Hi. I built one rod when I was 18 about 10 years ago and decided to get back into it. The blank i used was a rainshadow ISJ782 and last week that rod had an accident and is now in three pieces. So I'll be replacing that rod as my re-entry into building. I see that blank is no longer available and wondered if any of you have built on that blank and maybe have an idea for a similar blank.

You can always contact Batson Enterprises and ask what their current closest model is. They're real good about helping builder select the right blank. Their link is to the left in the sponsor column.

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Thanks Tom. I just sent them an email so I'll see what they have to say.

My guess is the REVS68ML is going to be closest match in their current line.

Thanks Joe. I was looking again at their lineup and saw the REVS68ML. It does seem to spec out as the most similar. Have you used that blank? I always thought the isj782 was pretty powerful in the butt section. Just looking for a little first hand experience.

I haven't. I have the little brother ISJ 781 to your blank. If I recall, back then it had the same tip and butt diameter, but just a bit less material in it to make it a bit softer. The blank I mentioned should be really close to the old ISB 781, which had similar lure range and line specs to the ISJ 782. The spin bass and current bass spinning blanks are fast action rods with pretty powerful butt sections and flexible tips. I could be wrong, but my impression of the spin jig blanks is that they tended to have slightly faster actions, but a smidge less power in the butt than the spin bass.

What applications are were you using that blank for?

The extra fast action blanks that they make are really impressive, and may be worth a look.

I fish from a kayak alot so I usually only carry one or two rods at a time. Therefore, I ended up using it as an all purpose rod alot of times. However, my favorite use for it was throwing soft plastics, especially weightless senkos which I seem to fish often.

I also fish from a kayak sometimes and built a soft plastic rod from a Rainshadow walleye blank, IMMWS62MXF. It's 6'2" and weighs 1.2oz.