I have a St Croix 5C60MF that has been sitting around for a few years. I originally had two of them. I lengthened one to 7 feet and made an awesome casting rod with it. So anyway, I fish the Bay of Green Bay and have been using ripping raps a lot more than I used to. My question to everyone is do you think this would make a good ripping Rap spinning rod if I lengthen it to a little over seven feet long, or would it be too stiff? It is rated for 1/4-5/8 and 10-17lb line. I typically use 10 pound braid with a flouro leader and would use it for ripping raps and Shiver minnows. Any input would be appreciated.

Mike,
If it were me for a ripping rap, I would fish it in the length that it is.

With a ripping rod, it takes a lot of power to do the ripping on a long rod.. With a shorter rod, the effort is much less, as is the length of the rip. But, I have found that the shorter rod puts just as many fish in the boat and you are not nearly as tired using a 5 foot rod all day compared to how you feel after a day of ripping a 7 foot rod.

Take care

I think it should work, particularly for #7 RRs and Shiver minnows, maybe a little stiff for casting #6 RRs. I really like any of the S70MF for Rippin Raps and other rip jigging on the Bay. I know some guys that like S70MLF, but I think I get better hook sets with M and don't lose much at all for fighting fish.

Mike,
Look at Rodgeeks C473MHXS. I have built 3 off of that blank for ripping raps and shiver minnows. I am very happy with this blank and so is the other guys that have them. I am building 2 more right now with the same blank.

See you on the water, Doug
Captain Paddlefoot