Casting Rod Observations

[ness]

Thats great info!

After reading Gavin's post my concern was finding the perfect blank and then adding a handle that was too long for the straight section of the blank. Kind of like the handle would be a straight cylinder and the blank would be cone shaped. I was wondering what to fill the void with and you answered it perfectly.

Yep, good old masking tape and epoxy. I've done it on every flyrod I've done. Solid with no squeaks.

[Mitch f]

Mitch

This maybe a little late to your topic but the are several options. Yes you can make a casting rod out of a spinning rod blank. I have done it several times as I'm sure most of the rod builders on here have. In my rack right now there is a casting rod wrapped on a St. Croix SCIV 5'10" "Skippin" blank. The Mudhole catalog shows this blank as 3/16 to 5/8 but they also show a 5'9" "Classic Jig" blank at 1/8 to 1/2 these SCIV blanks are a little on the pricey side at $130 and they are both extra fast actions. They also show a 5'9" SCIII blank and a 6'3" blank both extra fast actions and both rated at 1/8 to 1/2 and priced at $90. I have not used the 5'9" blank but have built several rods on the 6'3" blank both in casting and in spinning. Anyone can make a casting rod out of a spinning blank or the other way around. The SCIII 6'3" is one of my favorite blanks and will do alot of the things that need to be done on the river. All of the blanks I have mentioned are listed as spinning blanks. The Falcon rods that I have used have not left me disapointed and I believe someone mentioned a Loomis 721 which I think I have in the garage wrapped as a casting rod and a spinning rod. There are certainly brands other than St Croix and if you take a look at the Mudhole web site I am sure you will find some posibilities.

The best option is to use one that you are thinking about before buying or having one built but obviously that is not always possible. I am a believer of fast and extra fast action rods for the reasons that you have mentioned and think they really shine when using lures that are on the bottom. In any case if you start on the path of building rods or having them built the possibilities are endless and it can get expensive. I did not mean this to sound like a plug for mudhole and there are other suppliers but they seem to have one of the largest selection around.

Thanks so much for the info

[Wayne SW/MO]

Something to think about is the weight rating of a rod and how it plays out in reality. You will generally get a better caster out of a rod with a narrow window. The reason is that the manufacturer can use more of the blank for casting a given weight which in turn slows down the delivery making them more accurate and forgiving. Higher end rods with a lot of choices tend to narrow their weight range because they can get a smoother casting rod.

[hoglaw]

Just saw something in the recent mudhole catalog that reminded me of this thread. MHX has added a "shooter" model - "These blanks have been designed specifically in shorter lengths and fast actions to build with pistol grips or short rear grips for underhand casting and skipping under cover such as docks, mangroves and overhanging trees.

All blanks are 6' fast action, but here are the lighter two:

CS721-MHX - 6-10lb line, 1/16oz-5/16oz , ML power, $42.75

CS722-MHX - 6-12lb line, 1/8oz-3/8oz, M power, $44.00

I have made quite a few rods with MHX blanks and find them a very good value for the money. To me, the joy of building rods comes in building something that no one else can have - rods that are the very best period at their chosen application. But In my opinion, the base model MHX blanks when used in the right applications and set up correctly, perform as well as just about any rod in the $100-$150 range. If I were you and I was dead set on casting 1/8oz jigs, I'd get the lighter of the two and do a Pac Bay Minima real seat with a split EVA foam grip, and just do a tiny split, then test cast some single foot size 4's against some spiral wrapped micro guides

[rps]

Just saw something in the recent mudhole catalog that reminded me of this thread. MHX has added a "shoorter" model - "These blanks have been designed specifically in shorter lengths and fast actions to build with pistol grips or short rear grips for underhand casting and skipping under cover such as docks, mangroves and overhanging trees.

All blanks are 6' fast action, but here are the lighter two:

CS721-MHX - 6-10lb line, 1/16oz-5/16oz , ML power, $42.75

CS722-MHX - 6-12lb line, 1/8oz-3/8oz, M power, $44.00

I have made quite a few rods with MHX blanks and find them a very good value for the money. To me, the joy of building rods comes in building something that no one else can have - rods that are the very best period at their chosen application. But In my opinion, the base model MHX blanks when used in the right applications and set up correctly, perform as well as just about any rod in the $100-$150 range. If I were you and I was dead set on casting 1/8oz jigs, I'd get the lighter of the two and do a Pac Bay Minima real seat with a split EVA foam grip, and just do a tiny split, then test cast some single foot size 4's against some spiral wrapped micro guides

Now that is solid advice..

[Al Agnew]

The Kistler I broke...it was definitely user error. As I remember, I had the tip hanging outside the boat and it caught on something.

The other rod I saw at the Classic expo that I think would have been nearly perfect for Mitch's usage was a Halo 6'3". Can't remember whether it was medium or medium light, but it was the lightest, shortest rod they had.

[joeD]

Mitch- You're barking up the wrong tree. The rod you choose is immaterial, almost. The ability to throw lightweight lures with a baitcaster, accurately, consistently, and with minimal fuss depends on your REEL. Think about it. You could throw an 1/8 jig on 6 or 8 pound test line with the right reel using a surfcasting or catfish rod. The weight of the lure determines your cast, and the weight of your line and the ability of your reel to dispense line properly is far more important than your rod weight, modulus, length, brand, etc. Yes, I know it is best to match everything correctly and in proportion. Right tool for the right job. I believe your thinking is incorrect, though. You should focus your efforts on a reel. I have a Loomis Bronzeback Series Rod that is 6'3." Is rated to throw light weights. But the kicker is my reel, a Shimano that I bought from japantackle.com that can handle light lines and light tackle. Simple as that. It is a Scorpion model (left-handed). I use it for twin spins, 1/8 oz buzzers, and the like. You need to be looking for a reel, not a rod.

[Mitch f]

Mitch

This maybe a little late to your topic but the are several options. Yes you can make a casting rod out of a spinning rod blank. I have done it several times as I'm sure most of the rod builders on here have. In my rack right now there is a casting rod wrapped on a St. Croix SCIV 5'10" "Skippin" blank. The Mudhole catalog shows this blank as 3/16 to 5/8 but they also show a 5'9" "Classic Jig" blank at 1/8 to 1/2 these SCIV blanks are a little on the pricey side at $130 and they are both extra fast actions. They also show a 5'9" SCIII blank and a 6'3" blank both extra fast actions and both rated at 1/8 to 1/2 and priced at $90. I have not used the 5'9" blank but have built several rods on the 6'3" blank both in casting and in spinning. Anyone can make a casting rod out of a spinning blank or the other way around. The SCIII 6'3" is one of my favorite blanks and will do alot of the things that need to be done on the river. All of the blanks I have mentioned are listed as spinning blanks. The Falcon rods that I have used have not left me disapointed and I believe someone mentioned a Loomis 721 which I think I have in the garage wrapped as a casting rod and a spinning rod. There are certainly brands other than St Croix and if you take a look at the Mudhole web site I am sure you will find some posibilities.

The best option is to use one that you are thinking about before buying or having one built but obviously that is not always possible. I am a believer of fast and extra fast action rods for the reasons that you have mentioned and think they really shine when using lures that are on the bottom. In any case if you start on the path of building rods or having them built the possibilities are endless and it can get expensive. I did not mean this to sound like a plug for mudhole and there are other suppliers but they seem to have one of the largest selection around.

My first step is to try and use a commercially available rod. I will use this new one Al picked up at the Classic before I try to start building a rod from scratch. I feel I would be in way over my head. Thanks for the advice!

JoeD- Yes a reel plays an important part. I pretty much always splurg on a good reel for my baitcasters. I tend to like shimano the best, like the bantam Curado.

[fishinSWMO]

Why bait caster? Spinning rod should be a better choice for the lighter weights.

[Mitch f]

Why bait caster? Spinning rod should be a better choice for the lighter weights.

A spinning rod has always been my go to up till now. It's really just a personal preference, I just prefer the accuracy of a baitcaster over a spinning rod.