has several that fit the build.
Minimize the number of guides on the build try 8 and utilize the lightest guides you can for the upper third of the rod length.
A recoil fly rod tip can reduce tip top weight and single foot light wire titanium fly guides for the top 3 guides.
This should increase the rod response of the long rod.


Eugene Moore

Thanks for the insight, Roger, I will keep that in mind for future rods.

Derek

I have build many on the Batson IP 840. Several on the SC 3S70ulf and one on the SC 3S76mlf. I like them all!. I personally like the 7ft rods. Depending on what you can get at the lowest price I would pick the Batson first. I am going to look at the Mudhole S841 when I get to High Point. I think it is the same as the IP 840. Sometime I have thought I could cast a fly on them!.

Ed Smith
Flat Rock, NC

Built a good friend of mine the SJ 9000 MHX and he truly loves it for throwing light jigs. States it's just what he wanted.

IP841 or XP841, both are top notch!

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

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

MLXF taper from St. Croix also fits the bill. 6'3" and 6'9" across the board (SCIII, SCIV and SCV). The Batson IP841 is a great little rod, just ordered an XP to match with the other half's Stella FD.

Extended SJ 720's would fit the bill too, with more low end power.