I was wondering if you guys have any opinion on the Seeker 220 Classic Series, 8.5' (rated 10-30 lb.) with cork tape grip for local saltwater fishing (bass, halibut, etc.)? Thanks...

Never fished one, but sounds good. The rating may be a little heavy for calico bass (unless you're pullin em outta kelp and boiler rocks), but it should be perfect for white seabass and halibut. I use a similar stick for 25/30# for the white seabass/halibut/deepwater. Actually, Rob knows what I'm talkin about... old 8'6" Fenwick. You may consider going lighter, like something in the neighborhood of 15-20 for most wsb/calico/halibut applications, but that Seeker 220 sounds good for a "heavier" bait rod. I'd say pull on one and see if it's more on the 20# and over side, or 20# and under side. Shoot for something that's 20# and under. I can reccommend the Calstar 900XL or 800XL (9' and 8') as sweet calico sticks for 15-20. So, pull on one, see how it feels, and go from there.

BTW: corktape is mostly personal preference. It IS a lot lighter and I think more durable, but the downside on the tuna sticks and stuff (I'd say anything over 40#) is that it provides very little cushioning for the fingers when you're pullin hard for long periods, whereas hypalon or eva is more user friendly on the long fights. I did put 3 layers of cork tape on my 40# stick just cause I'm obsessed with the stuff, but it feels pretty cushy so I think it'll work. I draw the line at the trolling stick though... So, hypalon/eva is heavier, and I think more cumbersome on a non-levelwind reel, like a calcutta 400S or equivalent. So, I don't think hypalon is necessary on the lighter rods, and you might as well go for the lighter weight of corktape since extended, hard pulling fights aren't gonna happen on 15# (prove me wrong, prove me wrong :-)).
-Brian

Brian, I have read LOTS of good things about the Calstar 800XL on this website and others. I've often heard it described as "if you are going to own one rod for local SoCal saltwater fishing, this is the rod." But, I have noticed that there are different versions of this rod. Is the 800XL you refer to the same as the graphiter series which includes the GFGR 800XL (Offshore Rods) and GFDH 800XL (Deckhand Series)? What are the differences?

It seems that this rod generally sells for $205-210 online. Are there cheaper places to buy this rod (i.e., tackle stores, sporting good stores, etc.)? Is it better to buy a factory rod or a custom rod?

Thanks for the advice...

They may have the 800XL listed under a couple categories. I think the 900XL is in the deckhand series, but all of the 600, 700, 800, 900 XL, L, ML, M and H are graphiters (get that? 600XL, 700XL... 600L, 700L etc.). I think Calstar put a cuople of em in the "deckhand series" just for advertising or whatever, but they're all graphiters. Lots of people like the 800XL and it is an awesome rod. I personally like a longer rod, and opt for the 9' 900XL. I don't know why, but it just seems to give you a little more clearance over rent rod tangles and moving down the rail and stuff. Most people like the 800XL better though, probably because 9' of rod is a lot to handle if you're not used to it.
As far as custom vs. factory wrap, that's your call. If I were you, I'd go custom wrap. I'm not sure what kind of guides they factory wrap the graphiters with, but good reinforced stainless guides are a must, such as perfection guides. I'm also not sure what type of handle they put on the rods (you can REALLY tell I don't buy factory rods, huh?), but like I said, you'll probably want corktape/no reelseat. Expect to pay around $200 whichever way you go, which is about average, expected cost for a high quality rod like a Calstar or Seeker. Might be a little less, might be a little more. All depends on what type of wraps you get on it, what type of guides, how many guides, what type of butt weave, and the wrapper himself, etc. The one good thing about 8' vs. 9' is that 8' rods are easier to pull on big fish with than 9' rods (the longer the rod, the less the pulling power) so if you'll be fishing yellowtail and albacore that might be a consideration, but if it's only inshore stuff like wsb/halibut/calico bass I'd opt for the longer rod because you can move more line on the hookset, pull fish out of kelp, control the fish etc.
-Brian

Dude,

There is no 600L and so on, only the 600XL, which BTW is a neat little rod.

All 800XLs are the same. The DH series simply means it has cork tape, while the other have reel seats and hypolon. My 800XL is custom wrapped with an aftco seat and LWR (ino the aftco seat is heavy, but screw you, its look really cool haha). All are 8' 10-25#. The XLs are good rods, i have a 700XL too, which is a factory with a trigger seat, nice rod for a calcutta 400.

Leif

Thanks for clearing up the factory wrap deal. I know there's only the 600XL, but it was easier to just say it that way instead of pointing out individual exceptions.
-Brian

I would highly recomend a 220, especially if your going to only buy one bait rod. They have a light tip that is ideal for 'chovie fishing with 20lb for tuna. It is whippiny in the tip but shuts off nicely making it a good all around rod. A 270 8H is the best overall rod for fishing 25 pound test. You can fish any live bait or throw a surface iron with it. When asked by passengers what the best all around setup is I say a penn 500 with 25 pound and a 270 8H.
Just my opinion...

This is a great pole. It is super light for it's size and thickness. Good over all feel. Good price too - picked up mine for $129 at sportmart but noticed they are a little more expensive if you buy online.

If you are fishing mostly for calico's though, you might want to pick up somehting a little lighter and more sensitive.