Custom topwater swimbait rod needed

[brandon0921]

Posted under the rod, reel, and line forum and was soon later recommended to post something here and look for a custom design.  Looking for something with similar specs to the following;

 

SPECIFICATIONS: Pieces: 1 | Length: 7' 7" | Line(lb): 40 - 65 Braid | Lure(oz): 2 - 6 | Power: Heavy | Action: Fast | Handle: Split- grip

 

Heres a quote of my post which may help any rod builders think up a design.

 

"Hey all - been researching this for a couple days now and my search just keeps leading me in circles, so I figured I would ask.  Long time fisherman, new to the swimbaits idea.  Looking for something that will throw smaller topwater swimbaits such as a 6" 2.3oz bull wake and things of that nature, never anything under 1.5oz, I already have a nice set up for that.  I'm not really keen on having a large, heavy setup primarily angling from the bank and occasionally out on a kayak, but do realize its somewhat inevitable when talking big lures. I started looking at some of the 7'11 H set ups, but the majority seem to have a mod/fast tip and very long handles, whereas I think this combo (being topwater) would be better suited fast or x-fast and perhaps even a bit shorter in overall length to make transport and casting in tight locations a bit easier.  Curious to hear your opinions. Would prefer something with a split grip and a cork handle, but not a deal breaker.  Will be initially pairing this with one of my old, traditional size reels, either a Diawa Viento or Shimano Curado, but not completely opposed to upgrading to something larger if necessary."

[spoonplugger1]

Have you looked at the Lamiglas Paco rods? Kayak rods built from a famous kayaker's designs.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I've got some ideas. Email me at mlawson@delawarevalleytackle.com and I'll do a quote for you. 

[clayton86]

I built a phenix usb790h that I use for all my bull shad/wake/gills. I fish out of a kayak 90% of the time I built it with a 13” handle it works well from the kayak. I would look into one built on that blank or order the factory rod offered in it 

[spoonplugger1]

Being a custom rod builder that fishes everything, all gear types, fresh and salt, maybe I see things more broadly. I know I was using bass and steelhead/salmon rods on the flats and on wrecks before anyone else I knew was in Florida and Georgia. Now those same blanks are used in the salt, just look at the Greenwater series rods from G Loomis for almost two decades. Same blanks, different components to fit the situation.

That's how I build my kayak rods, because no matter where I'm fishing, whether it's my inflatable whitewater, or sit on kayak a shorter graphite tube handle comes out of rod holders so much better, whether it's the vertical ones behind me, or the ones in front of me, the rod always comes out slick and easy because of the material and length. NO a graphite tube handle is no slicker than the hammer and ax handles    you' ve used without them flying out of your hands all these years. A shorter handle also makes a shorter, lighter rod that still goes around the bow of the boat because the rod's length is in front of you not behind you. Same for casting performance, rod length in front of you is better than behind you. They also don't hang up on you, or the boat while fighting the fish from many odd angles and positions from a kayak.

Both Paco and I use composite or Lamiglas Triflex type blanks when we can because highsticking, a no-no for any rod is pretty normal procedures from a kayak. With the new materials and designs, at times you are hard pressed to distinguish blanks anymore, at least the ones relevant to kayak use.