Hi all,
I'm brand new to the forum and to rodbuilding and looking for some advice. I'm hoping to get some blank recommendations for my first build. I'd like to build a rod for targeting bluefish, stripers, and false albacore around Rhode Island. I'm thinking of something in the 7-7'6' range, with a Shimano Spheros 4000 reel, spooled up with 15-20 lb braid. I'm leaning toward a medium weight rod, so I can throw light soft plastics. And, of course, I'd rather not spend a fortune on the blank!

Any advice or recommendations would be much appreciated!

Thanks.

Rich.

Hello Rich.

Welcome Aboard!
My first rod was a heavy bottom kit from MudHole.
My recommendation for a Blank Only (Cheap, Strong, & Reliable) would be the CRB blank from MudHole (IS701H) 7', 15-25#, $30 bucks.

If you are not sure of what you want just give MudHole (on the Left List) a yell.

Good Luck.

Tight Wraps.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

If I were you I would check out MHX blanks. They are my favorites and are priced right. The MB-873 and MB-941 models look like something you might be interested in. The 941 is a 7'10 but It is my absolute favorite rod for plastics. The extra few inches make a huge difference in my opinion. It lets me throw anything from swimbaits to grubs. I would use either Microwave guides or Alconite K Concept guides. If you have the cash I would go with titanium frames.
Good Luck,
Ben Eipert

Thanks for the tips guys.
Ben, I had actually been looking at the MB873 as a possible candidate.

Would people say that Mudhole is pretty much the best source for rod building supplies?

-Rich.

I just built a couple of these & really like the feel: American Tackle "Bushido" blank:

LS76/12-25
7'6" Light Saltwater 12-25 lb.
7'6"
1
12-25
3/8 - 1-1/4
0.576
6
3.87
Mod-Fast
Med-Heavy

In answer to your question regarding "the best source." Some would say Mudhole, some would say, Anglers Workshop, some would say, Get Bit Outdoors, some would say,Bingham Enterprises, on and on. It is all in the eye of the beholder!

There are many factors that come into play when choosing sources as none of them carry every item a builder may need, and some carry only a few brands, freight also is a consideration.

Get bit outdoors doesn't answer my emails.

Try calling in the morning ????

Bill - willierods.com

Shawn,
Get Bit not replying to email may be an Internet thing and yours may net be getting through. I sent Kevin an email about his line of Liberty Blanks....and he Called me on the phone 5 minutes later to discuss. That's good customer service.

J Scott
Englewood, Fl

Get bit called to let me know a blank was no longer in stock. That was nice of them...that is where the nice stopped. I told them that was fine and not to worry about it but to credit my credit card the cost of that blank. when the order arrived it was still on the bill but no blank in the delivery. I called them right away and LEFT A MESSAGE! waited for them to call back...tick tock....when I did get to talk to them they said their records showed that I got the blank and questioned if I was sure that I didnt miss it in the tube.
To make a long story short...after about 5 phone conversations and more hassel than I would have liked, they did finally credit my account. For that reason I am willing to give them 1 more try! I hope you all have a better time with get bit.

Mark

Rich, I'll just add that there is a difference between a freshwater and salt water blank. I'd suggest you look at "inshore" blanks.

It would help to know what weight range of plastics you wish to cast. "Light" and 15-20# braid don't equate...if light means 1/4 ounce and under!

You could spend more on the reel seat, guides, grips, etc. than the blank. Best to give us a hard number on total build cost. Given the choice I'd generally buy the better the blank as you can always replace the guides later on.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.