I figured I'd make a topic while I'm here and thinking about it...

I have a couple months to practice before I actually need the rod, so hopefully I can make a decent rod by then.

I'm going down to the Gulf to fish for some gags and reds. I want to build a rod for fishing out of a private boat. Normally we are in 40-60 feet of water jigging cut bait on the bottom. Aside from the length of the rod, I'm not quite sure what I should go for. I plan to put a conventional reel on it with probably 65 lb braid. The rod is going to be 6'6" unless someone tells me to go different. I'll just list off all my questions

Heavy or extra heavy?
Action?
How long should the grip be? Does it matter, or is it just preference?
Guides - How many, what size?

If I think of any more I'll add them, thanks. Everyone has been a great help so far!

Have you tried the search function,? Bet there is some good info on other grouper rods built for your needs.

Mr. Crawford,
Below is one of our suggested builds for a Rainshadow Knife Jig blank model RCKJB603-375. This build had the tip trimmed back a bit to dial in a little more power, but this is totally optional. You may find this useful in getting your rod spec'd out. Take care.

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # RCKJB603-375 cut 2 inches off tip 6'4" 6-14 ounce 30-60#
Butt Cap: RG1-16.0 Rubber Gimbal 16.0mm ID x 27.0mm OD x 46.0mm Length
Rear Grip: BS12-500 12" Reagrip .500" I.D. EVA-Black
Rear Grip Cover: HST-1.38X39.4-B Heat Shrink Tube ( DIA 40) X-Flock 1.38" IDx39.4"-Black
Reel Seat: TRI-AH18-S "Threads Up" Reel Seat Triangle Alum w/Rubber Coating-Black
Reel seat Trim: TRS17-S Trim Ring for Spin Seat size 17 Silver
Fore Grip Cover: HST-1.38X39.4-B Heat Shrink Tube ( DIA 40) X-Flock 1.38" IDx39.4"-Black
Fore Grip: BSF10-500 10" Foregrip .500" I.D. EVA-Black
Winding Check: AWCCO512-S Aluminum Winding Check w/cut out .512 I.D. - Silver
Tip Top: XBPPLT10R11.5 SS316-RRD 'P' Top 10 'H' ring 11.5 tube - DBC/Black-ALPS
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XBXNLG SS316-MXN Guide w/'H' ring 12 - DBC/Black-ALPS

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st XBXNLG10 4"
2nd XBXNLG10 8"
3rd XBXNLG10 12"
4th XBXNLG12 16.5"
5th XBXNLG16 21.75"
6th XBXNLG20 27.625"
7th XBXNLG25 35.5"

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

I did try searching and couldn't find anything. If I search now mine is the only thread with the word grouper in it. If I search google however, there are a couple threads. Neither one had any specifics though.

Thanks Geoff! I will use this as a good starting point

Hello All.

Clint when you searched did you change to "All Dates"? I got over 600 hits.

Geoff I looked on the web site for that Blank as a Knife Jig model RCKJB603-375 and found no 603-375's, now is that what you are calling it after you cut it, or is that the true blank # before cutting it?

If it is the true blank # where can it and its spec's be located both on paper and in hand?

You have written these spec's "6'4" 6-14 ounce 30-60#" is that before cutting or after?

If it is before, what is it after?

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Mr. Guist,
Thanks for catching that. The actual model would be the RCKJB606-325-TC. I can post a more standard spec for uncut blank if it would be useful.
I would still call it a 30-60# blank when cut. However, I would say that suggested ounce range should be a little higher that the catalog suggestion for the uncut blank, not less. I'll update the spec which looks like it also should be called a 604 not a 603.

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

does this help
[www.rainshadowrodblanks.com]

Bill - willierods.com

Hello Geoff.

You said the blank would have a higher lure rating, instead of 6-14oz. ? 8-16?

Thanks a lot.

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/11/2016 11:29AM by Robert A. Guist.

Mr. Guist,
Yes, I would increase the lure rating to reflect the increase in power caused by trimming the tip back. That being said, lure ratings for actual casting wouldn't really apply to the grouper application as I read it originally. If someone wanted to drop 5lbs straight down with that blank they would be just fine.

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com