Salt Water Rod

[philiprispin]

Hi Folks,

I am new to the "Salt Water" scene and I would like to know which components you would use to create a good salt water rod. This includes, type of blank, reel seat, guides etc. I am of course looking for something that can cast into the wind and something that will not easily corrode. I look forward to hearing from you.

Phil R.

[Silver Stoat]

Not so long ago I built a four piece to take to Florida for SWFF.

This was built on a Pac Bay "Tradition" blank and I was very pleasantly surprised at the result from such a moderately priced component. It is a 9', #8 weight and I find it to be a very easy rod to both cast and fish with.

For guides I think it would be difficult to beat the Fuji 'Hard' single leg ceramics.
The DPS series of reel seats from the same manufacturer would be a must for me on any SWFF or Seatrout rod. These are pretty much bombproof - they will not corrode, are one piece so cannot dis-assemble, they will accept any reel foot and never work loose.

Dave.

[essexalan]

Hi Phil,

Agree with Dave with using Fuji fittings throughout. Do not recommend SiC guides they chip far to easily. Go for stripper guide of 20 minimum, 16, 10 then 8s for the rest. Blanks, I would suggest a 9 weight in a length that suits you. Usual length suggested is 9' but I normally use 10'. Do you require a travel rod ie four piece? Harrison in the UK make good blanks supplied at www.guidesnblanks.com/ who will also supply Sage etc. However I would suggest that you look at shop.mudhole.com/ who have a massive selection of blanks and components. You will like the prices as well!

Regards

Alan

[Silver Stoat]

Just to add that, as Alan suggested, there is a huge selection of blanks available in the USA and depending what level of build you are looking for, some are ridiculously cheap yet offer reasonable performance.
I have built several travel rods on Batson Forcast blanks, some of the cheapest, and all have resulted in pretty good rods. Not ultra fast, obviously, but I have handled more than a few brand name rods in the £80-£100 range which I felt did not have any better actions.

I have found that Hook & Hackle is a reliable source for American components at good prices : www.hookhack.com/ and the owner, Bob, is a very friendly and helpful person.

Remember that if buying from America you will be charged Import Duty + a duty collection fee + VAT if the goods are examined by Customs and found to exceed the EU exemption levels. These exemptions at the moment are :£18 if importing yourself or £36 if someone else (in the USA) is paying for and giving you the goods as a present for a specific occasion i.e. birthday or Christmas present !

Dave.

[trevallyjon288]

Depend where you will fish and what fish you chasing. I fish North West Aus and use mostly 10wt. You maybe after sail fish 14wt or whiting 4wt.