Painter1 Posted October 4, 2016 Report Share Posted October 4, 2016 I fish a swing jig on a constant crawl across a rocky bottom, no vegetation. Quantum put out a Tommy Biffle rod with a stiff tip that works pretty well, but is no longer available. If the tip flexes the jig stops while the rod loads up and then the jig jumps forward. Keeping the bait moving along the bottom at a steady pace is the goal. Of course, the rod has to be castable but the minimum weight is 1/2 oz and typically 5/8 or 3/4 oz. I also want a split grip. Am thinking 6'6" to 6'10". I am am also seeking a long light to ultralight spinning rod for fishing 1/16 to 3/32 oz finesse baits. I need it to be at least 7' to cast for distance in ultra clear water. These finesse baits have exposed hooks, sometimes with a light wire weed guard. I bought several Powell light action rods for this purpose but the tips break off with unacceptable regularity. Suggestions for for stock rods are welcome but I would also be interested in having a professional custom make these. I would want several of each. Ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jig Man Posted October 5, 2016 Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 Dale Greist at Nixa Mo does my rod work. I don't have his number right now but I can get it if you are interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Glenn Posted October 6, 2016 Report Share Posted October 6, 2016 It would be helpful if you had some model numbers of rods that met your requirements. Your explanations mean different things to different people. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jig Man Posted October 7, 2016 Report Share Posted October 7, 2016 I have his # now. 417-631-9978 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNC Molds N Stuff Posted October 10, 2016 Report Share Posted October 10, 2016 You know, just about any heavy fast or med hvy extra fast rod will do the crawl along the bottom bit. As to castability a number of factors come into play. The reel choice and line choice are as big of factors as anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washougal Posted October 14, 2016 Report Share Posted October 14, 2016 Can't help you with the Biffle rod as I've never held or fished one. That said the most durable and in turn sensitive rod blank for your use is pretty easy, the United Composites UC70LXF. Just looking at the specs you'll see it's something special. My UC65LXF is 25 years old if it's a day, it' survived Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and canoe trips many times on the boundary waters and places like them. Instead of laying up the graphite as other companies do, which is a throw off from the WW II fiberglass layup days, they use the layup techniques used in the aerospace industry of today. Best way to discribe it would be fiberglass durability in a full graphite rod. Company has been around for maybe 30 years, used the be called Graphite USA. For a long time they were the only company that could build a graphite standup, heavy saltwater, or rail rod that could take the abuse. My bass and inshore rods built on these blanks have never failed me, my fly rods are now the only ones I take on wilderness trips, they take a ride in the bottom of the boat, fly strikes to the blank while casting, and fending off terns with abandon sith never a failure, for over 20 years now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braided Line Posted October 14, 2016 Report Share Posted October 14, 2016 Not a problem here. I make my own........... That way I get exactly what I want! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenshinner Posted October 31, 2016 Report Share Posted October 31, 2016 I agree with Bob.lablonde...distance casting is fine tuned art form that matches or builds rod around a specific reel that is also specialized to distance casting..you will get a few theories on ideal rod build..my 2cents..I once had cheep Shakespeare ultra cast..kinda a distance casting reel by Chance, matched it with a particular inexpensive berkley cheerwood..it cast far.I then tried to get a few more set up same,the ultra casts and Chery woods changed slightly every year.I haven't been able to get another balanced like that.. Custom built, several hundred dollars more got similar with higher grade reel..keep in mind actual distance casting reels are designed with special spools and wrapping that is not same as durability in actual day to day long hours and hundreds of hours a year..those are different parameters currently..you would have to choice or sacrifice slightly on distance and just get very good reel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNC Molds N Stuff Posted November 1, 2016 Report Share Posted November 1, 2016 Actually I like those Berkley Cherrywood rod blanks. Great blank for the price. Unfortunately they throw those cheap guides that wear out and get cut up to fast on them. I've got a couple in my repair bucket I've been debating throwing some good guides on. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenshinner Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 Those cheep guides you refer to are ss304..I've never had one fail on me yet..Fenwick and abu Garcia uses same guides.but I think they come in different grades all of which may not be available to public.stainless and titanium look similar Bob lablonde,could you show a picture of failure.. I'm currious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenshinner Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 I've had them bend when kids walk on rods.I've seen them survive assault by kids playing in fire.the wrap will curl off and guide is perfect.many times seen banging on road by my kids,it will scratch like any guide,but not break, then ice cold sub zero,they don't pop guide center like so many others will do. Plus super light weight.. and cheep..perfect in my mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldenshinner Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 Of my various rods and guide types like Fenwick ,PACbay,Fuji.these are only ones I've got left unbroken by frost damage late fall,and damage by hits or walking.all my other guides have cracked in fall.. All metal only one for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNC Molds N Stuff Posted November 3, 2016 Report Share Posted November 3, 2016 I really like the Fuji guides. Frost isn't an issue here. I've only fish in sub freezing weather a half dozen times, and it warmed up as soon as the sun came up. The guides on the Cherrywoods have gotten grooved by braid. I've replace the tiptops with Fuji's when I have a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New River Rat Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 I built one for this (and other) applications. This sweetheart is a MudHole HM-P844-MHX 7' MH XF blank. Perfect for your said technique!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New River Rat Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 (edited) 15 hours ago, New River Rat said: I built one for this (and other) applications. This sweetheart is a MudHole HM-P844-MHX 7' MH XF blank. Perfect for your said technique!!!!! I thought I had pictures.....sorry! Edited February 14, 2017 by New River Rat added pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
