This is my first post and I'm looking for opinions on an idea for a rod.

I'm a beginner rod builder. I've done multiple repairs and built a few rods for myself and want to get a little more technical.

I fish mostly in South and Central Florida. Mostly Atlantic side.

This rod I want to use for the surf to cast lures. Doa, yozuri, bucktails, etc. (1/4-3/4 or so?) I'm pairing it with a Quantum Smoke 40 loaded with about 250 yards of 20# braid.

My idea is....
-9 foot graphite. More or less. Around $100 range
-single foot Fuji K series guides
-Fuji SK2 split reel seat if possible.
-EVA split grip

My approach is very minimalistic to keep weight down.

I'm mostly looking for a blank and suggestions/opinions on this build or if it's even a good idea.

Thanks in advance!

Look at salmon/steelhead blanks like the MHX ST1084.

I second Spencer's recommendation. I live seaside in central Florida. A 9' "steelhead blank" with a Stradic 4000 loaded with 20# works well for me in the situation you describe. Select your reel carefully, for many will rust out quickly in the salt. I junked a Quantum Cabo which froze up. I called to get advice/parts and was asked "You didn't use that in salt water, did you? They weren't made for salt water use." [!!!]

Excellent advise from these two gentlemen. I have four 8 footer steelhead blank rods that I have made for throwing lures in the surf. Mine were made using GLoomis blanks from the 80's. Now yhou have some great choices in either MHX or Batson blanks.

Thanks!

Phil Ewanicki Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I second Spencer's recommendation. I live seaside
> in central Florida. A 9' "steelhead blank" with a
> Stradic 4000 loaded with 20# works well for me in
> the situation you describe. Select your reel
> carefully, for many will rust out quickly in the
> salt. I junked a Quantum Cabo which froze up. I
> called to get advice/parts and was asked "You
> didn't use that in salt water, did you? They
> weren't made for salt water use." [!!!]


Are you talking about the old Cabo? Because I use a Cabo for jigging and I'm fairly certain it's for saltwater use?
The Smoke I have is for saltwater. Though they have a freshwater Smoke as well.

Chris: The Cabo was my shark reel. It was about 8 years old. It replaced my Mitchell 302 which I put back into service when the Cabo failed.