Hello, question about United Composites Xtreme rail rod blanks. I'm planning my tackle for a 2020 15 day trip and plan to build some rail rods. Can you please tell me the sweet spot in terms of line rating for each of the 7' and 7.5' models. I haven't decided which length I want to go with but I think I remember reading the actions and line ratings are different between the two lengths.

Really appreciate any info you can provide. Thanks.

The longer rods have more material and can fish a bit heavier than the 7 footers. In general, I look at the Centaur as the 100# piece, Viper at 130, Invictus as the more aggressive higher drag 130 and up, with the Gladiator being unlimited. The 7'6" Raptor will fish 80, the 7 foot version perhaps a better match at 60. But, really the numbers don't mean much from a line test perspective, it's really all about the drag load. In that context, read over what we've posted on our site's UC page for the finished rods. That should guide you well. I've posted the suggested drag loads for the rods, you can see the difference between models and lengths clearly, and then make your call.

The boat you most like to fish may also have some bearing. The longer rods are a great match for the big LR boats with WIDE rails, thinking Excel, RP, RRIII...verses say American Angler sized craft.

As these rods carry more strain than the average stick, is there a reason that they don't use rollers?

Few people on the West Coast use roller rods except for trolling because non-roller rods cast better. Quality guides, like those o UC rods, are good with braid and maintenance free.

Hey Mark, thanks for the info. Just what I needed. I checked out the UC page for the finished rods too. Great info there.

What Mark said about drag setting being a better guide than line rating is right on.

I fish both 100lb and 130lb at the same drag. I set my strike at 32lbs, some fish more and some fish less but that's what's comfortable to me. I have two 76Vipers that are awesome for the drag I fish, I like the lift they provide when straight up and down better than my Calstars. The extra length helps when casting Sardines and in keeping the line off the hull when the tuna is doing circles close to the boat.

If you are fishing with less drag the 76centar would be a good choice for 100lb but I'd stick the the 76Viper for 130lb.

For Big Baits you want a heavier rod like an Invictous. I use a Seeker 6463XXXXH that is wrapped from an uncut blank (6'9") and it is a work horse. When fishing big Baits you use heavy line and 12/0 to 20/0 hooks so you can pull very hard. I like the slightly shorter rod for big Baits.

Remember the boats have good loaner gear too.

Thanks Olddog. That's a lot of great info. I haven't done much tuna fishing in the last 30 years and a lot has changed since the last LR trip I took. So much to learn about gear and fishing techniques!