I had a Cabela's Tourmament zx frog rod that was stolen. The blank was tzxc-73h it was 7 feet 3 inchs rated for 17-30 lb line and 1/4 oz to 11/4 oz. I would like to make one. Does anybody know who was supplying these blanks or could you recommend a similar blank? Thanks Sam

PB731MHXF
Length: 7 ft 3 in
Action Angle: XF • 68-degrees (RDA) • 79-degrees (CCS)
Power: Med Hvy / 605gr (RDA) • ERN 26.3 (CCS)
Weight: 2.11oz.
Butt Dia: 14.35 mm
Tip Size: 1.80mm (5.0)
Lure Wt: 1/2 to 1 oz
Sugg Line Wt: 12 – 20lb mono
20 – 30lb braid

Point Blanks are great blanks. I have the 731MXF, very versatile. Not quite powerful enough for what you want, but PB731MHXF should work.

Batson RX8 XMB874.5-TC built for frogs, Schneiders lists them on the site in the Hot Specials section at a great price.

Good find, Spencer.

Unless you want a really really stout rod for frogs I would avoid the RX8 mentioned above. I have one that I haven't finished building yet. I was going to make it a frog rod but it just doesn't have enough tip for casting frogs. I also used to have Cabelas zx 76 heavy and to me it has a much nicer tip for frogs. I have a point blank 73HXF and it would be the perfect frog rod. However the point blank is in a totally different world in terms of cost and performance than the Cabelas rod, which I believe was $100.

What does "enough tip" mean?

I believe he is saying the tip doesn't load enough during the cast to sling frogs as well as he prefers.

Does "How much a rod loads" mean how much it bends during the cast? During a cast the line is released when the rod reaches its maximum bend backward. The rod can only pull the line and the frog. You can't push a rope - or fishline.

Sam, it is very rare that I will recommend a MHX but their MB874 is a good one for frogs

Phil Ewanicki Wrote:
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> Does "How much a rod loads" mean how much it
> bends during the cast? During a cast the line is
> released when the rod reaches its maximum bend
> backward. The rod can only pull the line and the
> frog. You can't push a rope - or fishline.

This is 100% false. The line is not released during the maximum bend in a proper cast. The road must be unloading prior to releasing the line spool in order to achieve a proper cast. The unloading is what pulls the line and propels the lure. The lure then pulls the line and unwinds the spool in the case of baitcasting.

Aaron in typical Phil fashion he is just there to annoy

Yeah, I like a softer tip to throw frogs. I feel that a typical 3/8 -1/2 oz frog wouldn't really load the RX8 mentioned above. It feels like a rod meant to throw an ounce or more. My preference of course, others may differ.

When you spin-cast you release the line from your finger BEFORE your rod begins to straighten out. Check and see. Just try waiting for your rod to straighten out and pour all its stored energy into your cast BEFORE you release the line from your finger. [Good luck] Just remember, your rod can only pull a line. Your rod can't push your line. If you have evidence to the contrary let's see it!

Phil you are wrong on every account. When you “spin cast” you are using a reel with a push button and a closed face, you are confusing this technique with fishing a spinning rod.

I would figure someone who seems to possess such great knowledge would know the difference

Max bend on the rod happens right at the moment you get into your forward swing. If you release the line then you will not cast as intended. Unless you aim like I do in golf. About 90 degrees away from where you want to hit it. From the instant you start your fore-swing on, the rod is indeed unloading.

If it's a rod dedicated frog rod, I really don't see the need for a blank with the sensitivity of an Immortal. I have a rod built on an Immortal IMMC72MH that I built for flipping and pitching, but I use it as my frog rod when I need one. I have no problem casting 1/2 oz frogs with it, and it has plenty of power for getting fish out of heavily matted grass.

If the Revelation version of the 72MH has the same power and casting characteristics as the Immortal, that would be a blank you may want to consider.