I have a request to build a large 10', 2 piece, MH casting, catfish rod. The reel will be a 6500 size casting reel. I'm currently looking at the MHX SU1208F-2 blank. Have any of you guys built on this blank before? It's listed as a Surf Rod.

Also, what size guides you guys build for something like this? Would you go double foot the entire length of the rod? I'm used to building bass rods so I'm in uncharted territory on this build.

Thank you,

Lee

This rod will spend 99% of its fishing time in a rod holder. I would epoxy a 6" fiberglass reinforcement on the blank where the rod holder will make contact with the blank.

Phil,

Do you mean fiberglass mesh epoxied on there or some kind of sleeve? Can you please elaborate further?

Thank you

Double foot guides yes….. many of the catfish guys want ceramic-less “boat” guides but in my opinion that’s largely cause they are use to using crap rods with super cheap components.

Lee: Either fiberglass mesh epoxied on the blank or (easier) shrink tubing applied to the blank at the point of contact with the rod holder. That would protect the rod so it looks like new.

A lot of catfish rods are jammed into the riprap rocks along the shore besides sand spikes, I think cord grips hold up best here, I appy finish over the thread.