Hey this is kinda a rookie question, but I'm looking for some guidance. I just bought an ATC PV702 and received it today. I thought it would work well for texas bay fishing, but it's definitely too light of an action to work. It's also not very straight. So... now I'm looking at some different options. I'd like ya'lls suggestions on your top picks for 7'0" bay rods. I really like CTS, but I'm trying to keep it under about $100. However, if it's worth the money I can go higher. I'm making a set of 4 rods for Christmas presents and I really want to find a sweet, lightweight, tough blank. Thanks ya'll!!!
Hi Kyle! I am still searching myself, but a blank I found I really like is actually a bass spinning rod blank...Batson RX7 ISB822.5...it is a 6'10' heavey butt (.575) to a very fast tip and only weights 1.95 oz. This thing has plenty of backbone but is still has good flex in the tip for jigging. Since most spinning setups, the wrist is used to cast where the baitcasters are cast with more of a sweeping motion, so the blanks are designed different to handle the different loads when casting. If you notice, most of the baitcaster blanks never get over .500 in butt size, which to me, doesnt give them much a$$ or power...even a popping rod in an 843 or an 844 are stiff, but you can't really flip a 6lb fish in the boat like the Bass guys do. They use thick stix they are heavy, but they fish different than we do. I can't remember if I had my IS822.5 at the last meeting...it is the blue rod and reel painted like a fish (Predator)...I've got a big split grip and the total wieght is 3.5 oz which isn't bad for a strong rod.
I uploaded some pix of the rod. I loaded them FULL SIZE and they uploaded fine! (2,000 x 1548)...no more resizing!
I'm with Terry on this one. Most blanks designated as popping blanks are a little to slow for my tastes. I like a pretty fast tip and a taper that loads quick. Mag bass blanks come pretty close to my liking.......... I haven't built on one of them yet, but Danny (FTU) has a $10 blank that I like. I think I've got about 4 of them, and I believe they'll make great inshore sticks. Or at least I hope they do. I've already got enough homemade reamers.... Seriously I like 'em. If you get by there, look at the clearance sale blanks and check out the DSC70MH matte black 7ft. Another reason to check these(different) blanks out is that they are right there for you to "feel them out " for yourself. At 10 bux each, a wrong blank choice isn't such a big deal.The best blank for the job means different things to different people and actually seeing them 1st hand helps alot, for me anyway. When it comes to the more expensive blanks(Loomis,St.Croix etc.), I would much rather see it myself than go with a recommendation from someone, unless you know that there likes are similar to yours. If after a little fieldwork, I like the action/feel/durability of this less expensive blank, then I won't feel bad about looking to a Loomis or something with similar specs. Just some thoughts,,,Jim
BTW...I think the retail on the blank I spoke of is around $55...can be had for around $40. I would like to try their RX8 sticks that are the higher modulus, but since I am still experimenting around with grips, seats, and guides..I dont want to spend $100+ bucks on a blank and never use it because I dont like the grips..
I have built c couple on the Rx8 823 for fishing in the bays. This is now the only rods I use for my fishing for trout and reds. Can not beat them. Had one break not long ago- sent it back replaced no problem no question. Before I was building on Loomis, glad I found the Rainshadow. Best thing I ever did was start using these rods.
