Rod Blanks
 

I am looking for a 8.5 to 9 foot blank rated 15-30. I was wondering what brands you guys would recommend? I am going to fish Calico's with it. I would prefer a 9 footer.

Thank you in advance for all the info!

I like the Shikari I have, but personal taste & depends on how built. PM sent

In my opinion some of the best blanks are made by Rainshadow and North Fork Composites. I actually got home today and busted open my package of Rainshadow blanks, I have a few of their RX8+ blanks, and am extremely impressed.
For a rod specific for calicos take a look at the ISWB945. It is a terrific blank for the price, I have heard of quite a few of the guys that fish the SWBA fish that blank, and the next model up. I know you mentioned you're looking for something 8.5'+, but you might consider the ISWB945. Do consider that you'll want some leverage if you hook into a nice checkerboard that wraps you up in the kelp.

If you have any questions about rod building feel free to shoot me a PM.

Rob:

Take a look at the Seeker CSW908. 9 footer that is rated 12-20 but can fish a bit higher. Great stick for the sportcoats and more...Just finished wrapping one up if you want to come by and take a look...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...r/PB150137.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...r/PB150123.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f3...r/PB150125.jpg

-Steve

Steve, that is a beautiful wrapping job. Nice work.

Showoff!

for 9 foot get a seeker :cheers1:

Nice work Steve. I like the colors you used on there.

Now that I look at them, the one I built for part of your range was a Seeker CSW 908. Like your colors, Steve, but I went with a new penny copper color that set off the burgundy really nice

http://www.kayaksportfishing.com/php...pic.php?t=9593

Thought it was a mistekenly-made-in-the-wrong-color blank when I got it. Seeing that yours is the same, I guess I was wrong.

I'd recommend going somewhere that has a variety & checking them out for yourself. What I like you may not, & vice versa. I am not so much concerned with the pedigree on the label. If it feels right I go with it. Don't get me wrong, Calstars, etc are great quality, but if they don't feel like an extension of you then maybe you should try something else