Hello everybody. My name is Sean and I am new to this forum. I have built a couple of freshwater bass rods, but I need a little help with the saltwater stuff.

I am looking for some blank suggestions for a fluke(summer flounder) rod. I currently fish for fluke with a custom built G. Loomis GL3 MB883. This is an awesome rod for bouncing sinkers from 1-4 ounces. I am looking to build a 6 1/2-7 foot baitcasting/conventional rod that can handle 5-9 ounces of lead. It will also be used occasionally for striped bass fishing with clams. I prefer a graphite rod, but will consider a composite build too.

Should I use a graphite or an aluminum reel seat?

And lastly, should I use an underwrap under the guides?

Thank you in advance for your help.
Sean

You've got lots of options. Look at the Seekers gts70h and stcroix 2m69xhf both very different blanks but both great ocean fluke/striper rods.

It's up to you but I would stay away from an aluminum seat.

Have built Fluke Striper rods on this with no Complants, or you can go to the 70M which makes a great boat chunking rod

RCLB70ML CG 7'0" 1 20-40lbs 2-6oz 0.880 7.5 X-Fast ML 8.24oz Salt Water Live bait/iron/all purpose

i gotta highly suggest the seeker hercules gts70L. it would do what you want for sure. thats my ocean fluke rod anyway

Hercules gts70L ..........great set up

you can get the gts70l for like a 100 bucks and it will smash any fluke and can handle strippers if your clam chumming. I would possibly go heavier for a live bait rod for bass though. To get a comparable blank in st croix, phenix, lamiglas will flat out cost you more money probably like 50-100 dollars more. G loomis doesnt sell blanks anymore b/c the were bought by shimano and they keep everything proprietary (means only they have it). i think this drives up perceived market value for their products, but @#$%& for rod builders. good luck dude

Hercules

Bill - willierods.com

Thank you everybody for your help. I only fish for stripers about once a year so this rod will be primarily for fluke. I am going to go with the hercules gts 70l with an avet reel. I am going to use titanium virtus guides. What size guides on this build? Sorry for all of the questions.

get in touch with Billy Vivona he will set you up

Bill - willierods.com

That Inshore Lite will handle everything that you plan on doing Inshore (with teh exception of trolling - lol). If you are out Fluking and see the birds working and need to put a jig on, it's an excellent jigging rod, if you go chunking or live lining - Bass to 49#'s that I know of have been caught on it. FOr Fluke it's ideal for 3-8oz, but it will handle 2 & 10oz as well if needed.

Thank you all for the advice. I have spoken to Billy Vivona and gotten the answers to my questions.

Billy will hook u up and direct you in the right direction and you can purchase everything from him.....