10# braid will probably solve any casting issues you had. I'd recommend spiderwire ultracast X8. Whatever you get, pay attention to the actual line diameter (not the "mono equivalent"). For casting distance you'll almost always want to go with the thinner line. It's surprising how much variation there can be in equivalent pound tests across types of braid.
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I have SJ732 and SJ703 (both xray - not sure if they make them in other graphites). The 732 has a lighter, faster tip. I like throwing light jigs with it with live bait (more for walleyes) because of that tip. It really excels as a dropshot rod with a decent backbone. The 703 is a more traditional medium-light fast action and a little more versatile.
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Patrick, Yes - spinning rods. If your smallies are averaging 12-16" with only occasional fish larger, go with the 703. If you're frequently tangling with 18"+ fish, I'd recommend the 704. As you surmised, these rods are great at keeping fish pinned!
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I am a fan of the NFC P703-1 and P704-1 blanks for smallies. I'd call the P-703 is a medium-light moderate-fast action with good power. The 704 has more power - I'd call it a medium moderate-fast again with excellent power. I tend to reach for the 703 when I'm on the Mississippi and the 704 when I'm on Mille Lacs - the 703 will easily handle a 20" smallie, but it's in the wheelhouse of th
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Both of the NFC blanks that I've tried are hot shot blanks. I totally agree that it's worth considering blanks designed for other things. I don't think a fly rod blank would work but maybe there's an 8'6" one-piece 8-9 weight blank out there that I'm not aware of. NFC's SJ 804-1 looks like a potential option. On their chart the power and action looks similar to the 821-1 blank but a li
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It's funny, I just read the other thread blanks for throwing jerkbaits (megabass 110). I think I basically want an 8' blank that does that well!
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I'm working on a specialty build for casting 5 1/2" rapala husky jerks for walleyes. It's a slow, pull-pause retrieve that benefits greatly from increased casting distance, a very light and sensitive blank, and to a slightly lesser extent a soft tip section that quickly transitions to a more powerful backbone. These are spinning rods with 10" rear grips. My preference dictates that i
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The NFC parts are ready to use with no trim required. The only fitting required is reaming, and they ream very easily. It's a matter of personal preference, but I'm a big fan of the "soft touch" grips over the traditional carbon grips. However, last I checked the hood wasn't yet available in the soft touch finish.
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I think a 6'8" ML rod is on point for smallies. Try it with braid instead of mono.
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I have 703 and 704 but not 705. The 704 performs like a medium moderate but has a lot of power. The 703 is a medium light moderate ... maybe a hair faster than the 704. They're two of my favorite walleye and smallmouth rods. Very versatile. While this isn't the 705 I hope it's helpful.
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If there's a bona fide design change I want, or real savings to be had, I'm all for custom - don't get me wrong! Heck, I fish with a dozen or so customs that I've made. But it hurts when I break a custom rod. When I break a St. Croix, I'm just $20 away from a brand new one. For that reason, it wouldn't make sense to me to build one to roughly factory spec. Saving $200 might be a good reason
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I'm a NFC fan personally and have built a bunch of them, but I do think SCV vs X-Ray is a bit Ford vs. Chevy (I own both). The descriptions of the blanks on NFC's website are very difficult to interpret, at least for me, but you can usually figured what you need via this website and others if you search. I would only offer that if you're going to build on a scv blank, why wouldn't you just buy
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For what it's worth, I've had mixed results with NFC on shipping times. Sometimes it's fast, and sometimes it's slow. But unless you're in a hurry to get the rod built I think they're worth waiting for. I really do think you'd find that 732 blank to be exactly what you're looking for. I also built a DS-721 X-ray and found it to be a little light, but it sure was a fun rod to fish with. I use
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The Northfork SJ 732 X-Ray blank is exactly what you want. I use it regularly for smallmouth and walleyes casting 3/32 and 1/8 ounce jigs - it's dang near perfect. The "mirror black" x-ray blanks, if you haven't seen them, are beautiful.
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I disagree regarding the durability of Winn grips. I have several rods with the Perfect Fit VSS spinning grip, some are I believe three years old. They get used heavily (freshwater) and show no signs of wear. Winn did have a bad run of these grips in the larger VSS size recently. Those were anything but durable, but fortunately I caught it before installing. I'd like to hear more about
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Another vote for SJ703!
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If you're starting out, go with the standard flex coat and you'll be fine. From there you can change if you want from a great starting point.
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Another vote for the KR concept guide train. I like 4.5 for the running guides most of the time and have also used size 5. For vertical jigging I'd argue that just about any light, sensitive fast action blank will do well. NFC has some great options. The thing I want to mention is their soft-touch carbon handles. Consider the KSS grip with soft touch carbon handle in front of the reel seat a
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If you're fishing with mono for these baits (I like mono for jigging raps) the Northfork MB 733-1 is awesome with the jigging raps. I cast and vertical jig the #7 jigging raps with it all the time and again, with mono, this rod keeps them pinned. I also like it with braid for snap jigging (e.g., 1/2 ounce hair jig) when I'm casting.
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Looks great! Are you doing any spinning reel seats? I'd love to see one in the VSS style!
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Aleks, do you have an estimated date on which the soft touch hidden hood sleeve will become available? I'm anxiously awaiting them!
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Super helpful, Norm. Thank you!
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I am a big fan of the soft touch matte carbon grips from Northfork Composites. I'm looking for a way to trim them out on a Fuji VSS16 spinning reel seat ( ). First, I like to pair the VSS16 with a KSKSS/ASH hidden thread hood. This setup is actually shown in the grip product pics on the NFC website ( ), but not with a 1K matte carbon thread sleeve as I'd prefer. I believe I've finally
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I would highly recommend the NFC P704-1. Very light, slightly slower (moderate fast, I’d say) action which casts light baits very well, and plenty of power. I’ve used mind a ton for casting shad raps on the Mississippi River for walleyes - it’s a great combo.
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