Rod Building

[wicklundrh]

Hanr3,

Honestly, the steelhead rod is actually lighter than the crappie/panfish rods. Look at the handle OD of the panfish rod and compare it to the steelhead rod.

I use my steelhead rod about 90% of the time for pushing jigs, long lining, and throwing a float for crappies. I also use it vertical fishing for perch.

The rods can be had in several actions, I recommend a light weight moderate action. This will give you a bend from the tip all the way to the handle of the rod. Because of the action of the rods (the rod does the work) you can couple them with a lot lighter line. Most of the time, I steelhead fish with 6lb test Stren Mono. It is actually overkill with this rod for Crappies.

I don't know if I would build six or 8 of them to use as spider rigging rods (only because of total cost) but I recommend everyone to have own. This is the reason I got in to rod building. Anyone can go out and purchase a good/great 7ft spinning rod for way less money than I can build one. The formula however is reversed with it comes to a steelhead rod. I can build a great rod for way less than you can go out and buy one. My personal go to is a 10 footer. Because of the long rod, I can throw a standard float set at a depth of 10ft without the need for using a slip float.

As you know however, not every rod is great for everything. I prefer a little stiffer long rod when dipping treetops.

Trust me, once you get started on the building bug, your going to build yourself a ton of different rods. Saves a bunch of money and is a whole lot of fun and enjoyment on those winter days and evenings.

[deathb4disco]

I use my steelhead rod about 90% of the time for pushing jigs, long lining, and throwing a float for crappies. I also use it vertical fishing for perch.

They're very versatile. I use mine for tossing spinners and crankbaits for trout and soft plastics for bass. On another forum, a guy posted how great they were for throwing popping corks for redfish.

[Hanr3]

Ouch!
I looked at the 14' Panfish and Steelhead series. I can get two of the Panfish series blanks for the price of one Steelhead blank.
The Steelhead series offers a kit version. Is it worth buying the kit? I know you have to buy the components in the kit, is it best to buy them are part of the kit, or separate?

I'm not too worried about the cost. I have several St. Croix Premier series rods that I use for Crappie fishing. Steelhead rods are in that price range.

[skeetbum]

Any other options? Any recommended videos or books on the subject?

I had a book on some really trick custom windings, I'll see if I can dig it up. T.J.Stallings used to wind rods too, you might bump him for some options we wouldn't know about.