I have a Rainshadow Immortal blank on hand IMMS610 M XF I am considering cutting it down to use for skipping docks with up to 1/2 oz baits. Other than buying a task specific Shooter blank do you see any problems with this idea? Thinking of cutting 4-6 inches off of the butt. Only reason for doing this is because I already have this blank on hand.

Thanks in advance,
Rick Elrod

Rick,
Is this still a kayak rod and if so are you cutting the blank for clearance reasons? If you have room for the blank than maybe just a little shorter grip length would give you the same result without worrying about loss of blank power and speed issues. Warranty could also be affected.
You can mess around with the blank without first cutting it, you can make some tape arbors for the reel seat to ride on and tape on your guides, leaving all the extra length out the back and unless your doing some casting where the back part will interfere, you'll get a feel for your end result. Than go with a shorter rear grip as I mentioned and see how you like it.
What I'm trying to get you to try is a rod built similar in construction to the rod Tom Kirkman built in the extending a blank article in the library, it also was a kayak rod if I remember right, and extended to around 6 1/2 ft. so we're in a similar ball park.

Spencer Phipps Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Rick,
> Is this still a kayak rod and if so are you
> cutting the blank for clearance reasons? If you
> have room for the blank than maybe just a little
> shorter grip length would give you the same result
> without worrying about loss of blank power and
> speed issues. Warranty could also be affected.
> You can mess around with the blank without first
> cutting it, you can make some tape arbors for the
> reel seat to ride on and tape on your guides,
> leaving all the extra length out the back and
> unless your doing some casting where the back part
> will interfere, you'll get a feel for your end
> result. Than go with a shorter rear grip as I
> mentioned and see how you like it.
> What I'm trying to get you to try is a rod built
> similar in construction to the rod Tom Kirkman
> built in the extending a blank article in the
> library, it also was a kayak rod if I remember
> right, and extended to around 6 1/2 ft. so we're
> in a similar ball park.

Hi Spencer, thanks for the reply. This rod would be used for fishing from my bass boat. I have read so many articles and watched so many videos that my head is spinning. lol It seems that the majority opinion on this forum is that a 6.0 is ideal. Other places I see people throwing 7' + ! I understand the variables of angler stature and experience. I actually spent a couple of hours at a pond today throwing from the bank trying different lengths on both spinning and casting rods. I threw a wacky rigged Senko on a 6'6 m Veritas with a 2500 series Stradic and a 1/4 oz jig with a Rage tail craw from a 6'9 mh Vendetta using a Shimano Alderbaron 50. I used these because I have them. As was to be expected sometimes I threw them well, other times not so much. I am fishing a new to me body of water that is deep, clear, steep, and has little cover other than docks. As stated , I have the Immortal on hand and thought it could be cut down to work. After todays pond practice I think I learned that if I put in the time to practice I can use a longer blank. Would still love to hear others thoughts and opinions.
Thanks,
Rick Elrod



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/05/2017 09:55PM by Rick Elrod.

I don't think you would have any problems skipping baits within a 6'10" rod. The extra fast tip will actually be of benefit to you for what you want to do. I have used rods from 6' to 7' for fishing around docks and piers and like extra fast rods for this. Skipping a bait is all in the wrist no matter the length of the rod, the extra fast tip makes it easier to accurately wrist snap a cast. You don't want your handle too long because because a long can get in the way. Dock fishing is not about distance but rather trajectory and accuracy. If you cut the rod you will slow it's action and possibly negate the advantage of an extra fast rod.
Norm

Thank you Norman. That is exactly what I was hoping to hear!

Regards,
Rick Elrod