I got a request, an unreasonable request IMO, from an acquaintance. The request is for an 8’ crappie spinning rod with a reel seat with the blank exposed and non-ceramic guides and the budget is $150. Surely, I can’t be the only one that receives these kind of requests. I can’t fathom this being possible, but am all ears if someone has an option.

I make a lot of long crappie rods, but $150 is pushing it. For the blank try the PacBay tradition 2 steelhead blank PBT2SH9932. It’s 8’3” long and is a ML F with an IP of 292 gm and an AA of about 80. It is really a very nice and light blank for the money, less than $60. I use SeaGuide HLG (or CRB SSR) match guides for the reduction train, and MKG (or CRB SSR RXG) guides for the runners. I set them up in a KR concept. Guides are $15 or less for a set. I use an IPS or VSS17 reel seat with a cork or NFC Carbon fiber split grip, but you can use a less expensive EVA split grip. With an EVA grip you can make it for less than $150.
Norm



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2023 01:23PM by Norman Miller.

Thank you Norm, I’ll give that look.

The Hot Specials section at Schneider's Rod Shop has some 5 wt. 8 foot fly blanks the IF805 for a very good price.

With one of the blanks Spencer mentioned everything you'll need should come in under $100 including shipping. $50 to build the rod for an acquaintance is up to you.

It’s doable. Just be sure to get a solid black thick sharpie and mark out the “BPS” decal on the rod after you bring it back from Bass Pro ;)

I priced out Norm's suggestion and it came out to $135 (rounding) including shipping and tax and a small surcharge for supplies. That's based on the blank Norm suggested, Fuji seat and EVA split grips and CRB SSR guide train and tip top.

If you can still find a Pac Bay snap it up, the Rainshadow REVST993 is about 2 1/2 times more expensive and they still appear to be identical blanks like they were in the old days.

Daryl - looks like you can round up blank and components for under the budget so just have to decide what your labor/time to put it all together is worth. If you want to provide your acquaintance with a couple factory options that will have 8 ft rods under budget check out BnM Poles or ACC Crappie Stix. I have a few of each of these brands and they are decent rods for the money.

Not hard.

Use an 8 foot steel head blank. Pack bay minima guides. Inexpensive EVA split grip and reel seat and and you will be good to go.

Here is a Crappie rod complete kit for $50.

[getbitoutdoors.com]

Build it as a 10 footer and you will have a nice long reach to drop into holes in weeds for the paper mouth.

Take care

Kevin, I’m not worried about my time on this one. He does a lot of stuff for me at no charge so I’m just doing it to reciprocate in kind.

I showed him the build sheet today and he liked it so I reckon I’m set. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.