RE: Rod for SRC in Salt

[Tim Harris]

My current favorite rod is a Sage 690 RPLXi.  It is a saltwater rod, fast action, light enough to not tire but yet tough enough to handle silvers when they are in. It is great for bonefish in the Yucatan or surfperch on the coast too when the wind isn’t too bad.   The rod has a small fighting butt but not much of one, I don’t think it is essential but it is standard on most saltwater rods these days and I’m betting a lot of saltwater specific reel seats have one integrated.  It is also nice just so you aren’t scuffing up a nice metal butt on the barnacles and rocks on the beaches around here.   As for grips, the full wells is definitely the “standard” on saltwater rods.  I use a western on most trout rods but like the full wells for saltwater.  If I had my ultimate rod it would be a 9’6” - 10’ rod though, the extra length would keep the backcast up a bit more and keep me from ticking flies on the beach in back of me so I would go as long as you can find a decent blank for.   Rumors abound of a CDC two-hander made specifically for the Pacific inshore fisherman and I’d be very interested in that when it comes out but that could be a very hard one to build on your own.     Tim     From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of The Coles Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 11:12 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Rod for SRC in Salt   One of my winter projects is to build an affordable yet well designed fly rod that is specifically for fishing cutthroat in the salt.  I just read the section in Les Johnson's new book to get his take on the subject and Les lays out a very practical description for what is needed, particularly with respect to componentry (aluminum or graphite reel seats, salt resistant guideset, and thorough epoxy to seal the guide feet from saltwater intrusion).    I am looking for input from other list members on what their favorite SRC saltwater set up is and why?  So far I am leaning towards a two piece moderately fast action rod 8'8" to 9'6" in length There are lots of candidates for all metal and graphite reel seats that would fit the bill - Struble, REC, T&T, PacBay, Bellinger, et al all offer quality aluminum (and titanium) seats specifically for saltwater use, with prices ranging from $15 - $140 for a seat.  I haven't been able to find an objective review comparing the performance qualities of reel seats, though (does such a thing exist?).  The other design question is whether the "ideal" SRC-in-salt rod would have a fighting butt.  Guides seem easy enough to make decisions about as I'd think that any stainless steel with either black chrome or titanium nitrate finishes would do an adequate job.  What style of grip?  I fish alot with a Scott SAS 906/5 that has a "western" style grip but I am thinking that full wells might be the way to go.  Any insights on grip styles?   That's it for now...  look forward to hearing from you all on my topic   Steve Cole