Based on the calfishing rod article, posts, and immediate availability I have narrowed down my choice for a backup calico rod to the following alternatives. I prefer Calstar for a first rod, but which one of the following do you recommend as best for a second rod for Calico 555 reef type of fishing with 15 pound test and swimbaits on 1/2 - 1 1/2 oz. leadheads?

1. 12-25, 1/2 - 2, 8',heavy, fast, St. Croix TC80HF.

2. 10-20, 1/2 - 1, 7', medium heavy, fast, St. Croix TC70MHF.

3. 12-25, 3/8 - 1 1/2, 7', medium heavy, action-taper?, Fenwick GW70CMH.

4. 12-25, 3/8 - 1,7', medium heavy, action-taper?, Fenwick GTC70MHST.

5. 6 - 17, lure weights?, 8', action-taper?, Fenwick HMXT83ML-2.

Also, is the presence or absence of a trigger grip important for this application?

Thank you very much. I value your opinions.

Larry recommended this rod to me for 15#.

Shimano Calcutta 815XFA

It works great - light and sensitive with plenty of backbone.

I also bought the 812XFA for my 12# outfit and will get an 820 soon.

Dan's a member of the Kalfishing Kalico Klan, LMAO.
-Brian

Very good Brian. Is the Kalfishing Kalico Klan an Affiliate of Larry's Qalico Army In Defense of Angling (Al Qaida), a group that terrorizes calicos? I myself am a former member of the SS (Salmon Society).

Bob

lol

I concur--the XFA815 is my choice but as my PRIMARY rod for 15#. I also love the Loomis L905 but it is only available as a blank for custom rods--it's not as fast as the shimano though.

Mr Salmonoid, First of all whats your real name? so I may adress you by that, second I perfer a pretty stiff fast to extrafast action thats all graphite,as Dan (Seachaser)said I really like the shimano calcutta rods, but they are a little pricey.Im not familar with any of the rods you have listed,again I fish shimano and loomis rods exclusively,but Ive found that stock rack rods are WAY overated on their line recomodations, so with out handling those rods to check for stiffness and action I would recomend you lean towards the ones rated for 15-25lb line for you 15lb plastic set up.Also those allstar graphite rods are very nice rods for the money,and if had to by a plastic stick on a budget those are the rods I would seriosly look at. Also a little trick to check a rod for sensitivity, gently drag the tip of the rod across the linoleum floor,you should be able to feel the texture of the tile through the rod,if you cant feel it, put the rod back on the shelf! All quality factory wrap rod usually have triggers on them. Hope this helps..Larry

Thanks to everyone. My main problem is still availability of the recommended rods. My previous list of choices only included available rods.Here are my availability problems.

1. I have not found a Shimano Calcutta rod in the SB area or in a catalog. Where can I find it?

2. All but one of the Allstar rods that I have seen are 7'. I found one 8' Allstar rod. It is rated at 12-30, but does not have a lure weight rating or other information. Is this the Allstar rod that is being recommended for 15 lb, 1/2 - 1 1/2 oz.?

3. The only Loomis rod that I have seen that is close to the recommended specs is 7'10", 10-17 lb, 1/4 - 1 oz, X fast, power "Mag M". model # MBR941C. Is this too light for 15 lb, 1/2 - 1 1/2 oz,?

Thanks again.

Bob

The Loomis rod you mention is too light for that kind of fishing. I have an HS981 that is very similar to the 7'10" Loomis and it is way too "noodly".

I am in the market for the same type rod you are looking for but I want to build it so the calcutta is out (unless they start offering blanks and offer them in the Matte type finish). Right now I am using a Loomis HS932 which I like for 12 lb. but for 15 (or even 20) I'd like something fast and "beefier" but still lightweight (i.e., not Calstar).

There is a heavier/faster version of that St. Croix you mentioned that I may try. The blank number is GI80XHXF and the pre-built rod number is TC/TS80XHXF. Aside from the Calcutta and Loomis 9' saltwater rods it is the only 8', Extra-fast, all graphite rod I have found that has a line rating of 15 lb. and above. They also have a 7'10" Musky rod that may work also.

Check out the St. Croix website at: http://www.stcroixrods.com

I have never fished St. Croix but have heard decent things about them.

Here are a few I've come across:
St. Croix - GI80XHXF - 8' - 15-40 - Ex-Fast - $95
St. Croix - 2M710MXF - 7'10" - 14-30 - Ex-Fast - $78
Rainshadow - SWS597 - 7'10" - 15-30 - Fast - $65

The problem with the Rainshadow is that it is a composite blank (not full graphite) and the butt section is pretty thick (.900 compared to ~.650 like the others). I prefer to use the Fuji blank exposed triggers for extra sensitivity and they don't make any that would fit a .900 butt. It is also a slightly slower action.

Send me your e-mail address at leapinbass@yahoo.com and I'll send you a complete list of the research I have done so far in trying to find the right blank.

Have you looked at Shikari?

Yep. I don't remember exactly what I found but I know I didn't find what I was looking for.