Cool guys, thanks for the help. I'm probably going to go with the 843 blank for what I'm doing. The forage is usually small at the local lake, so the baits are not likely to weigh more than 1/2 oz. The Loomis blanks prices are great, I can build my own with the blank only costing me about $120 instead of $200 + for the factory rod! I want to put a Kistler style handle on it, so I can bring down the weigh and feel every little wiggle or piece of cover when I'm cranking. It should be easy, just a lighweight reel seat with a large blank check(rubber-type ring)to keep the front protected. I'm also putting a smaller rear grip so it will suit my smaller arms better, longer handles tend to slap on my forearms when I'm ripping or using some stop'n go with a crank. Put some Fuji Alconite single foot guides in the picture and I'll have myself a fish catchin' machine!