building a new pitching/skipping rod, what blank to use?

[banddroy]

Im wanting to build a new pitching rod/ skipping rod for boat docks here in missouri. Im going to split the grip, no forgrip probably around seven feet. I was thing of the st croix. elite medium 7 ft length, or the glx loomis in the mh.. I well mostly be skipping 1/8 to 1/2 stone jigs around docks. What blanks do you guys recommend?If money is no object, what blank and guides would you use?

[hesjustbassin]

Go this route, you won't be disappointed. The Shakari SHX PFS 664.

[Andrew]

The shakari blanks are real nice. I finally got to see a custom one last week. I'm bout to make a split grip jigging rod for docks also. I found a 3C610MHF 6'10 blank i'm going to try. Just little shorter than 7' so it will be better getting round some docks with. I think i want to try some recoil guides from Rec Components. I usually like using fugi alconite new concept guides.

[banddroy]

Thanks for the replys, is shakari going out of business?Where can you get the shakari blanks? Ive notices a couples places have them on closeouts, but they are the cheaper blanks..

[hesjustbassin]

Thanks for the replys, is shakari going out of business?Where can you get the shakari blanks? Ive notices a couples places have them on closeouts, but they are the cheaper blanks..

No they have been bought out however. Here is where you can order them.
http://www.shikariblanks.com

[banddroy]

I think ive miss spelled. i believe its shikari...

[hesjustbassin]

Just click on the address, it will take you there.

[Andrew]

yea they were bought out. I been looking at the ones from http://www.angelfire.com/ks/bingham/...12% off manuf. retail prices on all shakari blanks. Best deal on em i've found but if you find a better deal please post it..

[topcat]

Welcome Aboard banddroy I see you are finding your way around and have already met some of the great members we have at Ultimate Bass....If I can help you find any thing or answer any question you might have about the site just let me know....once again welcome and enjoy.......

Topcat

[banddroy]

Thanks for all the great info, this is a great site. I just happen to come stumble upon this site. Ill be a regular visitor from now on, thanks once again

[justtrying]

i've just bought a few shikari blanks from andy dear @lamar tackle & also, from karen @bingham.  karen has the best prices ..in fact, andy gets some of his blanks from her.

you have to have a retail lic to buy from most of the stores w/better pricing. 

btw, you can't go wrong w/the shikari blank ...and, i've got the new catalog from atc (bought out shikari), if any of you need it. ..got it from george on bfhp.

ronnie

[spoonplugger1]

For the people looking for Shikari blanks, there are still a few around including some of the SHX blanks, off the top of my head Bingham Enterprises, a rodbuilding supplier in Kansas has some. I think Karen said they were going to list them in the closeout or bargain basement section of their site. Andy Dear at Lamar Fishing had some also and he bought out all the last of the All Star blanks. Anyone want some more info on where some Shikari may be I can put out feelers.
Andy has been doing business with a blank builder in New Zealand that has been really making a name for themselves amongst us rodbuilders, CTS. They have a way of laying up blanks that make them both lightweight, sensitive and very durable. I've built 4 rods on their blanks, two are 3 piece travel spinning rods destined to be used in Alaska for large Rainbow Trout and Coho Salmon. Extraordinary blank designs with custom tapers and colors to match your taste and situations. The blanks aren't cheap, but they aren't as expensive as some of the domestic high end blanks.