2nd Rod Build (lightweight, finesse, spin)

[MickD]

I think my expert was wrong.

[Lead Head]

Regarding removing paint from a blank, I have had good luck with citristrip when stripping down production rods. It sometimes takes hours of exposure, and you have to make sure none gets inside the blank. 

[Alex from GA]

I think you're going to dislike that reel seat but hope not.  Sorry to be a pessimist.

[RipHair]

12 hours ago, Alex from GA said:

I think you're going to dislike that reel seat but hope not.  Sorry to be a pessimist.

I'll finally be trying my builds out tomorrow. Just curious why you think I might dislike it so I can try to see what you mean?

[Chris Catignani]

14 hours ago, RipHair said:

I'll finally be trying my builds out tomorrow. Just curious why you think I might dislike it so I can try to see what you mean?

I think @Alex from GA is referring to the skeleton seat. Some people dont like the feel of one on a spinning rod. 

[MickD]

Or the skeleton seat?  

[Chris Catignani]

4 hours ago, MickD said:

Or the skeleton seat?  

I stand corrected!

[MickD]

Sorry, I read your post wrong.  I really don't like a skeleton seat on a spinning rod, weight savings isn't worth the poor ergonomics, IMO.  

[Alex from GA]

Read my post "Reel seat".  It was uncomfortable to use so I changed it.

[RipHair]

I didn't spend enough time with spinning rod to make any sort of real opinion on the reel seat but for sure the rod is very whippy even with just a 5" senko wacky rigged. Also since it's so whippy with not so much backbone I'm wondering how well it will hook bass (I didn't catch one yet on it as I spent more time testing out the baitcasters).

 

Will try this again on Monday to be sure. Just curious, is it the ECSM seat most people tend to like?

[MickD]

If you're talking about the rod that tested ERN 12.15, that's a pretty low power.  AA 73?  I expect a 12-73 will come across as pretty whippy.  I have a 12-80 that feels underpowered, but not whippy.  

 

Use this rod for Neds or stuff like that where a light wire jig is used - will get better hook sets with lighter wire jigs than with heavier wire jigs.  As you feel the bite, lower the rod to get a little slack, then "quick snap" up might work better than a steady lift.  

I like the ACSM, but it's personal prefernce.  Some have reported disliking the ACSM, so . . .

[MikeK]

ACSM and ECSM are both designed to fit on the blank without arbors and leave a cutout for finger contact with the blank.  ECSM fits my grip much better than ACSM but it's obviously personal preference.  ECSM is about a tenth of an ounce lighter than ACSM.

[MickD]

I forgot to mention that rods in the power range around 12 make good panfish rods and good rods when wanting to cast crappie sized crankbaits, around 1/8 ounce.  Those small cranks work well at times for SMB, LMB, and walleyes.  + crappies, bluegills, and perch.

[spoonplugger1]

A 12 rod is what I have used as a 8 to 12 lb test steelhead rod and it is 12 wt. tarpon fly rod.

[MickD]

23 minutes ago, spoonplugger1 said:

A 12 rod is what I have used as a 8 to 12 lb test steelhead rod and it is 12 wt. tarpon fly rod.

I'm talking CCS power, not the fly rod rated "weight."  So a 7 foot 12 CCS power rod will weigh about 3 oz total from a 1.5 oz blank and it is not sufficient in my opinion for 3 pound smallies.   I don't know about 12 weight fly blanks, but other fly blanks I've measured have measured higher than their nominal rod rated "weight"  by about 1 number, meaning 8's measure about 9.

 

I can see a 12 "weight" fly blank being a good steelhead rod, as you describe.  I have an NFC salmon spin rod that has numbers similar to a couple of my fly rods, but I cannot remember right now the exact numbers.  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

On 7/3/2022 at 11:37 AM, RipHair said:

I didn't spend enough time with spinning rod to make any sort of real opinion on the reel seat but for sure the rod is very whippy even with just a 5" senko wacky rigged. Also since it's so whippy with not so much backbone I'm wondering how well it will hook bass (I didn't catch one yet on it as I spent more time testing out the baitcasters).

 

Will try this again on Monday to be sure. Just curious, is it the ECSM seat most people tend to like?

A 5” true Senko is pretty heavy. I cast them on Mh casting rods. Your rod is light powered for them. More finesse baits like 3” senkos, Ned’s, trick worms etc on sharp thin wire hooks should work fine. Obviously landing bigger fish will mean judicious use of drag and actually fighting the fish. Gentle handling and revival prior to release may be called for. 

[Alex from GA]

Give the palm swell seat a try you'll like it.  

[RipHair]

This rod was pretty fun pulling in a 3-4lb pickerel up in NE Ontario tonight. Caught using 8lb tatsu FC, 1/8oz VMC halfmoon ned rig. I think as was suggested this is best for ned rigs and other thinner hooks but I may give 5" senko wacky's some more go.