[Naturalmystic]

Im looking at getting a new rod setup. Im between a St. Croix tidemaster and a sea strike. I have not heard of sea strike and was wondering if anyone has experience. I am looking for a good boat rod to do some bass/blue fishing. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[kringo64]

NEW BOAT ROD

Hi, I'm safe in saying most factory rods are good, but if you want the best value for the money, get in touch with Capt Neil, he will not only sell you the best valued custon rods available (the LI series), he will guide you to the correct rod for your application, I own several......Goos luck, Kevin R

 

[Slick56]

I have a sea strike contour casting rod 6.6ft 5/8-3oz and im amazed at how tuff it is. I pulled in 25# bass,big blues and fluke with no problems. For the money $45 it is amazing. The guides are a bit cheap but for $45 what are you gonna say. I like how the top cork grip is pretty long for some pretty good leverage in the fight. You cant beat a St Croix tidemaster thats for sure! I own one too, fluke rod all the way. 7 ft 1 1/4 oz rated, it can hanlde up to 4oz of lead with ease.

But I have to admit, kringo is probably right. Capt Neils rods are top shelf and his prices are on the money. I own 1 maxmizer 17# rod and have a 25# rod on the way. The light setup of the 17# rod has amazing flex. That forecast blank double over on a HUGE skate. I was in total shock how it bent and did that skate in

Overall- GO WITH CAPT NEILS ROD!!

 

[Naturalmystic]

Thanks for the heads up. I saw Capt. Neil's rods they look fanastic... and have heard nothing but praise for them.

 

[Nikoli]

You may want to add these factory rods to your short list as well Lamiglas BL-6630 or the BL-7030.

 

[DandJfish]

First Choice

Capt Neil's custom. Second choice Seeker, simply tough to beat their stuff for the price

, Plus still made in the USA

.

 

[Azaiter]

DandJfish wrote:
Capt Neil's custom. Second choice Seeker, simply tough to beat their stuff for the price

, Plus still made in the USA

.
Agree 100% whit Dandjfish...love my Seeker I got that rod 25 years ago and still kicking but it going to be my backup rod when I get my 25 class Heavenly Blue Maxi..lol....Fred

 

[Leprechaun]

So I'm not familiar with the Sea Strike rods, but I do know that the Tidemaster line of St. Croix rods is of a fairly light weight and action. I happen to own the very nice TC76HF - a terrific casting rod that has caught many nice bass/blues/weakfish for me. These Tidemasters are intended primarily as lure casting rods, not as traditional "drop and crank" type rods, which would be more along the lines of the Seeker CBW/CSW658 and 708 or the Lami BL6625 and 7030. Of course they can be used for bottom fishing, but they really are a bit more of a finesse type rod.

Since it is the Tidemaster lineup that you initially mentioned, I would visit Capt Neil and look at his line of "Maximizer" or L.I.S. rods built on the 20 and 25lb graphite blanks. Very nice stuff and right around the pricing of the better factory rods - like the St. Croix sticks.

best, Lep

This post edited by Leprechaun 07:13 PM 08/14/2008

 

[Captneilf]

Too many options!

Hi,

Thank you for the good words about the rods I design/build.

I can not compete with the big rod companies. By the way they make very good rods and have selections of models that are beyond compare. So I go in different directions.

What I do try to accomplish is to find blanks that work great for our types of fishing around Long Island. Couple that with doing things with the blanks that you ask for or a crazy idea I come up with and there it is, a model to use that is fun to catch fish.

I do have a couple new ideas and new models on the drawing board but have not had to time to build and test. Hopefully soon.

As fishermen we are very fortunate to have so many model options and at many different price levels.

Your faithful rod servant.