This will be my first build and I’m a little overwhelmed looking at all of the rod blank options out there. I want something very similar to the rod I normally fish with. It’s a Crowder E-Series EBR8030 8’. I guess it would be a “heavy” action? It will be fished pretty exclusively 60-100 miles out of Tampa in the Florida Middle grounds for bigger 40+ pound gags and jacks.

Not really interested in anything shorter or more sensitive, I absolutely love my Crowder.

What is the “top of the line” blank that would be most similar to this?

Thanks guys

Call Batson, they have an excellent brand and they will be more than happy to make suggestions. All rod building companies will make suggestions if you give them a call.

I am not familiar with rods of the type you mention, being a freshwater builder. However, you mention interest in a "top of the line" blank, and I caution you that your first build may not be all that you want it to be. It may make sense to start with a less expensive blank, then move up to the top of the line stuff when you are confident of your skills. I've been building for what seems like forever, and still make mistakes. My first builds were not that great. Good luck, and welcome!

I second Michael's comment
"top of the line' usually means more expensive to many people
since you love your Crowder rod which is an E glass blank not a high modulus all graphite blank
focus on a match to that and if the price of the blank is less than you can spend don't talk yourself into more $ must be better

If I was you look for something of good value but still high quality and a composite blank to make the rod lighter. Since you like your Crowder try to match the power and action. Look at Rainshadow jig and bait or Rod Geeks S glass composites.

Seeker CJBF80H or XH (both in E class or S glass which is more expensive)
Calstar Grafighter 800H
Calstar 6480 (both in E glass and graphite composite)
Rainshadow RCLB79MH or RCLB80M

All good blanks, just a starting point. Personally, I try not to think in terms of "top of the line," since rod building is all about finding a blank that has the specific action, sensitivity (or lack thereof), responsiveness, durability, and weight that you want. Sometimes the very blank you're looking for ends up being the least expensive, and sometimes not. You'd really have to pull on some to really tell.

Have fun!
Nick

From the RainShadow lineup we’d recommend:
RCLB80M (feels more like a MH) – [www.rainshadowrodblanks.com]
RCJB96H - [www.rainshadowrodblanks.com]

There’s heavier versions of each model if you feel you need it.

James Taylor
Batson Enterprises
BatsonEnterprises.com | RainShadowRodBlanks.com | ALPSForeCast.com | Build2Fish.com