Mr. Sandman
02-05-2003, 09:04 AM
I am hunting around for a sensitive rod to use for drifting live bait from a boat. It will be a conventional set-up with something like 30# braid on a small penn international reel (maybe as small as 975LD or something in the 12LT or 20 or perhaps a shimino equivelent...I have not decided yet, but it will be a high quality lever drag reel.) Anyway I'm looking for a higher end blank with premium quility guides and components. I have not really been happy with what I found off the shelf so far. Most of the rods took shortcuts with guides or the blank was not sensitive enough or was a meat stick with little action.
The rod will be used mainly for drifting eels, bunker, herring and big squid on "3-way" and "ball and chain" rigs in 20-100ft of water in strong currents. I expect to be using 3-8 oz (I expect 4 most of the time) weights. I will not be casting. I *may* also use it with a downrigger in a pinch.
I want it to be reasonably light, but sensitive yet poweful. Strong enough to land a 50, sensitive enough to feel the eel getting nervous or a porgy stealing my bait. Spare no cost with the guides, I want the best, lighest stongest they make, and enough of them.
Any ideas? I need two of them.
As far as the wrap...I really don't care that much but would like something attractive, that has some yellow in it with my boat name on it. (I am assuming the rod will be a black graphite or composite of some kind)
If any of you (experienced) rod builders want to suggest something please PM me. If possible I would like to feel the blank (or a similar rod) before I move forward.
Time frame: I would like the rod by May 03.
The rod will be used mainly for drifting eels, bunker, herring and big squid on "3-way" and "ball and chain" rigs in 20-100ft of water in strong currents. I expect to be using 3-8 oz (I expect 4 most of the time) weights. I will not be casting. I *may* also use it with a downrigger in a pinch.
I want it to be reasonably light, but sensitive yet poweful. Strong enough to land a 50, sensitive enough to feel the eel getting nervous or a porgy stealing my bait. Spare no cost with the guides, I want the best, lighest stongest they make, and enough of them.
Any ideas? I need two of them.
As far as the wrap...I really don't care that much but would like something attractive, that has some yellow in it with my boat name on it. (I am assuming the rod will be a black graphite or composite of some kind)
If any of you (experienced) rod builders want to suggest something please PM me. If possible I would like to feel the blank (or a similar rod) before I move forward.
Time frame: I would like the rod by May 03.