SWS 967 (Blue Blank)
SWS967
SW967

What is the difference between the models listed above or they all basically the same. I found a guy who has some and I want to know whether it is better to buy the blank and have it custom wrapped or get it already wrapped.

One other quick question, do you use Fluorocarbon on all swimbait applications?

Thanks in advance for all the information you provide on here Rob, you have a great site.

Levi

You can click on the saltwater link from this page to check out the full list of rainshadow saltwater (SW) blanks. I'm not sure about the models you are referencing but I'd guess that they are all referring to the same blank.

http://www.batsonenterprises.com/rodblanks.php

Is it better to get the blank or get it wrapped already... Well as far as I know, Rainshadow does not make pre-made rods, they only make the blanks. So if someone is selling a wrapped rod, they must have wrapped it themselves. There's no stock Rainshadow rod like there is with Loomis for example.

Florocarbon... I see it like this:

For lighter baits, murky water, or surface applications, I use straight 25lb mono.

For heavier baits, clear water and/or subsurface applications, I typically use a florocarbon leader.

I've experimented with fishing straight florocarbon, and it is OK. But I don't see any real advantage in it when you could spend a lot less money and just tie in a leader. It's not like you need extra sensitivity in swimbait fishing! And I happen to like the stretch in mono because I feel like it's less likely to tear the hooks out. To me, the stiffer the line is, the easier it is to throw slack in it and the more likely it will be to tear a hole in the bass' lip. I've experimented with florocarbon for regular bass techniques also and as time has passed, I've found that I only really like it for crankbait fishing, and light line techniques like small jigs and small worms. I don't even really like it for drop shotting even though it's supposed to be the hippest thing for that technique. I guess overall I just try things for myself and decide if it works for me. Its easy to get caught up in the hype of new technology products, but just because something is new doesn't mean its the best :)

Thanks alot for the information Rob!

One last question, what is a typical cost to get a blank wrapped? I know what components are used play a major part, but is there a price range I should be shooting for?
Thanks again,

Levi

A custom 8' rod... anywhere from $180 to $300. It all depends on cost of the blank, the components and how fancy the wraps are.

>Thanks alot for the information Rob!
>
>One last question, what is a typical cost to get a blank
>wrapped? I know what components are used play a major part,
>but is there a price range I should be shooting for?
>Thanks again,
>
>Levi
IVE GOTTEN QUOTES IF YOU HAVE THE BLANK THE LOCAL TACKLE SHOP CHARGES $75 PLUS PARTS

Hey Rob do you just tie line to line ? Im killing my budget with all the florocarbon Im having to buy. dont even ask about lost baits :-)

hey Joe
Yeah I just tie the floro to the mono directly with a blood knot. I'm very meticulous about it and I tighten it up real snug and trim the tag ends as close as is feasible, like 1/16 of an inch or less. Mike Shaw taught me the floro leader trick and it really works well sometimes.