I have been getting several calls about building "tuna rods" from people on the internet. I would doing a disservice if I build a rod for someone I have not seen. There a many variables that must be meet to build a quality tuna rod. A good rod builder will ask a lot of questions. Be honest when you answer their questions. If you lie about any physical limitations you can fool the rod builder but you can not fool a tuna.

    In building a tuna rod you must be sure the rod is suited for each person’s physical shape. You want the rod to fight the tuna and not fight the angler. Calstar has at least 25 blanks that can be used for stand-up tuna rods. Why so many? Each model has a different action. "Action" is the amount of flex from the butt to tip of the blank. Two blanks can have the same line rating and have totally different actions. Blank action range from Slow to Extra Fast. Slow action rod would have uniform flex from butt to tip. An Extra Fast action blank may flex in only the upper 20 % of the blank’s length. If the blank has the incorrect action for the angler then the angler is fighting the blank as much as fighting the fish.

    A good rod builder will take the time to have the angler pull on several different blanks to find the right one. This step could take 30 to 60 minutes. A blank may feel fine for a couple of minutes, but what about 30 or 60 minutes hooked to a 200 lb. tuna. It is critical that angler can still use the blank at the end of a long fight. Too Slow of a rod and there is nothing left in the rod at the end. Too Fast of a rod and there is nothing left of the angler at the end of a battle.

    Do not be afraid to tell the rod builder if a rod is too fast or too slow. Rod builders can make changes in a rod’s action by cutting it shorter. They can use a different model or start with a different length. If you have a bad back or hand problems tell the rod builder. Let him know what type of line and the line’s breaking strength. All of these little things are important in getting the correct blank.

    Once you have found the right blank model you have to have the blank fitted to your physical size. A 6’ 6" angler and a 5’6" angler can not use the same finished rod. When you get fitted for your rod do not forget to bring your harness and rod belt. It make no sense to get fitted in someone else’s equipment. Get fitted in what you will be using the rod with.

    Be sure you have your harness and rod belt in the correct position. To find the correct position of your gear: standing straight up - with your right arm hanging straight down - bring your right hand into the center of your body. Remember do not bend your elbow. Your right hand should be about crotch height. Where you hand rests is where you want the cup of your rod butt to be.

    Your harness should be worn very low on the back. There are a few harnesses that have a butt pad added on. These harnesses are great but they allow the angler to put lots of pressure on the tuna and their gear. Be sure you have your drags set to 25 % of the line’s breaking strength at the strike position on the reel.  So see an angler fitted correctly: Charles Tanaka

    Now that you have your gear on and in the right position it is time to fit the reel seat to the blank. Placement of the reel seat is of the utmost. Being off by a ½ inch will hurt the angler in a long battle. With you, in your tuna gear, the tip of the rod should be pointing to the 1:30 position when you are standing straight up. The reel should be placed in a position that no matter where the handle is you can grab the handle and still a slight bend in your elbow. Once you find this position you are ready to build the rod.

    As for components such as grips, guides, reel seats and gimbal that several different options. Discuss these options with the rod builder. Do not let the price of a component be your main reason for using it. Trying to save $30.00 on a tuna rod may come back to haunt you later.