this is going to be my first walleye rod build for a trip i have planned in april to lake eerie. i think ive narrowed it down to three blanks from american tackle company bushido blanks
length line lure weight action power

SJ68/6-12 6'8" 6-12 1/4-5/8 1.75 Fast Med-Light

DS69/4-10 6'9" 4-10 1/8-1/2 1.72 Ex-Fast Mag-Light

SB69/6-10 6'9" 6-10 1/8-1/2 1.79 Ex-Fast Medium


i plan on using a fuji sk2 reel seat, split grip, and minima guides. it sounds like we will be using jigs tipped with minnows or plastics jigging off bottom while drifting. ive done a few searches and it seems the one blank that gets highly recommended is no longer available so are any of these going to be a good choice for a blank. is there something specific that makes one better then the other or am i not in the ball park of what the blank should be. is there a better option out there? some info would be highly appreciated thanks in advance

To me it seems like the lake eerie Walleyes would need a bit more power like a Med/heavy 7' ish Extra fast. But it depends on how your fishing them. Jigging, Casting, Trolling flatlines, trolling boards?

We were on an Erie charter boat last year and took a couple of Medium Heavy's, we were throwing spinners and 1oz weights, if I were to do it over again I would make sure I took a Medium and Medium Light as well. The guides were using Medium Lights and were out fishing the rest of us, I'm not sure I would build on the Light blank you have listed, but the other two would be a sound choice.

I don't believe I would go much lighter than the SB69/6. I fish walleye, lake saint clair, Mostly in the ditch - shipping channel. Erie is however a little different. If I were you I would contact these fine gents and they will will get you spot on, Let them know your from RodBuilding.org. [rodbuilding.org]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/24/2016 12:32PM by Jay Dubay.

I love my American Tackle Bushido DS69 but I use the 8 to 15. I set it up for a baitcaster and use it to jig for walleyes here on the Mississippi and also on the Detroit River.

Scott It's looking to be a early year on the D this year! tightlines Jaa

Im scheduled to be there April 1 out of Trenton.

SK Custom Rods
American Tackle Pro Staff

Fish now, cause you'll be dead for a long time.

I use the SJ72/8-15 on Erie, it is a great Blank for all around walleye fishing out there. Nice tip for jigs, and a ton of backbone, in the event a stupid sheephead or Catfish decides it wants some action.. great sensitivity, and power when you need it.