Tog Rod

[260SEAVEE]

Being the old salt I am and a somewhat newby to toggin, I coverted modified grahite 2 blanks like muskie rods made by st crroix, loomis anmd lamiglass, I hated trhe trigger grip reel seats, even went to supersensitive salmon steelhead blanks/ rods all with shortcommings, than I modified my trigger musky rods by extening the boat 6 - 12".
Still wasn't satisfied!!!!
Went to my 9" + surf fiberglass custom rods from the 80's ( yeah no BS)
stripped 'em down cut them to handle a 10-12 oz sinker with still a little bounce in the tip. Fish them 7 1/2 the 7 3/4' long with composite grips and coek tape in between. Simple strong conventional lile a Newel 220 or Squider 140/200 and 50 to 60 braid = Dynamite Tog Stic for me especially in the deeper stuff - can put the boots to them if needed still enough cushion not to rip the hooks when they are digging in
The muskie triggers still work for me in the inshore rocky areas with mono up tom 40'
depending on the current and conditions and the bite 30 - 60 # leader ;-0

[Gerry Zagorski]

Funny I was just talking to Tropics about tog rods and he too mentioned cutting down a glass surf stick and loves it as well...

Anyone have any opinions on spirals???

Bulah..... Buhlahhhhhh ??

[hartattack]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Funny I was just talking to Tropics about tog rods and he too mentioned cutting down a glass surf stick and loves it as well...

I use a classic Harnell stick that was chopped and it's awesome. Only problem is not getting out enuff I'll be happy to let you use it Gerry, just set up the next PUOSU trip and it'll be there

[260SEAVEE]

BTW - These rods were moderate to medium action with the exception to a lami BT108 3M which was cut to 7/64 tip.
This blank is a beast ! plenty of power to snap a stuck rig off the bottom, yet sensitive enough for enough the faintest tog nibble

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by hartattack

I use a classic Harnell stick that was chopped and it's awesome. Only problem is not getting out enuff I'll be happy to let you use it Gerry, just set up the next PUOSU trip and it'll be there

Working on the PUOSU with MVP as we speak Larry so stay tuned and hope to see you on both trips

[Gerry Zagorski]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys...

Based on what I've seen here I'm leaning towards glass or a glass composite and probably 7'6"

I have a St Croix PM 7'6 M/H fast action which will I may use as the deep/heavy rod so looking for something for the lighter rod...

[njboarder]

I'm building one using phenix M1 blank.(MXUR80H-B, 15-35lb, Mod-Fast)
pictured is the blank with a 10oz sinker and 3lb dumbell hanging on it.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by njboarder

I'm building one using phenix M1 blank.(MXUR80H-B, 15-35lb, Mod-Fast)
pictured is the blank with a 10oz sinker and 3lb dumbell hanging on it.

Wow That looks like a sweet blank and I've heard several good things about Phenix too.

Have or will you cut the blank down or use as is?

What material, carbon fiber?? If so it must be light...

[RedBank16]

My vote goes to the very hard to find and long ago discontinued Harnell 530.
It was an 8' moderate taper blank, and you could cut it down from either end to your liking.
When I was able to get Harnell blanks (OK, it was around 15 years ago, but I like to live in the past), I sold quite a few of them in AH Munical Harbor. The 530 was by far the most popular blank for blackfish.
Some guys bought 6 of these at a time, so there still may be some tucked away somewhere.

[Garone Custom Rods]

Personally I like glass or composites. For me moderate fast is the way to go. Like Kevin said before you pull less hooks and break off less big fish. As for spiral I am a big fan, but for me I hold the rod upside down waiting for the bite so for blackfish I prefer straight wraps. If you hold the rod right side up the spiral will do all of the things listed previously.