Custom Tuna Rods

Eric McNiff · #1 02-27-2003, 12:07 PM

I just wanted to pass along a great tuna rod builder to you guys. I fish for giants from the bow of my 23' and the rods that this guys builds are perfect for this type of fishing. They also work great from the stern of a larger boat because of their forgiving nature.

The rod is designed for 130 sized reels, BUT they are longer and more flexible than a standard "chair style" rod. Most large rod manufacturers are stuck in the age of fighting chairs....they make short, stout tree trunks....fighting a giant from a rod holder with this kind of rod is difficult. What this company does is it uses a 80lb blank, gets some extra length and adds a couple more rollers. With 60lbs of pressure on large bluefin the tip is at the same level as the reel. This puts more pressure on the fish and is more forgiving. I have lost 80% less fish with this rod because I get them in more quickly and with less pulled hooks.

I am hesitant to put this information out to the masses (much like other commercial tuna fisherman), but I can't help it, these things work great......I have a picuture of the rod in action (fighting a 750 bluefin) if anyone is interested (don't know how to post it, but I can email it).

The company name is Mad Fish Tackle....email Dave at madfishtackle@yahoo.com.

Scott · #2 02-27-2003, 12:36 PM

Eric ..... Please send some pictures !!! This blank that is used is it top secret or can I buy the blank. What about lower rated blanks (50 Lb blanks) for trolling

Cant wait to see the pics !!!! If its alright we can post them to this thread

Seacraft232000@yahoo.com

Thanks
Scott

Eric McNiff · #3 02-27-2003, 12:44 PM

Scott - I will send pictues right now.

I think he can make 50's for you as well - you might want to call him. I am not sure of the blank....maybe Saber?

Not sure if you would see the advantage in a smaller rod though.

Scott · #4 02-27-2003, 02:13 PM

Thanks Eric

I'll take a look....Do you want me to post the picture here ???

I tinker around a little with rod building myself and would most likely build them on my own.... hence the question about the blanks [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Eric McNiff · #5 02-28-2003, 12:46 PM

Sure Scott, feel free to post the picture/s.

I just talked to Dave, the blank is a CalStar blank - all fiberglass - 6.5ft or longer depending on your taste - it is a 80 class rod that uses 130 sized guides and butt and of course 130 reel.

Scott · #6 03-01-2003, 01:55 AM

Thanks Eric for the information

and your pics:

Let the games begin

Game over

bluestone · #7 03-03-2003, 10:45 PM

Eric M,
trying to understand your post [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] your speaking of a rod holder( harness belted onto your body?)or a fighting chair?

in order to understand the most basic concept of stand-up fishing, keep in mind the idea of a tug-of-war between man and fish...long rods, similiar to what is ordinarily used in a fighting chair, leave the stand-up angler at a terrible disadvantage against the fish when used out and away from the fighting chair...the closer we can get the stand-up angler's tackle to approximating a tug-of-war, the better off he or she will be...this usually means using the shortest rod posible,while still remaining inside IGFA spec's and allowing the angler to perform the needed tasks at hand... in most instances, this usually means that 6 feet is the longest length that the average angler can handle and still reap the benefits of stand-up or high-leverage style fishing...on those rods meant for really powerful and large fish, using lines rated for 80lb and up and holding plenty of drag pressure on the reel, rods in the 5 feet 6 inch to 5 feet range may be even more suitable...

but if your fishing from a fighting chair then the above would be the opposite...
(credits Tom kirkman,E.Gary P)

Hooper · #8 03-04-2003, 10:09 AM

EP Gary-

Just FYI...

The "new" thing in bluefin fishing in New England is to use bent butt rods fished in a swivel rod holder. When a fished is hooked the rod is never removed from the swiveling holder simply fought from that gunnel mounted rod holder.

Is it less sporting than a Murray Bros. fightin' chair? Yeah, but there are no sportfisherman when it comes to the New England bluefin fishery.

Seems the rods that are a bit longer would be a real advantage!

Thanks for the info!

-Hooper

bluestone · #9 03-05-2003, 07:35 AM

Thanks, Hoop,

Sportsmanship no longer follows the laws of physics in New England. Gee whiz, my life at Brown is all for naught. Touche.

Eric McNiff · #10 03-05-2003, 08:18 PM

Right on Hooper.....we fight them right out of the rod holder. I don't think it is any less sporting though....it is probably harder to do it from the holder than from a chair (physically).

I will say that the bluefin tuna industry in N.E. is something to behold. It is like the wild west out there....I will say that you don't exactly get the "sporting" feel from other boats out there - they just as drop their anchor on your deck and start chuming.