Hello,

Fairly new, and trying to pick out a versatile blank (fishing as co-angler). I get the general idea of power and action, and that it can be hard to compare across manufacturers. My question is rod ratings for lure weight. I can find several blanks by differing manufacturers list for 1/4 to 1 or 1 1/4 oz lure weight. Most are fast action, some are MB. Will these rods really cast well within that range? I.e using a 1/8 oz and tube (1/4 total) as well as a 3/4 football jig and trailer 1 oz total).

I realize Jack-of-all-trades is master of none, but I thought with a custom rod I could have more flexibility..

Thanks!

Craig

Dover, Fl

One blank that comes close to covering all those lure weight ranges is the MHX L842 blank. It is listed as a light saltwater blank but will also make a great bass or freshwater rod. I use mine in fresh and salt water. Swampland Tackle sells that blank for less than $47.

I would ask the size and species of the fish you target, the depth you fish, and style of fishing you anticipate before I might provide useful advice in selecting a rod blank.

Thanks, but I was actually sort of asking if a given manufacturer lists a lure weight range, is this fairly reliable, useful information?



If it matters, Florida bass fishing, limited rods available, unknown depth as you aren't controlling the boat but it's Florida so likely max 15-20' techniques likely as above: 1/8 jig withtrailer (1/4 oz), unweighted senko (3/8 oz), 1/2 oz jig with trailer (7/8 oz), 3/8 oz texas rig, weightless fluke, etc..

I realize custom builds are often to design a rod to do a specific task very well, but in this case I need a rod to do many things as well as possible, even though it won't be best at any of them..

Thanks again,

Crai
Dover, Fl

Every rod has a sweet spot for casting weight and usually it lies somewhere in the range given by the manufacturer. But some may be a little closer to the lower end of that range, while others will be further towards the top end. How you cast has a great deal to do with this as well. If you're a heavy hitter - somebody that really pushes hard, you may want to choose a rating that puts your preferred casting weight at the lower end of the range. If you toss a bit lighter and let the rod do most of the work, you may be better off choosing a blank with a range that has your preferred casting weight nearer the top end.

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I have noticed that manufactured rods for jigging and worming LMB are usually in the extra fast range. That along with your casting technique would influence how far a particular blank will cast specific weights. I don't know how the reel (spinning or casting) or the weight or composition of the line would influence the blank's efficiency in casting a particular weight. Most of my fishing for LMB is done with casts of under 35' where accuracy is at a premium. For accuracy a good custom rod builder can adjust the spine and curvature of a blank to provide the straightest cast from a rod swung in a particular plane.

I agree with Tom that rods have a sweet spot. Generally, I find that if you take the difference in the range specified, divide by 2 and add the lowest weight in the range that will get you pretty close to the sweet spot.