I'm looking to build a swimbait rod for myself. It will be a baitcaster, and it's primary use will be for redfish. I will probably be using 17+ lb fluro or mono. I plan to throw Berkley Grass Pigs, Yum Money Minnows, and Skinny Dippers on 1/4 oz weighted swimbait hooks. I was considering the Rainshadow Revelation REVSB710MH-SB. I know lure weights aren't gospel, but this looks a little heavy for these baits. Some other blanks that I've seen that may fit the bill are MHX SWB956, Bushido SWB710/12-25, Phenix USB-711MH-B, Phenix USB-790H-B, St. Croix 4C710HF, and Phenix USB-711MH-C-B. Does anyone have any experience with these blanks and opinions? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

For many manufacturers a swimbait rod is for really BIG swimbaits up to 8oz. You certainly do not need one of those for the lures you are using. I fish the exact same swim baits that you describe, and have been very happy with my Point Blank PB76MHF. A nice tip for casting these lures and plenty of power.
Norm

Norman Miller Wrote:
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> For many manufacturers a swimbait rod is for
> really BIG swimbaits up to 8oz. You certainly do
> not need one of those for the lures you are using.
> I fish the exact same swim baits that you
> describe, and have been very happy with my Point
> Blank PB76MHF. A nice tip for casting these lures
> and plenty of power.
> Norm

Thanks Norm. That's what I was thinking, these baits don't seem to fit the "swimbait" profile of the rods. If I wanted the length, what do you think of the Rainshadow REVC710MH-SB. Medium Heavy Fast, 3/8 - 1 oz lure weight.

Seth,

I've been fishing the MHX FS904 for a couple years and I love it. It can handle exactly what you've described and is a great blank. Don't let the "Flipping Stick" designation throw you. It would be perfect for what your describing. It's sweet spot is the 1/2 oz total weight lures.

Joe

Both the MHX and Rainshadow Revelation blanks are very nice blanks and are a good value. They should work well. However, they will both be about 1 oz heavier than the Point Blank, which gives the Point Blank a very light and unique feel, that I really like. It depends on what you want to spend. The Point Blank is more expensive, but is a great rod.
Norm

I have built more than a few rods on the Revelation blanks and you won' be disappointed. Norman is correct about the Fuji Point Blanks, they are lighter and they are really great blanks but there is a step up in price point. I have backed off of Phenix blanks in the last year because of some breakage issues with my customers. Although I have not broken one some of the people I have built for have, that being said the Phenix Recon II blanks have held up great and have had no issues as some of their other models.