Blank Suggestion

[BaitBucket]

Looking to build a 28-30" rod for bass and walleye. Both would be around the 5lb range. Im looking at TB and MHX blanks, but not sure which would be best for my application.

Anyone on here build there own rod for this similar application.

[scmelik]

My favorite blanks are the sportsman direct blanks. Ci can sandstorm to whatever action I want and they come in either 32" or 48". $12 for the 32" blank and 17 for the 48" blank

[BaitBucket]

Any suggestion on a blank from them?

[ryno]

The TB perch sweetheart would be the perfect rod, add a walleye tripwire to it to finesse em.  I have two em...one with and one without the tripwire.  I liked em so much I got a mhx walleye wizard, which I thought would be close but wasn't.  I hand tapered it though to be very close.  I just ordered a panfish king so will see if it is close or will still require a custom taper.  The tripwires can be ordered individually from TB if you choose to go that route.

[BaitBucket]

Ryno, what size jigs u use on the TB rod? I will be using some up to 3/4oz.

[ryno]

OK....3/4 oz would be to much for a perch sweetheart.  You probably need the walleye sweetheart.  I have never handled their walleye sticks.  That walleye wizard would be close to handling that weight.  What's the light side of what you use?  Ya might need to rods if going from 1/4 to 3/4.

[scmelik]

The walleye sweetheart will be under powered for 3/4oz, you can do it but you will loose some control.

For the sportsmans direct blanks I like the extrem taper blanks in carbon. I have not used their fiberglass blanks yet so I don't know how they are

[BaitBucket]

Some jigs would be around 1/8oz and the largest around 3/4oz. I just built a rod using a 31" blank from janns. Which is a solid graphite/fiberglass composite blank. I should probably see if that will suit my needs first.

[scmelik]

Some jigs would be around 1/8oz and the largest around 3/4oz. I just built a rod using a 31" blank from janns. Which is a solid graphite/fiberglass composite blank. I should probably see if that will suit my needs first.

you won't be able to find any blank that you handle jig in that range and do it well.  Either you will be way over powered with a 1/8 jig or you will be way under powered with a 3/4 jig.  TB makes two walleye sweetheart blanks, a medium and a medium heavy.  The medium will be good for your 1/8-1/2 and the medium heavy will be good for you 1/2-3/4.  I think, now granted I have never built or fished with the MH blank, so I am just speculating.  they also have their professional line up that is for pike, lake trout, muskies etc that would handle those bigger baits just fine.

[BaitBucket]

Any idea what MHX blank is the equiv of the TB Walleye Sweetheart?

[scmelik]

Any idea what MHX blank is the equiv of the TB Walleye Sweetheart?

I can't answer that one I haven't used anything from mhx ice line up

[BaitBucket]

I can't answer that one I haven't used anything from mhx ice line up

Which sportsmans Direct blank is closest to the Walleye Sweetheart?

[scmelik]

Which sportsmans Direct blank is closest to the Walleye Sweetheart?

They only have one action and speed in the extreme  taper blank. You can sand it to change it to your needs

[SINX53]

I don't think that MHX has a blank close to the walleye sweetheart the next step up would be the professional which is a medium heavy which might be too much. I did email Todd Vivian at Mudhole and he said that is working on a couple medium action blanks. He wasn't sure if he could get them out yet this year but if he did it wouldn't be until November.

[ryno]

I ordered a mhx walleye wizard and I would say it would have to be close to the walleye sweetheart medium so I would assume the mhx walleye would fall in around the medium heavy.  That is just speculation since haven't handled either TB walleye rods.  I'm hoping the mhx panfish king I just ordered is close to the TB perch sweetheart.  Either it will work with some sanding. 

[stpaulslouch]

@ryno - how do you sand your blanks?

[ryno]

@ryno - how do you sand your blanks?

Secured the blank in cordless drill and put it on high (850 rpm).  Started with fairly coarse grit of like 120 I think.  Start at the tip and work the first 6-10 inches over with the occasional full length passes.  Pay close attention cause it comes off pretty fast.  Once feels close to what ur looking for step up to 220 than 320 than 400 than 600 and finish with 0000 steel wool.  Looks perfect.  I like the extra fast taper so I stay around that 6-10 inches.  If wanting lil slower action just work further back.

[Yankee Troller]

Id suggest the TB Perch Sweetheart if you want to have some fun. If your going to use lures up to 1/2oz I would recommend the TB Walleye Sweetheart. It will handle the lures much better.