Hello all,
I "finished" my T4NI (still has standard star and blade), and need to figure out what to pair it with.
I am leaning towards building something so I can match colors, and would like to get opinions on blanks.
I am not opposed to buying a finished rod either.
Currently plan on using this in the Gulf out of Tampa for grouper and snapper.
Thanks
Nick
Lookin Sweet Nick! I'm a bit partial to that handle. Wonder why????
My buddy has a rainshadow blank that I like and may be suitable for your needs. I'll have to get the number from him. Nice medium action with a semi fast tip.
Best regard's, .. Lou
What lb test will you use on the reel?
United composites Gusa Tilefish.
http://www.charkbait.com/cs/csrods-UCUSA.htm
Mike
Build your own. You got this.
Quote from: SoCalAngler on July 29, 2018, 03:18:31 PM
What lb test will you use on the reel?
I plan on 65lb braid and topshot/leader as appropriate for headboat/charter/friend's boat. Would a 20-50lb rod be too light?
John, I think you're right. I should build it myself. But still don't know about the blank.
Would love to splurge and put it on a calstar/Phenix/seeker/etc. just don't know which one.
I'm not familiar with rainshadow. Truthfully I only know about the others to include United components by reputation. I'll need to check out the Gusa Tilefish rod.
Lou, that knob looks perfect on this build! Still haven't put locktight on the screws, but not ready to fish it anyways.
This will be my 5th build, so enough to know how patient and particular I should be with prep work/wraps/epoxy. Not afraid to keep trying until it's right. Expecting this to be a learning process too.
I am open to advice, information, and education.
Nick
advise: put up silt fence around the rod when it's drying after you last one :)
I bolted the CRB motor and stands to a plank of wood and put a 10lb plate on the wood to keep any poltergeists from playing with it.
Now if I could keep all the doors closed to keep the humidity out, i'll Be a winner. Walked in the room next to where I have created a "controlled" climate and my wife opened the window!
I second the UC Tilefish. Great for 40-50#. I have an Avet JX Raptor on mine. That reel would look great with the factory wrap!
Quote from: mikeysm on July 29, 2018, 03:25:10 PM
United composites Gusa Tilefish.
http://www.charkbait.com/cs/csrods-UCUSA.htm
Mike
Looked at the Tilefish, they also sell the blank. Other than being an awesome rod, what makes UC better than some of the other brands in your opinion?
Nick
Nick, asked my buddy about the Rainshadow blank I had mentioned and he said too light for what you want. Unfortunately no other suggestions at the moment.
..........................Lou
Quote from: STRIPER LOU on July 29, 2018, 09:46:31 PM
Nick, asked my buddy about the Rainshadow blank I had mentioned and he said too light for what you want. Unfortunately no other suggestions at the moment.
..........................Lou
Lou,
Thanks for asking anyways.
Nick
I've always like the St. Croix SCII blanks. I use this one for jigging cod and pollack in 250' + water. Nice light blank plenty of back bone for turning grouper and snapper. Come in different lengths and line ratings.
http://www.mudhole.com/2M80XHF
Dave
I use Pinnacle Marine spiral rods from John Volmer. You will find him on the Hull Truth forum. All of my trolling and other rods are from him. We have never broken any of his rods. I have at least 25 rods from him. Some are 9 years old and going strong.
This one would have been a good choice:
https://www.fishandsave.com/products/54547/BareFoot-Rods-Captains-Choice-FB564060-Line-Wt:-40-60lb-5'6ft.-W/Titanium-Coated-Guides-&-Gimbel-Butt
I've been looking for another for some time now and no luck.
Sal
Quote from: ReelFishingProblems on July 29, 2018, 08:56:13 PM
Quote from: mikeysm on July 29, 2018, 03:25:10 PM
United composites Gusa Tilefish.
http://www.charkbait.com/cs/csrods-UCUSA.htm
Mike
Looked at the Tilefish, they also sell the blank. Other than being an awesome rod, what makes UC better than some of the other brands in your opinion?
Nick
I have one with my 4.0 narrow on it and I was supprised how much this rod worked for me. You need to borrow one so you can see for yourself. Nothing like trying one on before you buy.
If the majority of your fishing is not from headboats, something exotic like a JigStar Ninja ML or MH.
If you're generally crowded around a rail with 40 other fishermen, no idea :) Something lengthy...
You built a very nice looking reel, and may want to consider a Calstar 765L.
I appreciate the suggestions. I now have a more focused set of search parameters.
Nick
Naw....now you get to choose layup, grips, guides, seat, wraps....marble or not, abalone shrink or not, hookkeeper, acid wrap or not, gimbal or knob...
You need to pull on rods/blanks side by side if you can to get a feel of whats right for you The already mentioned 765L makes a great 50 lb rod and could do 60 in a pinch. For 40 lb I like a 7' rod so a 700H should work for that test and can do 50 lb if needed.
You really need to figure out what topshot you will use most often on that reel to narrow down your choices.
For me reels come and go until I find something I really like but my rods stay with me much longer than the reels that have been mounted on them.
I can't help with rod advise...but I just wanted to say your reel looks fantastic. 8)
John, you are right. The fun has really just begun. Love the acid wrap on the rod you built me, so I may try that. I just need to make sure I think through everything carefully to ensure I do it right.
I'm going to take my time on the rod for sure.
I do like the idea of pulling on the blanks, but not sure if there's a place close to Tampa that has everything.
MudHole is a 2 hr drive and has Calstar blanks. Wife wants to take the kids to Disney and Universal Studios. Maybe I can line that up.
Mo, thanks for the kind words. It really is because of the talent on this site that our reels can look so beautiful. I took it into work to show a colleague and he laughed when I told him it was a 4/0. He asked which part! Also said it's too pretty to fish. Nothing's too pretty to fish! I think my wife is gorgeous and she looks even better Fishing! (Wonder if she'll ever read this?)
John a picture would be good John. cheers Don.
Would be worth the drive if you can swing it. You could check out the components too. Nothing beats pulling on some to see what works best for you
I was in there a year ago Spring. Good way to lose all your money, like being a kid in a candy store. Good luck!
Dave
The Calstar grafighter 700h would be a good choice if you fish 40-50 lb. Factory color wraps might also match very nicely with your handle knob?
Jim
Quote from: ReelFishingProblems on August 02, 2018, 10:28:07 AM
John, you are right. The fun has really just begun. Love the acid wrap on the rod you built me, so I may try that. I just need to make sure I think through everything carefully to ensure I do it right.
I'm going to take my time on the rod for sure.
I do like the idea of pulling on the blanks, but not sure if there's a place close to Tampa that has everything.
MudHole is a 2 hr drive and has Calstar blanks. Wife wants to take the kids to Disney and Universal Studios. Maybe I can line that up.
Mo, thanks for the kind words. It really is because of the talent on this site that our reels can look so beautiful. I took it into work to show a colleague and he laughed when I told him it was a 4/0. He asked which part! Also said it's too pretty to fish. Nothing's too pretty to fish! I think my wife is gorgeous and she looks even better Fishing! (Wonder if she'll ever read this?)
If you go to Dizkneeland check out the Longfin tackle shop. It's not far from Disney I think less than 5 miles. The Longfin is a big tackle shop with many of the west coast manufactures there, Calstar, Seeker, Phenix and others. I don't think they carry United Composites though. It is a really good place to pull on rods side by side to get a feel for the different manufactures.