I want to build a rod to fish for flathead on the saltwater flats out of my small tinny in QLD, Australia. The line weight will be about 8-15 lb. The lure weight will be between 1/8-3/4oz. The length will be about 7 ft. Long casting will be good if I can get it. So far, I have found 3 blanks that could fit the bill:
A) The HM-P844-MHX
B) The HM-MB862-MHX or
C) The CTS ES704
No doubt there are lots of others.
Any comments as critical as you like would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Paul Braithwaite

Braith

Mate it might pay to drop a little in line class for that. Perhaps the next blank down which will still see you cover the majority of the lure weight. I'm also guessing you wouldn't use the heavier 3/4 as much as the lighter range?
If you want distance it might also pay to add another 6". So perhaps the HM-P903-MHX.
I also think the Phenix range is worth a look.
The Ultra UMBX-S706M-B or the Bass Recon PHX-S763M-B would work or even one of the M1 blanks.

Mark.
I am happy to drop the line class, I am not expecting to catch anything over 10 lbs in this situation. However I need to maintain the lure weight as I plan to use plastics up to 1 oz if the rod handles it. I've got a Pflueger Medallist 2-6lb rod for the little lures.I don't want to go over an absolute maximum of 7'2" because I hate breaking rods(I want 1 piece) on dry land and I have trouble netting fish by myself with longer rods.
Do you think the Phenix is a better blank in this class?
Have you had experience with the Kiwi CTS blank?
Thanks for your help
Paul Braithwaite

I have not had any experience with CTS blanks but have only heard great things about them. They have a good rep.
Between the three brands mentioned you will get a good blank and I can't say which would better sorry.
There are others out there too so perhaps other members can chime in.