Looking to build a chatterbait rod that will also serve as a larger treble rod as well.

I like a more moderate action for chatterbaits, I've narrowed it down to these popping blanks:

7' 10-20 line, 3/8-1oz

7'6" 8-17 line, 1/4-3/4

8' (same specs as the 7' above)

 

I like to throw 1/2oz plus chatterbaits with a trailer (devil spear, 3.8-4.8 keitech, 4" lft magic shad).  I am doing most of my fishing in the moderate cover of northern Lake Champlain.

 

Am I out of my head thinking a popping blank would work for this? Given my location and bait preference, which of these blanks would you choose?

 

i would take a look at the composite blanks from  Phenix , the X-10 & X -12  ,( 7' & 7'6'' both  rated 1/4 - 1 oz. ) or for a little stiffer the X-11 or X-13 (7' & 7'6'' both rated for 1/2- 3 oz.) very light and strong blanks

There are varying versions of popping blanks. Some are fast action with a soft tip, others more of a mod fast or mod.  I think a popping Rod is a better choice for the chatter bait as it will get to the backbone quicker than a traditional cranking blank. Given what and where you fish I'd lean toward the heavier power in a 7'6". There are lots of good blanks that fit the bill. I'll be doing some shopping later and will flag a couple. 

These are Rx7's, could I cut down the 8ft'er?

You could but you'll get more backbone by using a 7'6" or extending a 7'. 

I think a Rainshadow popping blank is an excellent choice. Personally, I'd step up to the 7' heavy. I've had the RX8 medium heavy, and I don't think it will be enough rod for half ounce plus chatterbaits with those bigger trailers. The ratings can't be compared to a typical mag bass / bottom contact blank. Two different animals. 

On 10/29/2016 at 1:00 PM, Big Bait Fishing said:

i would take a look at the composite blanks from  Phenix , the X-10 & X -12  ,( 7' & 7'6'' both  rated 1/4 - 1 oz. ) or for a little stiffer the X-11 or X-13 (7' & 7'6'' both rated for 1/2- 3 oz.) very light and strong blanks

just got an x-10 and might have to throw some bladed jigs on that bad boy!  i used to have a dobyns 705cb glass that was awesome for throwing 3/8-1/2oz bladed jigs on as well.

If you want to go with the Popping blank then we’d recommend our RainShadow REVELATION line of popping blanks (formally the RX7) – the action is Mod-Fast. Go with the MH or Heavy power.

On October 29, 2016 at 3:59 PM, webertime said:

These are Rx7's, could I cut down the 8ft'er?

Trimming the blank will void the warranty.