I want to build a bait caster for a kid I know. My guess is he will throw crank baits, soft plastic frogs, and whatever else he can think of. He won't be fishing heavy weed cover. He's young enough that he can't drive so he bikes from home to the Root River in Rushford Mn. The river has a pretty healthy small mouth population as well as trout, walleyes and northerns and assorted rough fish. I use primarily NFC blanks. I build mostly ultralight trout rods so this is a bit out of my wheelhouse and I would appreciate any blank recommendations.

Thanks



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/22/2023 08:44AM by Jim Reinhardt.

I’d suggest a 734 or 735, cheap enough that you won’t be devastated if it gets roughed up but still high performance. 735 for the frogs and heavier baits like jigs, spinnerbaits, etc. 735 for smaller, lighter baits and fish.

if you like NFC blanks then look at the SJ736 Xray.. Very versatile blank

I second the SJ736 blank. In my opinion it feels like a true MH power, Fast action blank. Very versatile rod, I use it for everything from finesse jigs, weightless Texas rigs, light pitching and even some 3.8 swimbaits.

If you wanted to go a little cheaper, the IM-MB704 would make a great multipurpose rod too. The IM would be more durable as well



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/22/2023 09:42AM by Evan Cobb.

I agree with Harry, the SJ 736 Xray is awesome. I use them for jigs, rat-l-traps, small swimbaits, Texas rigged worms.

The MB 705 is an excellent all around bass blank as well.

Using a bike, motorcycle, or similar transport I like 2 piece rods, much better chance of transport without damage, you can even tube them for further durability. In NFC blanks I would look at the HS 760-2 (IM), in the MHX blanks I would look at the P 704-2 popping blank. Both are versatile blanks/rods.

X2 on 2 pc.

An all purpose rod to me is a 7’ medium fast. Rodgeeks have nice blanks for whatever price you want to spend and you can choose from a few colors. The metallic colors are very nice.

Here’s a couple fuji guide spec’s for a 7’ rod.

Here’s Fuji’s “How To” info for casting rod layouts. Step 1…

Step 2…

Step 3…

Step 4…

Step 5..

Step 5.

Link to original, it’s in Japanese. [www.fujitackle.com]

If you are looking at the Rod Geeks the C270MF it also comes in a two-piece 2C70MF2. I just like a longer blanked rod to cover more potential area and increased hookset capability at those longer distances. I personally have only fished the SC3 thru 5 St. Croix 70MF one piece and they are indeed a dandy rod. Not my idea of a frog rod however.

I’ve only built on the Bass 4 series and currently building a 7’10 Bass 3 for my bro-in-law. I kinda went on a NFC buying spree for a while but now back to RG for my latest 2 builds (I wanted some painted blanks). I forgot how nice the RG blanks are. I suggest the Carbon 2 for the price and if it’s going to be tossed around by a kid you don’t need to invest too much into the build.

I jus t remember the places I bank fished had trees and brush everywhere making casting a chore on a long rod. I also favored my spinning rod because I was limited with casting a baitcaster due to the tight quarters… a lot of pitching and flippin.

I’d say ditch the frog and use poppers and Zara spooks.

Thanks for all the ideas.

Jim