[623159]

hey Guys,

I just bought a Penn International 70VS for Tuna stand up fishing.. I was just wondering, which rod would go well with the reel??? Something within the $300 range...A brand name or a custom rod..any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks

Andrew

 

[TonyTuna]

I like and use the Seeker BlackSteel.
Model-G6463XXH AR 6'3".

 

[MakoMike]

Macho,
I like the penn tuna sticks, the 6 footers with all roller guides.

 

[623159]

MakoMike,

I've heard that the penn Tuna Sticks Snap..Is there any Truth behind that??? and will those chrome rollers rust??Thanks.

Andrew

 

[621962]

A friend had one snap shark fishing to penns credit they replaced it immediately.

 

[618412]

Penn Off Shore Rods

I broke a friends 50 to 130 Rod when he was too tired to bring in a 150lb bluefin.I slammed the drag to full and
started to put the hurt on him and me when the rod broke between the 2nd and 3rd roller guide losing the fish on top of it.Needless to say I felt realy bad and offered him one of my own rods that I made over the winter.He wanted to pay me for the rod but I said no it was my fault for slaping the drag home and trying to horse the fish in. I took his rod sent it back with a little note as to what happend. About three weeks later I recieved a new rod from Penn with a note of apology. I sold the rod for half of what it cost and covered my Loss as far as material went.My friend and I book alot of Tuna
Trips and have seen this rod take alot of abuse especialy from me.I still have
one of the original Sabre 50 to 130lb
Blanks that came out in the 80's. I used it to make my younger son His first tuna rod and he is still using it
to this day.You can't beat a custom Built Rod.

 

[MakoMatt]

Andrew, for the money you are talking about I think you're close to the custom rod range which is what I would recommend. All my rods, except for ones I have for certain guests who have no idea what they are doing, are custom made, all with the same wraps, colors, etc.

A good rod builder will work with you and explain the pros and cons of one blank over another. They also load test each blank to make sure the guides are properly placed so that the line never touches the blank, something that is not done with "off the shelf" rods. This is a sure fire way to lose a fish, and for tuna fishing it is even more criticial as you may put tremendous pressure on the rod. I have had rods doubled over with line screaming off the reels, and have never had a blank snap. Also, any problems you may have, you have someone to go speak to about it in person. You may want to speak with Capt Neil here on this board, in addition to making quality rods, he can also recommend good off the shelf rods if that's the way you want to go, but for my money, custom is it, there is nothing like the look and feel of a custom rod, some of them can be real head turners too.

Tight lines,
MakoMatt

 

[MakoMike]

Macho,
I've never had any rust on the roller guides, but lie any roller guide they require maintinance. I've had several of these rods literally doubled over in a rod holer while a big fish screams line off against a 40 pound drag and never had one of them break. OTOH you see some guys have had them break, but at least penn stands behind them. My rods are probably 7 years old now and still going strong.

 

[623159]

Guys,

Thanks for your advice..I will definitely look into the custom rods..
But there are some good quality rods off the shelf at a very friendly price.The Shakespear ugly stick makes 5'6 all roller stand up rod..its only priced at 160, which is reasonable.
But have anyone ever heard of TICA rods?? and what about Star rods?? any good??
Thanks

 

[621962]

check out chaos rods they have a standup rod with an aftco butt and windon guides for $300.00 www.chaosrods.com

 

[Tunatoys]

If you are going to fish no more than 80# I would recommend a st croix standupblank with pacbay ceramic rollers.
I friend of mine and bad attitudes could build this for under $300.00.

 

[Captneilf]

NachoNdrew

Hi,

I build on Seeker, Calstar and Lamiglas tuna blanks.

The previous posters have given you good advice. A Seeker is good value for your money. Most companies stand by their product. It is good public relations and easier to do in a mass production arena.

Matrix1

I think you friend came out way ahead in the trade of his factory rod for your custom rod. Very nice gesture.

MakoMatt

You are so right but better products do not come inexpensively. Thanks.

Capt Neil

ps, Have any of you tried a spiral wrapped tuna stick?? Wait till you do and find out what you have been missing. So far the fishermen that have tried my demo spiral wrapped 50 # stand up tuna stick are very mpressed and most have ordered one.

 

[623159]

Capt Neil,

Where are you located??? Do you have a shop where you build rods?? I live in Brooklyn, so if you're not far I'll take a look at what you have. Thanks

Andrew

 

[Captneilf]

NachoNdrew

Hi,

I am out in Sayville Long Island south of Mac Arthur Airport.

Are you going to the Winter Bash? I am bringing some of my demo rods to the show. I will also have my demo rods at the NY Sportsfishing Federation Show in Freeport during February.

If you tuna fish you have to try the Calstar spiral wrapped rod. It is THAT good, the spiral wrap feature improves all the blanks.

Capt Neil

 

[623159]

Capt Neil,

What do those spiral rods run for?? Will it match well with the International 70VS??

Andrew

 

[Captneilf]

MackoNdrew

Hi,

Sorry, I am not familiar with Int'l 70VS.

A spiral wrapped 50# Stand Up rod goes for about $500.

The price will vary with the blank and guides chosen. Each is one of a kind.

Try one, there is absolutely no obligation of any kind. I am very interested in feed back of all kinds.

Capt Neil

 

[621146]

CUSTOM RODS

I RECOMEND CHAOS RODS. YOU CAN GET A REAL NICE STAND UP 50 FOR 225-250. THEY ARE AT ALL THE SHOWS. I OWN SEVERAL INSHORE AND OFFHSORE. THEY HAVE A LIFETIME GARANTEE. THEY COME WITH DIFFERENT COLORS AND ARE ALL HAND MADE.
ANTHONY

 

[613458]

I'll echo the opinions of several that have suggested Chaos. I own 13 of their rods; everything from spin and plug rods, stand-ups for my 30s, 50s, 70s, and chair rods for 80s. I've put them to the test with tuna and sharks and they have never failed me. I would highly recommend spending the extra $25 bucks on their stand-up models which accomodate bent-butts (at least gives you an option), and I would go with the Stuart guides (big enough for large knots and wind-ons to pass through). They've also come out with a new extreme series which is a little pricier than their standard seies.

Check them out at the NY Boat Show. Tell Bryan or Aldofo that "fishbutt" sent you to see them.

 

[buckley]

70 VS with short rod

You might want to consider mounting that 70VS to a 51" (IGFA legal) Lamiglas custom short rod. Aftco "Bigfoot" guides will easily accomodate 400# wind-on leaders.

And if you hold that rod at the TOP of the hypalon grip (as most anglers don't), even with a kinetic coefficient of friction of .05 for the well-lubricated roller guides, the mechanical advantage will go to the angler rather than the fish.

Keep in mind that on most rods, you're on the wrong side of the fulcrum, or as some of you like to say, "on the short end of the stick".

You should be able to handle a 500# fish with this set-up.

Do I have to teach you guys everything?

Yvonne Buckley

 

[623159]

Buckley,

Where do I get one of those short lamiglas rods??? That looks like a comfortable setup.

Andrew