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djk3030,This is the rod information you were after. These are selected rods made by Castaway. American Rodsmiths is a rod company, which did get blanks through the company RodSmiths, which is a rod blank company only. The previous poster thought they were AR rods we were speaking of, though this was from a project before AR with Castaway. They wanted a stick bait for exactly what you desire, and we helped get it there.RodSmiths produced the blanks which were used by both AR and Castaway at this time. These rods were selected from a large inventory of rods which are of the same styles. One is a Pistol Grip, and the other a Straight cork handle. The two blanks are absolutely Identical in the blanks splining and actions. While the part numbers will show on to be a medium and the other a heavy. Again these were chosen for the exact type of fishing you want to do, and we worked on this project years ago with Castaway. The previous staff of Castaway moved to American Rodsmiths and started Longhorn Fishing. You may be able to obtain the rod from either source, though if you can get this exact blank, it is the one you are after. Castaway # HB5.6SCastaway # MB56PNot sure the cross over for American Rodsmiths on this blanks construction. And that is critical on the lamination schedule and strucutre. Though Bob or Theresa at AR may be able to assist. And you may find it at Castaway also. I hope this helps you out. And if you can get these blanks you will be happy. I use either a Shimano Chronarch or an older Pinnacle reel on these rods. You have to have a very free spool on those smaller jerk baits. They throw the small Pointers, Jackalls, Squirrels, and Mega Bass, Rouge baits very well. I also did use this action for the old Spoon Bill Rebels in those January months. Which is a dying winter time art in our region. Though it still works. Since they are 5 1/2 blanks they do not over move the bait if you want to dead stick it. And they have the right rhythm for jerking from fast to slow. Good Luck! Rick
Wow, what a challenge this is! Thanks very much for the info though. I hope I can find one.The Rodsmiths blank company, are they still in business and if so do you know what name or brands they are operating under?I take it that the HB56C and MB56S (handle/power opposites of the ones you listed) are NOT on the same blank; correct?If you or anyone out there hear of one up for sale, new or even used in good shape, Id appreciate it if youd drop me an email.Thanks again!Deke[font="]Deke[/font]
They are not supposed to be the same blank, though both actions are identical. The blanks were built by Rodsmiths and that company is still functioning. With the import rods, you will be pressed to find this exact rod. Though we would not hesitate to give both companies a call. The builder at Rodsmiths was at Castaway. BCB
Well, I cant seem to find any references to the blank company “Rodsmiths”, though I found an identical story of a couple of rod makers who left a blank company with a different name than “Rodsmiths”, went to CastAway and then later went to American Rodsmiths. I was hoping to find at least the information about the blank and then see either if it was also shipped to any other rod companies that use domestic blanks like All-Star, or if I could find just the blank and try and build my own, but now that looks to be a longshot too.So now I guess Ill just have to see what CastAway and American Rodsmiths can tell me this week. And maybe start searching again for the next best rod.With all the focus on technique specific rods nowadays, why are jerkbait rods so overlooked?I also didnt know fishing Spoonbill Rebels and I presume spoonbill Rogues as well was a dying art. Thats still one of my go-tos that Ive been fishing for years on deep points in winter, but more in February than January. In January Im still doing a lot of vertical spooning (or fishing the sauna at Swepco). Thanks for all your help with this. If nothing else its helped me clarify some things in my own mind.Deke[font="]Deke[/font]
djk3030, would you rather try the pistol grip or the straight blank. We will work on it with a custom blank and our rod shop if you can not find an option. If this did get built right, it might have a shot. BCB
Cool beans! Either pistol or straight will work but the rear grip from the back edge of the reel seat has to be 4 1/2″ – 5″ and have a very blunt butt edge. That and of course the blank-through-seat is all Im looking for in the handle. I do think the pistol grip has a bit of an image problem nowadays (Ive noticed a lot of the major rod companies have even dropped pistol grip options from their catalogs recently) and a 4 1/2″ rear grip rod would be pretty distinctive looking so if I had to make a choice the short straight would be it.Just as a thought, the Loomis SMR702C-TW topwater rod has an oblong but fatter though still short rear grip that would give a little more mass and probably a little better balance despite this shorter handle too. Dont know if something similar would be an option though.Thanks heaps!Deke[font="]Deke[/font]
Well: Heres CastAways reply:Quote:There is no connection between Rodsmith and us . We no longer carry either one of those rods.Not exactly brimming with info. I guess well see what American Rodsmiths has to say.Thanks again!Deke[font="]Deke[/font]
Deke,We will get that blank reproduced with a bit improved action. Just sit tight we have already talked about it.BCB
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