I am wanting to build a Heavy Duty saltwater jigging rod. I currently have a Shimano Trevalla TFC-58-XXH, 50-200lbs, that I love. I have read up on this forum and others, that the Shimano rod rating is a little exaggerated, and that rod blank manufactures, tend to be more conservative. Well, I love these Trevala rods, so I want something similar in performance or better. I pair the rod with Shimano Torsa 20s, Trinidads, and Talicas. I tend to bottom fish with this setup, using either 80 or 100lb braid. I also use vertical jigs. Due to the short blank, I get better leverage on the fish, than a longer rod. I love the Trevalla because of its light weight, short length, small diameter blank, and overall strength.

What would be a good rod blank to do my first build on.

What weight class rod blank, correctly lines up with the Trevalla 50-200lb class rods? Am I looking for a 50-80 class rod or something bigger? I don't have a blank Manu factor preference, as I have never built a rod before.

Some options I have seen are Seeker, Cousins, Phenix, any other brands to look at?


Thanks in advance to everyone for the advice.

From Rainshadow lineup we'd recommend the RCKJB508-500 which is for 50-100lb though if you want to go heavier go with the RCKJB508-600 80-130lb. See the specs here: [www.rainshadowrodblanks.com]

James Taylor
Batson Enterprises
BatsonEnterprises.com | RainShadowRodBlanks.com | ALPSForeCast.com | Build2Fish.com

Take a close look at the American Tackle ATX VJ line.... the AXVJ6060-325 is almost a dead ringer for that rod. I just built a set for a boat, cut to 5-8 .... they LOVE them more than the shimanos

_______________________________
God Bless, Don Morse

800-516-1750 ext. 1207 / don@americantackle.us

Rod Building..... It's What We Do.



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2018 03:17PM by Don @ American Tackle.

Which end did you cut? What guides, reel seat did you use?

Cut from the butt.... I used AT Virtus heavy guides on them and AT Posi-Lock seats.

_______________________________
God Bless, Don Morse

800-516-1750 ext. 1207 / don@americantackle.us

Rod Building..... It's What We Do.

I use the AXVJ's from American Tackle. I drop in 300-600 ft. Have a Talica 16II. Those blanks are awesome. Times 2 on the Virtus Heavy!

Capt. Craig Freeman
Grading Scales Sportfishing and Back River Rods

Here you go Paul


[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

_______________________________
God Bless, Don Morse

800-516-1750 ext. 1207 / don@americantackle.us

Rod Building..... It's What We Do.

Don @ American Tackle Wrote:
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> Here you go Paul
>
>
> [www.rodbuilding.org]
> ?photo=20818&cat=500
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> [www.rodbuilding.org]
> /photo/20817/title/27657984-1999270596998624-78404
> 37068743668695-n/cat/500

Wow, those look awesome. Very nice job. I like the grips also. Is that an American Tackle product also?

I am an United Composites fan. The United Composites CXJ 603 is a fantastic blank that I would rate 60-80 pound and has great tip action for 6-8 ounce jigs. UC rates it as a 300-500gm jigging blank, but I like 6-8 ounce much better for this blank (180-240 gram). I pair it with an old Ocea Jigger 4000P and Penn Torque LD40N 2sp. Works great with AT Titanium Turbo guides! Jigging master makes good blanks too.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/25/2018 09:49PM by Scott Lamb.