Some of the newer rod companies focused jigging and throwing lures at tuna, GT's, etc; using some similar graphite technologies, are also planning to build rods for surf fisherman.

Not sure what the end result will be or if and when it will come to pass. It's easy to forget "surf fisherman" aren't just in the NorthEast US so the tapers may or may not be that interesting to us.

The prototypes I've handled (but not cast) don't have the "originally built for carp" taper Big Dave was mentioning, for better or worse.

One of the worst thing that happens to fishermen everywhere is that if there's a buck to be made every company chases it. But without input from people that fish the areas and know what works all you get is lip service and a rod that performs poorly.In the custom tackle industry there are loads of people that build and make stuff but don't hardly or ever use what they make. a rod builder that fishes for tuna don't know jack about surf fishing and same same of a surf fishermen that don't boat fish.even worse is the clown on a design board planning a rod that doesn't do either with only the prifit mottif in mind.For anglers looking for a nice custom rod to fish in their area be real carefull of the stuff that isn't fished where you are.Look at what the hard cores are using and don't skimp. go to a rod builder that fishes where you do so he has a clue of what your talking about and if the rod builder isn't going to see you to size you for the rod and grip location and talk to you about what and where your gonna use the rod be carefull.Custom is custom. a fisherman knows what your talking about. Ron