80 or 130 for giants???

[SteveH2112]

Here's the question. Is there an advantage of using a softer 80lb class bent butt rod for giants over the 130lb class rods? I believe you pull less hooks with the lighter rod since it "gives " a little more. What do you think?

[teddyp]

Here's the question. Is there an advantage of using a softer 80lb class bent butt rod for giants over the 130lb class rods? I believe you pull less hooks with the lighter rod since it "gives " a little more. What do you think?

Are you fishing IGFA for the fish or are you using heavier line? I think its all about the drag systems on the reels. If you're fishing with 50-65 lbs of drag then I would use the 130's. As far as the pulling of hooks I think that happens for a number of reasons, I don't think you can narrow it down to the class of rod you're using. So I guess my final answer is just go with the 130's if you can afford it and have the peace of mind that you have the muscle and line capacity if needed.

[fmoore]

Many custom builders offer what they call a 130 with an 80 class tip. Might want to check that out.

[canyongear]

This is an 80# class IGFA Calstar blank from our custom WinStar line of rods. The blank was left long from the factory on purpose and built with the "New" Winthrop Tool "Express" guides. The rod was built with 6 guides, not 5 which are usually standard on most rods and the Winthrop roller tip. We built the rod with Angler's Envy and Capt Mike Marro's input as to the spec's desired..this video was shot last season off Morehead City, NC. This BlueFin was over 700#'s and taped at 110".

We spec'd this rod specifically for Giants with 80# class blank for a more "forgiving" pressure on the fish, as you will see by watching the video of the rod's forgiving nature as the pressures of the fight are absorbed by the rod putting less pressure on the line, connections and hook. The rod was coupled to a Shimano 130 2 Speed.

Note: "pressure" is a relative term which has no definable attributes as each fish, rod, reel, drag setting and angler are different.

So that's my answer..on the 80# blank.

You can watch full screen and in better resolution by "double" clicking on the video, this will take you to our youtube page where you can watch fullscreen.

Link to the actual rod on our site:
http://www.canyongear.com/CUSTOM%20R...duct_info.html

If your interested in talking to Capt Mike or mate Blake who fought the fish, get in touch I will get you in touch with them.

Warning ADULT LANGUAGE! cover the kids ears or turn the sound down.



Video credits: John and Frank from CT for the video and editing, this is the "unedited" version. Thank-You guys!

The edited version:

[chumtini]

I'm in the process of building a pair using Seeker IGFA 80H blanks shimmed onto #6 aftco butts that will get hitched to 130s. I'm going with an extra guide (Aftco BFs, 1x#52, 2x#42s, 3x#32s, plus tiptop)

The blank is 5'9". I cut less an inch from the tip and butt - just enough to get a clean edge.

Mounting the blank to the #6 was a little tricky. I did a 3-step build up using fiberglass/epoxy. Hope I got it right.

Too early to tell how they'll come out. But they'll be long and bendy