Does anyone have any suggestions on a blank for an 8' eeling rod. The rod will be set up conventional and the reel will be a Penn 965. The rod will be used from a boet and jettys. Thanks for your help.

Batson,Pack Bay or Patriot 967 3/4 -3oz all the about the same action

fiberglass lamiglas BT 963M or St Croix F80M

Those heavy enough? Well, I don't question your rod knowledge I just like going a little heavier (I'm also a wuss and don't overcrunch a rod) ...

The 967's are definitely heavy enough for eeling. I have thrown three OZ on them and no problem.

All Star 968, none better.....

All Star has a tendency to low-ball their rods' casting weight ratings. They rate the 1208 for 1-3 and it throws 5 without breaking a sweat.

If they rate the 968 1-3 (and they do;) ), you can bet yer bottom dollar it'll handle more.

The 8' All Star was able to bring a 20' Maritime Skiff to a complete stop while drifting eels in a 6 knot tide. 65lb whiplash and a submerged lobsta bouy, I almost flew of the boat. Not sure how you would rate the rod, 0-2800lb??????????

Originally posted by JeffH
Not sure how you would rate the rod, 0-2800lb??????????

so, jeff, do you think i could liveline a large man from agawam on the river with one? :D

what do you plan on throwing w/ it for weights? what line? braid or mono? what kind of strong tide rips, back bays, or ocean currents wil you fish? you have been given some solid choices in blanks, but more info is needed from you to give a better blank for your needs.

Originally posted by Reeladdiction
The rod will be set up conventional and the reel will be a Penn 965. The rod will be used from a boat and jettys.

Seawolf, you made some good points but couldn't all those variables boil down to two blanks? small and larger eels

goose, it depends. mainly, on what the customer wants. it always hard to make a rod to do all things or many things. in this case, i wouldn't say you need 2 rods for 2 types of eels. i like one rod for eels w/ lots of backbone, but moderate in action so i can load the rod when i throw eels. since i target large bass i don't build for schoolies. but, that's my choice. a rod for jetties and boat is difficult when you consider the casting characteristics for each purpose. plus, one persons idea of a jetty differs from anothers idea.

Originally posted by SeaWolf
goose, it depends. mainly, on what the customer wants.

I Gotcha Wolf.....I understand what your saying. I personely like to fish or try and fish every avenue there is, including bottom fish and I know many of us do. I would have alot more combo's then I do now if I thought I realy needed them.

For many years I fished with off the shelf rods that did the job time and time again, as I learned more I found my tools wheren't as affective as the guy next to me, so I had to change. But from what I see there are many blanks and reels that can handle several jobs good enough that I feel confident with those set- ups. Knowing everyone can't afford top on the line tackle, if you could, I think you could get away with even less amount of set-ups.

Sounds like you understand the big picture with rod building, its an always learning hobbie but it doesn't have to be complicated. Like others have told me and I beleive, " We don't have to be the AL Goldbergs of the world"...or better yet..."fish don't read books";)

I personely like glass rod for eels......throw me jail.;)

beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

goose, all my boat rods are glass except my fluke rods. glass still has a important purpose. durability is it's best asset.