I was wondering what handle would be better on the CalStar 8ool for throwing the big plugs also if im going to be trolling alot with the down riggers and heard that the cork handle would get damaged faster in the rod holder is that true ? and this ones for Rob i was wondering what style Handle do you have for the CalStar 800l ?

Thanks, Ryan Bearden

I have hypalon on my plug rods. I have whoever makes it for me shave down the handle a fair amount though. Cork is lighter, as is cork tape, but I want something comfy under my arm and I like a meatier grip I guess. Cork probably wouldn't be good in a rod holder either for trolling.

The 800L is the heavy hitter for this stuff. 800XL is more all around. I like the 800L but it but it's not for everyone.

One thing to consider. If you wrap the 800L like a normal ocean rod with an underwrap and heavy epoxy, it really changes the action. Heavy chrome guides will do the same thing. I have a single over wrap and it makes the rod a lot lighter and more sensitive. I am also using a 3 foot fuji guide instead of chrome. A heavy wrap/epoxy and chrome guides will make the rod whippier and dull the action. If you pick up a factory made Calstar 800L you can see what I mean.

Good luck with it, it's always fun to get a new rod.

Funny you should ask. I just bought my 800L components yesterday. I normally would've done cork, but I liked rob's rods with the hypalon, so I went that route. Depending on the cork, it shouldn't get too thrashed in rod holders. Afterall, Larry has all cork handles on his rods and they're constantly in and out of rod holders. Hypalon and EVA are made for that kind of stuff though, so it's not going to get thrashed from sitting in rod holders. If I hadn't seen/built rob's rod I probably wouldn've gone cork (If I could find some with a big enough inner diameter...) but the hypalon worked out well, plus it's easier and cheaper, so I just went that route. Looks cool when all the guides are wrapped black too.
-Brian

Rob where did you get your CalStar from and did you say it was the 800xl or 800l that you have ?

Tight Lines , Ryan Bearden

Ryan,
I have an 800XL that I built. I think the 800XL is perfect for the big plugs and I personally wouldn't want anything heavier. I only did a single overwrap as well. Another thing I did was put the guides on the spine to make it even lighter and give better action. The reel seat I used is a Fuji trigger reel seat. For the handle, I have hypalon which I shaved down. I don't think a cork handle would be that comfortable for how big it needs to be. I think Hypalon is alot nicer to hold on to on those cold trout pluggin' days. If you have any other questinons like handle lenghts, guide spacing/size,etc... just ask. It would be fun to compare mine with the other guys anyway.-Phil

Phil im just confused on what handle to get everywhere i called they are factory rods with either the deck handle or cork handle if i get the cork handle where could i get it shaved down at or is the deck hand a good choice , only one i could find they said it has fuji giudes and a deck hand handle ?

Thanks , Ryan

Ryan,
I would NOT buy the stock 800L or 800XL. If you are going to buy a factory made rod I would look at a Graphtec, Shimano, or Allstar rod. Maybe a Wade Rod or any 8' rod that felt right, but the factory Calstars are designed for fishing in the ocean, not for the big plugs. The fact that the blanks are great for it doesn't mean that they are great when wrapped with chrome guides and under wraps on the guides.

I have the 800L, not the 800XL, but I always recommend people to get the 800XL because it is a better all around rod than the 800L. The 800L is way too much rod for the 7" plug. It shines with the 12" plugs and it's just fine for the 9". I have been using my Rainshadow SW976 for the 7" lures and it's fine for the 9" as well, but it's not the greatest with a 12" lure or a heavy bait like an osprey. I could probably use an all around rod, but what I'm actually going to do is try to get another SW967 so I can have a light plug rod and a 5" swimbait rod rigged up at the same time.

You should ask Mike Shaw how many 8 foot plug rods he has :-) I think at least a dozen last time I was at his house!

Hey, i have a Shikari rod im building up model # BT8020 or something like that. I used 11" rear cork and 5" fore cork with a trigger seat. I really like the cork and lightness of it. It makes for a nice rod. Im wrapping this one with pac bay model N's so those are plenty light and show off some inlays really well. This rod is gonna be wprial wrapped -sorry Brian- which is really neat. Looks pretty trick and also cuts out the torqe from the reel seat. Really not nessecary but im up for soemthing new allthe time. I'll let you know how it turns out when im done wrapping it in a little bit. Next step is the souped up Catala 300 and a few plugs. This will make a nice saltwater rod for stripers and WSB as well as halis.

Good fishing,
Joel

Hi Guys!

When I built my Calstar 800L, I used Hypalon and the Spiral Wrap, (also known as the Roberts Wrap or Acid Wrap) guide placement system with Fuji SiC NSG guides (underwrapped). I am thrilled with the finished product - the rod casts really well and has excellent control on the retrieve using the big lures.

I liked the Spiral Wrap so much, I also built up another old Fenwick FS908 (glass flipping stick blank) using the same technique.

Don't knock it 'till youv'e tried it!

Where can i get a custom rod made with the 800l blank ?


Thanks ,Ryan

Where do you live?

Hi Ryan!

You could even build up the rod yourself - its not too difficult! For info on the Spiral Wrap and fitting Hypalon grips, see: www.bigbass.0catch.com/id9.htm

For general rodbuilding info and supplies, try www.mudhole.com

Have fun!

Thanks I will try and build a new rod now that I have seen how easy it really is .

Tight Lines , Ryan Bearden