Great Jig Fishing article, Rob! I will definitely consider your recommendations. The Castaway FR76 was mentioned in the article as being a great jig rod. What Calstar blanks would you recommend to build up a custom (Bass) jig rod (I know you like Calstar blanks!)? I am considering either a GF700XL or GF800XL (fast action rated to 25lb line) but think this might be a bit heavy (based on the GF800L which I got for throwing the really big and heavy stuff like Ospreys and Slammers), or the GX7 or GX8 (slightly slower action rated to 20lb line). What do you think? Any comments from anyone would be much appreciated.

Has anyone had any experience fishing a rod using the "Roberts" or "Spiral" Wrap? The first couple of guides from the tip (including the tip) are placed under the rod as in guide placement for a spinning reel, then the last four guides including the stripping guide bringing the line to the (casting) reel are placed around the blank in a spiral to cause the line to travel from under the rod spiraling to the reel (see www.floattuber.com/CRB101/CRB101a.htm for a more detailed description). This is said to eliminate torque and provide a very stable fish fighting platform and has been used on both saltwater and bass rods by certain custom builders.

Greetings from South Africa and Tight Lines to all you Stateside Bassers!