"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
Ok...

I had an 8' flippin stick I really really really really really really
liked.
It disappeared out of my boat. I hate to say it was stolen because I was
running up some overgrown brush choked back channels that day, and it is
possible it was dragged out of my boat by a branch. It was in its rod
sock,
and it was strapped down, but all kinds of things can happen.

Anyway... here is what I want.

7' 11 3/4" long

Xtra Heavy Power
Mod Fast Speed (That's right)

Blank open to finger under the reel.

Lamiglas makes one, but it has a real dead feel to it.
St Croix's new blue blank Tournament series is not bad, but it is awfully
tip heavy.

Here is a feature I would like, but is not an absolute must.

Slightly shorter base handle than the average flipping stick (2-3 inches
shorter), and weight added inside the base of the blank to counter the
shorter handle. This will give a functionally longer rod for flipping
without breaking the 8' max rule.

Don't even suggest a tip heavy rod. We are known to start flipping out
here
and never stop all day long.

Am I willing to pay for custom? Maybe. Depends on how much.

The company (Tica) who made the one I lost is still in business, but I
can't
find anybody who stocks these rods in this part of the country.

Bob, have you considered contacting Tica directly? Or, if they do have one
you like, take the model number to your local dealer and see if they can get
one for you.

I wonder too, would the St. Croix Tournament series rod still feel tip heavy
if weight was added to the butt as you wish?

I do agree with you about the shorter butt grip. I find most flippin sticks
have too long of a butt grip and it just gets in the way when I'm
flippin/pitchin. I know that a longer section would have more leverage when
fighting a fish, but I guess I have to ask myself, "what am I doing more,
flippin/pitchin or leaning on fish?"

I wish it was the latter, but I have to be realistic and know it's the
former.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com