I've had a request to make a short jigging rod specifically to target lake trout. The client wants a conventional reel 48" rod using 20 # braid and 10-12# leader. I have no experience building anything this short (other than ice rods) or light (I build mostly salt water rods). I assume I'm going to have to start with a longer rod and cut it down but would really appreciate some suggestions for blanks that I should consider. Thanks.

That's a doozie, this is not an ice rod, right? I have some 5 1/2 ft. Lamiglas blanks, I've used for that, but 4 ft? How long a rear grip, reel seat, and fore grip he want on it? If transport is the problem, there are better ways around that. Since you build saltwater rods, what in your experience from that spectrum could maybe fit the bill? I also wouldn't put this experiment on your nickel, anytime someone wants something off the wall and specific, they need to be involved and have some skin in the game.
You don't need to cut anything till your ready with a prototype set up. If your cutting the tip, first just install a guide on the blank where the cut will be than test, leaving the tip hang out there. Same with the butt, slip fit to where you think it should be, leaving the excess outside the butt grip till you get the result your looking for. A spiral wrap helps to reduce your torsional forces that will want to displace things while you test.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/23/2017 12:26PM by Spencer Phipps.

Thanks for your suggestions on the prototype fit-up. Of course he'll have to purchase everything in advance. I see lots of Batson (et. al.) 10-12# rods I could start with but his 1oz. jig requirements exceed the rod capability- I'm probably going to have to go with a 10-20# blank but it may be too stiff even with a fast taper.

He says he's going to use it from a boat but may use it occasionally for ice fishing. He wants a longer rear grip with a trigger reel seat...now you know why I'm a little perplexed. He's going to send me some pictures of his friend's rod which he likes except he wants a longer handle, different grip and different length, etc., etc. Why couldn't he just ask for a bent butt trolling rod or a tuna popping rod...?

definitely an up front payment for the parts
here is a couple that might fit the bill from rod geeks

Fiberglass Series - SG70MHM

$59.00
Blank Color Options
Quantity

7' | Mono. Line Wgt: 8 - 20 lb. | Lure Weight: 3/8 - 1 oz. | Moderate Action, Medium-Heavy Power

Bass 2 Series - B270HF

$75.00
Blank Color Options
Quantity

7' | Line Wgt. 12 - 25 lb. | Lure Wgt. 3/8 - 1 1/2 oz. | Jigs, Frogs

The best day to be alive is always tomorrow !!
Think out side the box when all else fails !!!
Wi.

thanks Matthew- appreciate the suggestions. I'll take a look.

Batson 6' 12-20lbs .385x105x72B solid glass.

That looks good- thanks for the suggestion!

20 lb braid, 1 oz jigs, 4 foot rod, and big lake trout don't add up. . . At all