Disappointed to say the least , 7'6" max length and no models that even have a lure weight rating of 1 ounce .

The current X RAY models are better suited for inshore fishing imo . I'm probably in the minority though as I need 8 feet minimum length and lure ratings exceeding 1 ounce.


[northforkcomposites.com]

If I was looking at your lure requirements I'd look at the HS 981-1 (IM) or (HM). A longtime used blank for baby tarpon, permit, barracuda, and the big reds and trout. The tip is light enough to throw tender baits and has the "umph" necessary to make small sharks and cobia possible. Great for surface lures also.

Yeah I asked about that one a long time ago and it did seem suitable but I chose to go with an X RAY 7109 instead which is a little short of 8 feet but close enough and the lure rating fit which was up to up to 2 ounce.


I may need to try the HS 981 because even though the 7109 is rated up to 2 ounce I find It a little soft and you have to really lob 2 ounce stuff with it .

Thanks for the advice.

It's rated for soaking a weigh and bait or a crankbait, 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 oz. would be my guess casting saltwater gear. They usually cast gear at one third the rated boat rod trolling, etc. rating.

I didn't see an HS 981 on the site , I did find the HS 821-1 which has the length and lure range that suits me . 3/4 - 4 ounce .

On the heavy side but will work better than what I currently have.

My mistake, the rod has been around for decades, one of Gary's first, or very close to it, rod designed for pulling plugs for a drift boat. It is 98 inches long and the way it was originally listed as a rod. Built as a casting rod for hotshot and other plugs for salmon/steehead, and in the Greenwater salt series as a spinning and casting rod with different grips. Many in this series salt rods were used for other things in freshwater first.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/17/2023 02:49PM by Spencer Phipps.

Thanks Spencer . Spencer's the one guy that everybody relies on for information when it comes to rod blank history . His knowledge about this stuff is sublime .

Chris, on hotshot rods the lure weights are usually trolling, not casting, weights. I have the HS 885-2 and I'd say it's the one you want to try if you want a bit more power than the 7109.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Thanks Russ , appreciate it.

While we are on the topic of HS blanks, I noticed on the CCS database spreadsheet that the SJ762 and HS7600 are about the same power. I found that surprising. Maybe should not have been, but I have a lot to learn about blanks.

Dean, HS blanks are just a different animal altogether. They have a very limber tip so they will cast ultra light lures/baits. Then when the fish is hooked the 6-12" of the tip flattens out and it is like you are fighting the fish with a shorter rod of an entirely different power rating.

We are talking blanks that are fun to fish for bluegill yet have been reported catching 60# serious salt water fish.

I sum them up as saying, " if you want a blank to cast the lightest offering, the longest distance, yet land the biggest fish, you want a hot shot blank". Tom K turned me on to them years ago and I am very grateful as one would never see them in a store in my area. They are something I recommend everyone try, especially in the lower (st )power offerings.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I don't find it particularly surprising in that so many people get hung up on labels instead of finding out what their blanks will do, Being in the Coast Guard 20+ years was a godsend in many ways, it got me going to so many places with the rods I had built for other things and putting me in a situation where I could find out what worked and didn't work from what I had, then build from there those needs. The HS7600 blank would work in so many ways, on so many species. I even know a fellow who built a spin/fly rod out of one and loved it.

That seems like a really good description. I am still figuring out the best niche for the HS7600 HM rod, but I really like how it casts so far. I think it will get a lot of use. I bought a Steez 76mml rod to compare spinning rods to, since that rod is often recommended as one of the best all round spinning rods out there (hence why it is named "The One"). Side by side, I think I prefer my HS 7600 so far.