Eel blank...
 

Looking to make a good eeling rod and was wondering if anyone had suggestions on the blank I should use.

I have built several plug rods with Batsons and I am very happy. Anyone know of a Batson blankl that would be good?

Thanks in advance,

Fireman

you want a slow to moderate action for an eel rod IMO. alot of guys like the batson 1088 for eels, I personally didn't like the 1088 for anything and sold it. the 1208 batson is even less desirable for eels, again IMO. My advice would be to look at lami gsb 1201M or 1201L, depending on where you fish and what size eels you like. If you only want a 9', the gsb 1081M is a great all around rod and an option, but for eels I prefer the 10' blanks. I'm having a 1201M built now that will be cut down to 9'6" from the but that I think will be a perfect eel rod. You could also look at glass. I use a 9' e-glass all-star and a lami 1213M for eels occasionally. Very nice for casting larger eels, but the rods are heavy and less versatile. If I could only have one rod for eels and plugs, it would be the 1201m. curious to see others opinions.

A 1201L cut back to a #12 brings it in around 9'6" and make a very versatile plug and eel blank. I also like my GLB1081M for a shorter version.

Depends on where you fish , etc. For most people from the beach or shore rocks , 9 feet is good. I actually use a fast action 10.5 footer (Loomis 1266) but that was chosen after years of fishing. Its a conventional and I like the sensitivity . I don't think it would make a good eeling rod if it were a spinner since you would probably have cast off problems.

The 120 1L is so versatile , you can't go wrong for casting but if you fish heavy curremts , you'd want the 1 M. I think for an economical approach , the Batson 108 is good for most.

As always , your best bet is to hold each choice in your hands and decide what feels best.

120 1 m
for all the reasons clog said

I cut mine off the ass to 9'9"

it will turn any fish in the surf in the northeast

Josh,
I know why you didn't like the 1088 I bought off of you. I used it once and decided it needed to be set up differently. The reelseat was 25" from the butt, too high on a 9 footer for me. You also had one less guide, all were one size bigger than on my original 1088. When I finish rewrapping that stick, I'm gonna put it in your hands to try again. As yours was wrapped, it had no balls or casting power.

If you like the Batsons, try the 1207 for an eel stick. Its too fast for my taste, but I have it and have used it eeling many times

gsb 1201m eel rod deluxe

IMO the best eel rod ever made was the JK Fisher 8720. If you can find one, grab it. In fact, it's right up there with the Lami 120 1M for the most versatile surf blank title.

Since Fishers are rare (owners who have them refuse to part with them) I'd second the 120 1M cut 6" from the butt.

I tried fishing eels on my All Star 1208 and found that I cast too many off---I'm assuming that the Rainshadow SU 1208 would be about the same.

Going along with Mike..........Fisher 8708 same as 8720 just shorter, still my go to for eels. They still pop up on occasion

If you've got an SU 1088 w/no balls or casting power someone f'd up something. for plugs 2-4 ounces it SHOULD be a rocket launcher. I's OK for eels but not ideal. Also it's got more backbone than you will ever need...EVER.

Now if it's the SW1088 then it is less rod with decidedly less power. It irks me when people just say RS 1088, as the SW and SU are 2 VERY different rods.


FWIW, #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& used and loved a sabre 1088, which is very similiar to the SW1088 and loved it for eels.

Personally. I'm not nuts about the lami gsb series, I like fast rods, even for eels.

gsb 1201L

My favorite eel rod even though I have a 1201M, sw1088, sabre 1088, and a sw1207.