Going to build another snook casting rod. Needs to be 8' and handle large snook. Line will be 30-40lb braid throwing mainly 2oz jigs. We've built one on an MHX nearshore 15-40 blank but they've gone up $45+ for some reason. So I'd like to consider some other options. I fish near bridges and heavy structure so it has to have the backbone to really put some heat on them. Reel will be a Lexa 400 or similar low pro casting reel.

After the last 2 years and all the news stories everyone should have an ides of why costs are going up. I've been hearing about costs going up around a Febuary time frame for some time now, I bet others have too.

I understand why they're going up. But a 125 dollar blank going up over 165 is crazy. And they say it's a new resin system they are using that's increasing the price. However it looks, feels, and weighs exactly the same. Going to go to American Tackle and Mudhole tomorow and see what they've got.

I'd suggest a Point Blank PB761XXHF extended to 8'.

However, if the MHX price is a limitation, this blank is more expensive. It is a better blank in my opinion, than the MHX blank. Even when extended 6-8 inches, it will be quite a bit lighter than the MHX SW80M. I'm building one right now to fish muskies, extended to 8' or a little more, so I have a little experience with it.

Speaking of musky rods, the Rod Geeks MKY80MHF will be right in your wheelhouse too, and is right in the same price range as the SW80M.

Thanks for the suggestion Joel. I've got 2 Point Blank 7'6 MH and I like them but I'm not sure a higher modulus blank will take the kind of pressure I put on my snook rods. I'll look into the rod geeks blanks but I'm really wanting to get my hands on a blank before purchasing it. I have no experience extending blanks so I'm hoping to pick up one that's 8'. And I don't need anything crazy light or sensitive just a blank that will stand up to the pressure of 15-20lb of drag and will throw a 2oz jig.

CPB7101XXHM
Length: 7ft 10inches
Weight: 3.4 oz
Lure wt range: 1/2 - 2oz.
Action: Moderate (63-degrees)
Power: Double X Heavy (IP = 1209 grams)
Tip size: 7.5
Butt diameter: 14.60mm

This is a winch! It has the power, just don't smack it on a concrete bridge piling.

I've built a similar casting rod and used the MHX SWB967 blend with good results. Might also look at SWB956. Both are around $75 wholesale cost.

I’ve built 2 Rodgeeks C4711XHF and I’ve caught a 30lb Bull Red and a 40” King Mackerel in Navarre. IMO Rodgeeks makes some really good blanks and the ones I’ve built on have been a pleasure to fish with. The 8’ X-comp 802 or 803 maybe perfect for your needs they’re mod-fast.

Thank you for all the great suggestions. Couldn't make it to MH the other day but I will be going soon. I'm expecting availability to be a big determining factor in which blank I choose. But you all have given me alot to choose from so I'm sure they'll have something in stock for me.