I know it ain't fly fishing bbuuuuutttttt

Equipment Rod Building: Cane and Graphite
1

I have a buddy who is a dedicated BASS fisherman complete with the Stratos with the 225 and all the trimmings… Well, I’ve never held that against him and have even fished off that boat a few times. Well, he’s moving away and always expressed an interest in me building him a casting rod, so thought I’d build him one to remember all the great times we’ve had being neighbors and fishing buddies. I’ve never built anything but fly rods. Looked at Forecast blanks, and have built fly rods on them and love them. Anybody have any experience with these in the bait casting version? Also will consider other blanks,also looked at Dorber blanks, and would love any advice you folks can throw my way on this project

These are the idle thoughts that posses a man’s mind when he’s not able to fish.

2

Dear Satchel,

Do you realize just how close you are getting to the dark side?

Be afraid… be very afraid.

Will

3

Satchel
Go with the Batson blank in a mag version.
They have a 7 foot(844) thats a good worm. Those guys love worm rods. Pac Bay also has about the same blank.
Dont get too fancy. Those guys destroy rods. Ever see them walking on them? Then they tape up the handle for a better grip. If the boat is too far from the dock, guess what pulls them closer?
Good luck

4

:slight_smile: Satchel; Show your neighbour what kind of a true friend you are and just do it! Build him a casting rod he will never forget. I have built a number of casting rods both for myself and for others using St Croix rod blanks. Our sponsor Anglers Workshop carries a nice stock and can supply all the stuff you need. St Croix have a wide variety of casting blanks to choose from in both graphite and fibreglass, so if you plan on one of these, I would ask your neighbour what material type, rod power ( med, heavy, etc ) and length he wishes. All have fast action tips and are very nice rod blanks. I just completed a St Croix SCII Graphite 1pc 7’ med heavy fast action casting rod and boy it’s a beauty for fishing plastic worms over heavy cover as well as whatever else I toss. The rod is very light weight, so casting long periods with it are lovely. Check them out to see the selection of blanks available and if I can be of more help to you, please email me.

5

Opps, Angler’s Workshop may have a nice selection, but they have repeatedly declined becoming a Sponsor here. Perhaps you are thinking of another website they sponsor? :?:

6

:oops: My apologies LF, for I thought at one time that they were a sponsor on this site. Sorry for the wrong info regarding sponsors for i usually support them whenever I can.

7

The Rainshadow ISB 822.5 or the St Croix 3C68MXF would be a welcome addition to your buddy’s arsenal. Very versatile blanks and virtually identical actions. Can be used for dropshotting, topwater, spinnerbaits and light to mid crankbaits. Extremely versatile blanks, that your buddy will find many uses for.

8

The blank you mention is a spin blank. Know anything about the IMB843 casting blank? I’m sort of getting sold on that one. Will Bill Batson put together a component kit for me or do I have to go to someone else for that?