Kayak fish of the week Dec 20th-26th 2021

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by shughes

How do you like the RCKJB700-112? I was considering building myself one for bull drum and catfish but leaning towards the 606-150.

I love that blank. If you are fishing from a kayak, A blank shorter than 7ft is going to be harder to maneuver around the ends, so for that reason, I would prefer it over the 606.

I also have the RCKJB700-250, 400, and the 500 which was discontinued. These parabolic blanks are easier on the back when putting heavy pressure on a fish, or fighting a fish for a prolonged period of time. At one time I had an RCKJB508-500 which got snapped rather quickly when a fish pulled it over a rod holder creating a stress point. That incident reinforces the need for slightly longer 700 series rods to keep clear of stationery items on the kayak. In general, I find all rainshadow blanks to be slightly underrated in their line capacities.

[shughes]

For bull red drum from kayak would you recommend the 700-250 over the 700-112?

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by shughes

For bull red drum from kayak would you recommend the 700-250 over the 700-112?

I have very limited fishing time on Bull reds, and when I did, it was 36-inch Reds with a bait caster and 20lb test. That said, the RCKJB 700-250 is probably a little too heavy, unless you are in a situation where you need the heavier line ratings to stop the fish from cutting you off. I use mine to yank big Amberjacks off the wrecks. It just so happens, I caught this one on it today. The rod is on the left side of the photo.

[SoCalEDC]

Haven’t seen a kayak fish of the week post in a while. Bring it back! Bring it back!

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by SoCalEDC

Haven’t seen a kayak fish of the week post in a while. Bring it back! Bring it back!

LOL, This AJ was it for last week, but I will put one up later for this week.

[BenCantrell]

Originally Posted by JohnMckroidJr

LOL, This AJ was it for last week, but I will put one up later for this week.

Yay!

[SoCalEDC]

Nice jack there!

[Mahigeer]

That is some nice fishing.

[shughes]

Originally Posted by JohnMckroidJr

I have very limited fishing time on Bull reds, and when I did, it was 36-inch Reds with a bait caster and 20lb test. That said, the RCKJB 700-250 is probably a little too heavy, unless you are in a situation where you need the heavier line ratings to stop the fish from cutting you off. I use mine to yank big Amberjacks off the wrecks. It just so happens, I caught this one on it today. The rod is on the left side of the photo.

appreciate the insights. i have a RCKJB 700-112 blank on the way. Actually got a RCLB70L in last week but just think the action is going to be too fast. Even if I cut the RCLB down a bit the fulcrum point is still to far up rod for my tastes. I concur with you on the having the bend point closer to mid rod to make it easier on back and prolonged fight. I do have a RCLB70XL that I like but that one bends down farther due to lighter action.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by shughes

appreciate the insights. i have a RCKJB 700-112 blank on the way. Actually got a RCLB70L in last week but just think the action is going to be too fast. Even if I cut the RCLB down a bit the fulcrum point is still to far up rod for my tastes. I concur with you on the having the bend point closer to mid rod to make it easier on back and prolonged fight. I do have a RCLB70XL that I like but that one bends down farther due to lighter action.

In general Rainshadow blanks are underrated. Wish I knew that prior to buying two RCLB70L blanks. I concur that the fulcrum is too high up on the blank for the line ratings, and I also prefer the XL version.

[shughes]

For what its worth the 700-112 may bend farther then you think compared to the XL. Will attach a couple comparison pics. I built out the XL and L and prefer XL as well. Was trying to find something between the two blanks. Im thinking of rotating out my L to dock use and kind of wish I had not butt cut now. May go back and extend the rear length in future. Curious what type of reels are folks using on their RCLBs. I am using the Alps size 20 reel seats and was wondering if the smaller Fathom size 12 would fit without any wobble on seat.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by shughes

For what its worth the 700-112 may bend farther then you think compared to the XL. Will attach a couple comparison pics. I built out the XL and L and prefer XL as well. Was trying to find something between the two blanks. Im thinking of rotating out my L to dock use and kind of wish I had not butt cut now. May go back and extend the rear length in future. Curious what type of reels are folks using on their RCLBs. I am using the Alps size 20 reel seats and was wondering if the smaller Fathom size 12 would fit without any wobble on the seat.

Interesting curves. Having wrapped my own SoCal rods as a kid, reel seats were always optional. I got accustomed to having the reels clamped without a seat. I am still not big on reel seats. If I do put them on,(had to for the thin knife jigging rods) they are lightweight spinning reel rod holders rather than heavy-duty ones that add more weight to a conventional rod setup.