What Livebait/Spin Rod???

[scotty.emu]

G'day, firstly Happy New Year to all.

Recently bought a new TICA Sportera 'hit and run' reel it was bought as a bit of a dual purpose reel for both livebaiting and throwing lures around in Moreton Bay for mackeral/tuna etc. It has taken me months to decide on this baitrunner style reel now I am unsure as to which rod I should fit it to?
I'm thinking 7 foot and I like fast taper rods. Should I buy off the shelf or get one custom made? What is the price of custom made compared to off the shelf? Thanks

[mackmauler]

I've tried lots and its give and take, the size of fish varies, so if you get a heavy rod spotties arn't as fun, the gary howard albagraphs are my normal rods, the graphcast 7 footers by creative rods have been good for me to, the better rods have silicon tips runners, check the components but about $200 is usually going to get a good one.

[jack_attack]

There were some nice Live fibre rods available off the shelf last time I looked for a similar sort of rod.

Ended up getting a 9 foot Graphcast blank built up. It ended up costing $250 at mates rates with quality fittings.

The overall cost of having one custom made really does depend on the quality of the components you decide to use on it. For example, a $120 blank could end up being a $200 rod or as much as $400 depending on what you do with it.

[Heath]

Do yourself a favour & have a look at the Wilson 8 - 10kg Spin Stick ( RLF20 ) it is an 8 foot rod & is so sweet...... well I could just kiss it!!

It is a very versatile outfit that will see you true for spinning for macs, baiting for them, Snapper or even Jack fishing.

fantastic they are ;)

[IanF]

Heath

What reel do you have on your wilson? I looked at one of these rods yesterday and they look great. How do you think they would perform as light beach rod for whiting in close and as a bream rod out of the boat?

Regards
Ian

[Heath]

Ian,

If I'm spinning for mackerel I use the Shimano TSS4. If I'm baiting for them or snapper I use my Shimano BTR6500 baitrunner or for jacks a Shimano BTR4500 baitrunner.