Hi all,

Looking to build a new crankbait stick for throwing the likes of DD22s, up to 1oz baits - any suggestions? Details:

- distance more important than accuracy
- will be running braid (likely 20lb but don't get hung up on this)
- heaps of bottom contact (rock and timber)
- max 7'6" preferred
- NOT 100% glass
- serious implosion feeders (Aust Murray Cod)

Am thinking along the lines of Phenix, St Croix or even MHX - though open to anything (that I can get hold of !)

While I'm at it, looking for the same but for deep 1/2 oz baits (occasionally 3/8 and 5/8) and 10lb braid.

Thanks very much,

Todd, Australia



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/12/2018 12:23AM by Todd Redman.

One of the "judge" crank bait blanks from Batson will fill the bill very nicely.

These are exceptional blanks.

[www.rainshadowrodblanks.com]

Thanks Roger

I’ll see how easy I can get hold of them.

Here's the MHX blanks i ordered from mudhole, was a 8 foot 10-20 pound test line for crankbaits, i haven't used it on deep divers yet but have used it on medium divers and it seems ok. I built it as a spiral wrap.

[www.mudhole.com]

Thanks Bruce

If I go with MHX I think the 7’6” in the same spec will be my choice

I'm partial to the American Tackle CB728-15 or CB7210-20 for those applications. The CB72 8-15 is excellent for the lighter crank baits. I use 10lb braid on a 200 Shimano curado with these blanks regularly, and absolutely love the casting distance I get with the lighter baits.

Capt. Craig Freeman
Grading Scales Sportfishing and Back River Rods

Roger it’s good to hear positive reviews on the judge, I have been interested in them for a while but you don’t hear much about them. I will toss in a recommendation on the revaluation revcb76h-sb. Tailor made for the baits you are looking to use but I’ve never gone after Murray cod so I cannot speak to that aspect.

Tom

Thomas i believe you posted about wanting somebody with first hand experience with the Judge blanks and i was also interested , Roger didn't comment in that thread , maybe he recently picked one up or maybe he's just going on Batson's reputation . If he has experience fishing the Judge i as you would love to hear about it.

Herb indeed I do have a post regarding the judge. I was anxious to read Rogers thoughts on them after seeing him post here. Maybe he missed the post or somehow I upset him and he chose not to comment. Hope that’s not the case and if so I am sorry it happened.

Thomas Kaufmann Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Herb indeed I do have a post regarding the judge.
> I was anxious to read Rogers thoughts on them
> after seeing him post here. Maybe he missed the
> post or somehow I upset him and he chose not to
> comment. Hope that’s not the case and if so I am
> sorry it happened.


Never assume the worst when a feeling first pop's into your head , in the overwhelming majority of cases it's much simpler and easily explainable . My guess as to why he didn't comment in your original thread is that he doesn't yet own a Judge but going on Batson's rep it's a solid recommendation so he threw it out there for Todd to consider . Can't deny it's a great looking and feeling blank and may fit what Todd is looking for .

If he does own a Judge than you're right he's really @#$%& ( Kidding) .

Thanks Tom - I’m also considering the Revalation in 7’6”- do you feel the H is a better option than the MH for baits in the 3/4oz to 1oz range?
By the sound of things The Judge would be a great option (especially with a glass tip on big strikes), but I get the feeling the Revalation will have it easily covered in the distance - and sensitivity- department.
Either way I still need to find a way to get hold of them - being down under n all.
Thanks again everyone for your kind advice.
Todd.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/13/2018 09:36AM by Todd Redman.

Hi Todd,

The Revelation will work great for you. The Judge is awesome but does have a higher price tag of course.

For Australia check with these guys, they have accounts with us (Batson):
ACM Custom Rods - [www.acmcustomrods.com.au]
BJS Custom Rods - [www.facebook.com]
Ultimate Rods - [www.ultimaterods.com.au]



Todd Redman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks Tom - I’m also considering the Revalation
> in 7’6”- do you feel the H is a better option
> than the MH for baits in the 3/4oz to 1oz range?
> By the sound of things The Judge would be a great
> option (especially with a glass tip on big
> strikes), but I get the feeling the Revalation
> will have it easily covered in the distance - and
> sensitivity- department.
> Either way I still need to find a way to get hold
> of them - being down under n all.
> Thanks again everyone for your kind advice.
> Todd.

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

Todd in the case of the heavier lure I definitely prefer the h over the mh.

Thanks everyone

With all your excellent suggestions, and that I have researched myself into a stupor, I think I will be drawing a whole bunch of names out of a hat !

Todd.

Todd,
Right on.
The reason that you feel the way that you are feeling, is that there are many different blanks and blank manufacturers that provide a very nice blank for your purpose.

I suggest that first you suggest selecting a brand that you wish to work with.

Then, use the blank in that brand that meets your needs for a particular build and go to the shop and build the rod.

Good luck

I totally agree Roger.

A significant hurdle living in Australia (read painfully small market) is that there is in effect not a single shop in the whole country that stocks one of these blanks, let alone all three of my shortlist (Rainshadow, MHX, Bushido - going with 100% graphite for sensitivity).

I will end up with a nice stick whichever way I go, but you can appreciate my dilemma - particularly as I’m fussy with my rods.

Thanks again everyone for your contribution on this fantastic forum - a great resource for people who have little access to any material without spending $$$

Cheers ,

Todd.

Todd,
Read and understood!!

I grew up in the western US - which had a similar issue. i.e. sparse population and sparse resources. Of course with the advent of the NET that has changed. But, that was not the case when I grew up.
i.e. we just had to make do!!

Good luck