What blank for a 80LB class Planer rod??

[clt_capt]

I'm looking to build a planer rod to handle up to #16 planers - looking for a recommendation on blanks...

Thanks

[paul708]

there are a few good choices
you could use a calstar, seeker, batson or pac bay
usually something with a 26-32 tip
look into the RT blanks
stubbie blanks
igfa blanks

[Glenn W]

Personally I can see no earthy reason to spend the money on a Seeker or Calstar for a planer rod blank, but Seeker's IGFA blanks are a beast no doubt (they make a 43" 80lb "stubbie"). Pacific Bay makes a fine 80lb Stubbie. I just made two dredge rods out of these by cutting them down. They are 43" un cut-- perfect for your planer rod and have a #24 tip. American Tackle makes a Stubbie as well with a #26 tip. both are under $30.

Personally I would go with a #26 as it can do double duty as a dredge rod and has enough tip for even a 32 Old Salty. The Pac bay would only require about an inch cut to get it to the #26, but I would check with your supplier to be sure.

Pac Bay also makes a 130lb Stubbie that would be bad to the bone.
I'll be in MHC this weekend and you can compare Bill's and my planer rods (they are quite a bit different) to see whiich you prefer.

Do yourself a favor and spend the money on SIC guides.

[mannysmate]

I'm building 2 as we speak and I'm using the pac-bay stubbie...
Like Glenn said.....43" and a 24 will fit nice and snug

[Glenn W]

That work bench is disqustingly neat--- how ya supposed to get anything accomplished like that?

[Sublime]

I like using the seeker stubbie, trim 1-1/2 inches or so off the butt end and it fits nice in the #4 Aftco bent butt...I like the short bent butts personally if you don't use a chair....
no need to build up with tape, or fiberglass mesh etc....
Just sand and glue....
I've never checked out the Pac bay stubbie, I might have to order one....

[Banshee]

Lamiglass makes a very nice fiberglass blank that so far has been indestrucable. I build all of my charter rods from them some are over 14 years old. You cannot go wrong with a Lamiglass IGFA blank.
JW

[clt_capt]

I like using the seeker stubbie, trim 1-1/2 inches or so off the butt end and it fits nice in the #4 Aftco bent butt...I like the short bent butts personally if you don't use a chair....

I wound up with the Seeker stubbie. Tough blank. I think it would hold a horse.

Thanks
again.