A friend has asked me to build him a 6'-0" to 6'-6" sheepshead rod. He will apparently be fishing in tight areas around pilings and doesn't want to go longer than 6'-0" if possible. The extent of my knowledge on sheepshead rods is that they need a sensitive tip and a good amount of power for potentially horsing a fish from around pilings. Any specific blank recommendations would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

In some waters they get pretty big. In my area they don't usually. So tailor power of the rod to the waters fished. In any case, I like a fairly light and sensitive rod with a somewhat stiff tip for its power. A salt water grade, medium power (8-17# rating), St. Croix is just such a rod. Only problem might be getting one that short. I "think" they have a 6'6" in the SC 3 line.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Pete is right on with the medium action rod.

Many many rods out there that meet the requirement. I don't think you need to go quite that heavy unless you are catching really big fish on a regular basis. A 6 foot blank rated for 6-12 lb line is just fine for most of these fish.

Remember, if the rod has the right tip for sensitivity, you can always chop the blank of a longer rod to make is shorter. If the tip is right - never chop the tip.


Be safe

Thanks guys- I actually have a Rainshadow SW967 on hand that I'm considering chopping to 6'-6". That would result in a blank with a fast tip and plenty of backbone but from what you guys are saying, perhaps I don't need such a beefy blank? This rod will be used around Oregon Inlet, NC and other eastern NC saltwater areas. It is entirely possible that it will haul in a Florida-size sheepshead but my guess is that would be the exception and not the typical catch.

I can't see chopping up a good blank like the SW967 blank to make a rod for sheephead. Around Galveston we catch sheephead with any rod, from ultra light to popping rods. And these are fished around bridge pilings. You can buy an inexpensive blank from Batson or MHX for around $40. I am thinking of something like a spinjig blank. Check with Lance at Swampland Tackle. He carries a variety of blanks that would fit your purpose. On the other hand, the SW967 blank can be used for light offshore duty, a light surf rod, a pier rod, etc.

Hello Pete

If you want to bring them in (Drag Them By Their Lips) Calstar "E" glass- Regulation Series.
RT12-B 5'6" long, .645 butt, 10 tip, 12# line wt, the Action is listed as "I.G.F.A." Which makes it a pretty slow to medium blank.

If you want some finesse try a Matrix "Spin Jig".
AMSJ722 a6' blank,.437 butt, 4.5 tip, 6-12# line wt, action listed as fast, power as medium.

All depends on how much challenge (or not) you want, I have a 13' telescoping crappie rod I put guides on I'd like to try on a pier sometime should be fun.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

I wouldn't chop up the SWB967 either. Any number of decent spin/jig blanks should do nicely. I mentioned the st. croix only because I have one. I find it capable of fishing both ends of its rating. This works well when you have a reel with two spools. In my case I have 8# mono on one and 15# braid on the other.

When I think sheepshead I think barnacle covered pilings. For that reason alone I'd go with a more powerful blank. I couldn't see myself using less than 10# test.

FWIW Utmost has a 3 power, 6 foot, spin/jig blank on closeout.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Pete,
I think this is just the ticket for your needs.
[www.mudhole.com]

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Thanks Todd- that looks like just the blank.

Russ- my thoughts exactly: barnacle encrusted, rough concrete pilings.........

And thanks very much for everyone's replies and e-mails and recommendations.

My SW967 blank has survived this close encounter unmolested and will one day assume it's new identity as a rod in it's full length !!