Thread: Custom rod for small live bait

Looking at specifications on getting a live bait rod for free lining shrimp and croaker for trout particular under the lights and on the pier. Was thinking supersized rod guides and slow action and light or medium light.
Never had a custom rod built and would like some input. This would be strictly for live bait fishing.

J&M is your go to place for advice, maybe even a build.....there are many rod builder but the finer advice.... points to Mr. John g

A slow action blank around 7.5' with a long handle so you can lob instead of cast will be easier on the bait and a trout's soft mouth. No need for large guides because I assume you would be using a 4000 size reel or smaller, a 30mm "K" series single foot would be as big as you need and using 7mm low frame single foot fly guides for the last three guides will keep the blank from getting to wobbly. Most people don't realize, but you can manipulate the action of a blank by the weight of the last couple guides and the ring diameter of the tip.