Boat Rods

[Raven]

but i'm just in the exploration phase currently and i take my research quite seriously and investigate my options sometimes years in advance of anything i purchase.....as i don't even own a saltwater boat yet which would be the logical first step. I saw that one photo of the boat with all the (looked like) surf rods with the silver van stals and began to wonder about what makes a good boat rod for flinging plugs for stripers and if they were a specific or different design.

[Mr. Sandman]

I do a bunch of spin casting close to the beach (eels and plugs) from a boat. My favorite boat spinner is a (7 or 7.5' st. Croix about 20# class) with a shimano thunnus baitrunner spinning reel with braid. I had two more made just like it with some minor custom upgrades and had the st Croix re-wrapped and new guides two seasons ago. These are all set up for boat eeling and plugging. Fighting a fish is a pleasure on them. It feels like lighter gear but can take a bass of any size. The thunnus is a little overkill for bass but works with braid better then the other baitrunners. If you are on a tighter budget look at the Tica and Tsunami lines with a peen or shimano baitrunners.

IMO baitrunners are great for this type of fishing. You have the option to deadstick eels with the baitrunners. They work great on a boat. The thunnus is a bit bigger and heavier (and more $) but is a better reel that can stop a tuna. I personally feel the standard baitrunner is lighter and adequate for sb but does not work as well with braid.

[Raven]

i have a penn power stick with a shimano 4500 baitrunner on it...
and it's what i'd use for either some pluggin or chunkin....
i like those reels myself...
when i put it on my surf rod it was a bit too heavy...
so i'll be in the market for a new real this year....
what model or action st. croix's did you have....that you liked
and you thought were good sb rods.....sandman?
so i have a point of reference.
i see a psrs106mh2 19.5.... thats like 230 bucks
looks heavy duty.....i'll still have someone local build the rod
but i'm doing my homework....