[dhoperos]

does anyone have opinions on good options for spinning sticks for casting to school BFT?

I'm looking for something that is
- economical, perhaps around $300
- offers good all-around performance as this will be my only spinning stick
- suitable for throwing light/small popper
- off the shelf, no time to have anything custom built

the OTI's seem to be gaining in popularity. i've also been impressed with the weight of the st. croix sticks. and it sure is hard to leave a graphite-usa unmolested.

please help!

david

 

[KILSONG]

David,
I tested my new custom OTI's 8'6" popping rod yesterday and I could cast with Yozuri GT Popper farther with the rod than with any other rods I've used.
I got the rod mainly for the use of bluefin popping in Cape Cod Bay and off Chatham this summer and fall and I am very impressed with the performance. The rod might be too long to fight a nice bluefin, but I'd rather worry about it after I hook up a tuna first.

I choose the blank as I want a light tip section rod to use smaller and lighter poppers for bluefin. I am going to test the rod for yellowfin on upcoming Big E trips to know the rod is strong enough for nice tuna.
I don't think the 8'6" rods are available, but you can check with them.

 

[paul708]

Kil, what reel were you using?

 

[KILSONG]

paul708 wrote:
Kil, what reel were you using?
Shimano Stella 16000F

 

[tunafever]

you guys should be able to answer this question: Can I make a popping rod out of a 2 piece surf blank? Any suggestions?

 

[paul708]

dhoperos wrote:
does anyone have opinions on good options for spinning sticks for casting to school BFT?

I'm looking for something that is
- economical, perhaps around $300
- offers good all-around performance as this will be my only spinning stick
- suitable for throwing light/small popper
- off the shelf, no time to have anything custom built

the OTI's seem to be gaining in popularity. i've also been impressed with the weight of the st. croix sticks. and it sure is hard to leave a graphite-usa unmolested.

please help!

davidwhich stcroix were you looking at?
the OTI's are very popular
GUSA my have something also

i am SURE there is a rod that out there is perfect for you

 

[KILSONG]

Angelo, There are not many strong surf rod to be used for tuna, but I used Shimano's 9 ft surf rod (Tiralejo TRS-90MH-2) for bluefin in Cape Cod Bay. The rod is very light, but is rated to 65 lbs.
As the tip of the rod is pretty light ( I had to use lighter tip as I used very small and light poppers for them), you got to take care of it delicately.

 

[GrouperHawg]

It was like watching a missile launch.
Surprised me he could cast that far.

 

[KILSONG]

GrouperHawg wrote:
It was like watching a missile launch.
Surprised me he could cast that far.
I was surprised too.

 

[bretabaker]

i've got the 7'6" OTI rod. the rod is plenty strong, but it will be tough to really throw far without something over 4oz since the tip isn't that soft. I think it'll be fine unless I start throwing really light lures.

 

[paul708]

bretabaker wrote:
i've got the 7'6" OTI rod. the rod is plenty strong, but it will be tough to really throw far without something over 4oz since the tip isn't that soft. I think it'll be fine unless I start throwing really light lures.Bret, do you have the lighter or heavy OTI?

 

[Rodwinder]

I knew that rod would be a winner Kil

 

[paul708]

Rodwinder wrote:
I knew that rod would be a winner Kil

Ralph, its great hearing that you liked the rod before it even got tried
Most of the OTI stuff has been working very well, and the new products coming out seem to be right on track

 

[KILSONG]

We don't have many qaulity popping blanks for tuna available.
OTI blanks look good, but they are new and need intensive testings to know they actually can sustain tuna pressures for long.
The weights of OTI blanks are a little heavier than most Japanese rods, but not much and the blanks are more forgiving as they are composite while most Japanese rods are graphite.

 

[bretabaker]

paul708 wrote:
bretabaker wrote:
i've got the 7'6" OTI rod. the rod is plenty strong, but it will be tough to really throw far without something over 4oz since the tip isn't that soft. I think it'll be fine unless I start throwing really light lures.Bret, do you have the lighter or heavy OTI?

heavy, the 80 lb rated rod. I'd be interested to try the 50lb rated to see the difference. it's nice, don't get me wrong....just tough to really sling a 2-3oz swimbait.

 

[KILSONG]

bretabaker wrote:

heavy, the 80 lb rated rod. I'd be interested to try the 50lb rated to see the difference. it's nice, don't get me wrong....just tough to really sling a 2-3oz swimbait.
When fishing rigs in Gulf of Mexico, the 80 lbs OTI are good as yft there don't mind hitting big lures and it is much easier to fight big tuna with 80 lbs than 50 lbs rods. However if you need extra distance or use very light lures, 50 lbs rods are better suited.
I'll bring the 8'6" rod on the June 13/15 Big E trip and I am sure you want the rod as soon as you see me cast.

 

[KILSONG]

Rodwinder wrote:
I knew that rod would be a winner Kil

Ralph, let me know when the St Croix rod is ready.
If the rod doesn't break while tuna jigging, it will be a big winner too as it is so light. I'd like to test the rod as soon as bluefin move into our areas in early Juy.

 

[bretabaker]

haha, yeah it will be nice to see how that 8'6" works. what is it rated as? would you compare it to any other rods?

 

[636010]

bretabaker wrote:
haha, yeah it will be nice to see how that 8'6" works. what is it rated as? would you compare it to any other rods?

The one I wrapped for TJ felt similar to the 7.5' 80# rod that is in production now.

 

[bretabaker]

if it casts a good deal farther i'll probably swap out the 7'6" rod.