Hello everyone,

I've been looking for a new blank to build on for fishing tubes. Looking at the XMG LP842 popping blank. I've inquired about this blank a long time ago and don't remember what everyones thoughts were about it other than it was super light and very sensitive. My question is, would this blank be ideal for throwing these baits? In the research i've done, some guys say its too light, that its a dropshot blank. Others say its the perfect blank for the application.

What are your thoughts? Is there a production rod out there that may have a similar action/power?

Thanks

Jose

What size tubes are you fishing and how much lead?

For smaller tubes and under 1/4oz. of lead, fishing on mostly flat bottoms, or keeping the tube up in the water column, that blank will likely work well. For 4" tubes and larger with 1/4oz.+ lead, I like something along the lines of a mag bass type blank with a 1/4-3/4oz. lure range. I find that the tip of a drop shot type rods just isn't stiff enough to pull the tube up and over wood and rock in a heavier cover type situation.

It really boils down to personal preference and the fishing situation as to which blank will work best for tubes.

Joe

Lamiglas built two XMG50 dropshot rods, the EXS702 and EXS702X. The X rod was the LP842 blank, it is faster and more powerful than the Spin Jig blank in the other rod. the LP842 popping rod was also built on your blank. I use my LP842 for many finesse techniques, even when a 12 lb. steelhead is involved.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/28/2015 12:15PM by Spencer Phipps.

To answer some of your questions, I fish mostly open water areas, mostly Lake St. Clair. Most of my tube fishing is done with 3.5-4" tubes with 3/16-1/4 ounce jig heads. I would also use this rod to swim grubs on 1/8-1/4 ounce heads.

I might just buy one and try it. I think the blank is only like 55 dollars and I have some Fuji alconite Y-Frames from a broken rod. I can probably finish this rod for less than 70 dollars. Worst case scenario I'll use it as a dropshot rod.

Jose,

That sounds like a good plan. On those waters, I bet it will work well. If nothing else, you will have a fantastic rod for swimming those grubs. My first build was a drop shot type blank for swimming grubs, and I haven't found one better yet.

Joe