Anyone have any experience fishing the 844 inshore / popping blank? Any reviews etc? Looking to build this for a kayak rod maybe.

Hello Wes. The last three years I have fished an XP845 and recently built another as a backup. I normally fish mine with a popping cork. For lures I would go with an 843 and still be able to fish live bait using one of the cigar shaped floats. In all my years of fishing I have gone from an 842 for 1/4 oz. spoons, an 844 for jig heads and shrimp tails, and finally an 845 for popping cork. Personally I have never liked an 844 but others may differ.

Solid blanks, although I would recommend the XP903.

I've built a good number of the RX8 blanks into rods, although not the one you're thinking of. They have always been impressive blanks, handsome finish, light, sensitive. The TiChrome finish looks great with Gudebrod garnet or equivalent with no CP. It takes on a rich sweet cherry color. I trim with metallic silver mostly, but incorporate a single thread of gold metallic at times, and that is really sharp. Nearly any color looks good with that finish, and because it's a glossy finish, the rods look very handsome. Given a choice, I will take a glossy blank.

I have no experience with kayak fishing, so would you mind telling me the logic that leads you to a popping rod action?

I'm thinking the popping just because of the moderate fast action and the ability to load the rod from a seated position. Plus I like all the Batson blanks I have built before just always been used for heavier saltwater/surf. And not to mention the guy wanted all the qualities of the 844, even without realizing it. He even named the line, lure, action etch exactly as that blank is rated.

Gee Wes

I wish all my customers did that LOL

Bill - willierods.com

I built an 844 for a customer in Texas who uses it for specks and flounder. Built as a casting rod and he absolutely loves it.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

bill boettcher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gee Wes
>
> I wish all my customers did that LOL


Bill, this guy is one of only two that I have ever had tell me that. Everyone else always has some crazy idea in their head that always needs to be tweaked in some way.

Thanks for the good laugh Wes

Bill - willierods.com

Michael,

I just wanted to thank you for posting your color recommendation of the Gudebrod garnet on an Batson RX8 TiChrome blank. did not have any, of that color, so I got some ProWrap Merlot. I just put the first coat of thread epoxy, and it looks fantastic! The black cherry look is elegant on that blank. Thanks for sharing!

Bert Nagy