SUBJECT: # 35335: Input on Cape Fear and other standup rods

Submitted by Rico from TENNESSEE on 7/1/01 9:54:00 PM

I am looking to get a good quality straight butt stand up tuna rod to mate with a Shimano Tiagra 50w and 80 lb line. Can anyone give me any input on Cape Fear rods? Are they as good as advertised and are they worth the money? What is the best place to buy them on line? I am looking for a good quality rod so any other brand suggestions and sources would be appreciated. Pickings and input on this stuff in TN is pretty slim. Rico

1. 7/1/01 10:04:00 PM Submitted by Speck-Tacular (12.73.239.116) from LOUISIANA says Star
   I would go with a star 50-100 handcrafted rod with straight aluminum stuart butt. Seems to be great rod and I ahve everything on them so far except for the man in a blue suit or women in a blue dress.

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2. 7/2/01 1:36:00 AM Submitted by DaveS from NEW JERSEY says Hey Speck-Tacular
   I'm glad to hear they are good rods...I purchased one this spring and am very inpressed...even thought I never heard of them...I thought they were a knockoff of Allstar...but I really like that rod.

   Tight lines...

   DaveS

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3. 7/2/01 8:23:00 AM Submitted by Speck-Tacular (12.73.250.52) from LOUISIANA says All Star
   Hey Dave they are definitly not a knock off of All-Star. I am an all star endorsed guide but for heavy duty rods I go with star as all star is better for light tackle.

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4. 7/2/01 9:26:00 AM Submitted by fish_on (216.183.183.6) from FLORIDA says Chaos Rods
   Rico,

   Be sure to check out Chaos Rods. www.chaosrods.com. I have Star and Chaos and from what I have seen Star are now mass produced where Chaos are individually hand crafted. I've seen several Star's where the gimble and/or seat doesn't align properly with the guides. I have been very pleased with the price and quality of Chaos and highly recommend them. They have a rod for almost any type of fishing and will build custom as well. Their support and guarantee is second to none.

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5. 7/2/01 9:47:00 AM Submitted by malcolm (165.121.235.26) from ALABAMA says rods
   I'll second the vote for chaos, they are hard to beat for the price just make sure you specify aftco rollers in place of the stuarts. I've fished with star as well and they are nice rods, pretty common in La. Malcolm

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6. 7/2/01 2:13:00 PM Submitted by Jeff Thomson (65.104.119.196) from CALIFORNIA says 80# standup rod
   The best is Calstar Graphiter 760M - all AFTCO rollers, reel seat and gimbal. You can order on line from a number of dealers and custom builders, including Big Game International (not affiliated, etc.). Johnny at BGI has a good reputation on the West Coast for a quality product at prices comparable to factory rods. You should look at comments on this type of rod and various builders on the Allcoast board. Also do a search on Cape Fear. The consensus seems to be that this rod is very heavy, due its construction method. Because of their low yield, the blanks cost a lot, and Cape Fear tries to hold down final cost by using lower quality components.

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7. 7/3/01 10:54:00 AM Submitted by s adams (205.253.216.161) from NEW JERSEY says chaos
   Last year I bought 4 chaos rods matched with tld30 and liked them so much I ordered three more this year. As far as bang for your buck goes you can't beat Chaos. I used to use Star rods and liked them as well but they are a little pricier than Chaos. As far as cape fear goes they are probably real nice but what would you expect for that much money, I don't know first hand because I have never used or seen one other than in full page adds in fishing mags.

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8. 7/3/01 2:02:00 PM Submitted by Speck-Tacular (12.73.250.32) from LOUISIANA says email Capt Peace Marvel
   If you want to find out about cape fear rods then Email Captain Peace Marvel at reelpeace@aol.com I believe. I know he has a few cape fear rods on his boats now.

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9. 7/3/01 11:22:00 PM Submitted by Jay from NORTH CAROLINA says cape fear
   Cape Fears very heavy? Off the top of my head I can't say yes or no to this. I don't recall them being very heavy...I'll have to go weigh mine and get back with you. I also don't see any low quality components being used on these $400-$500 rods.

   Jay

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10. 7/3/01 11:42:00 PM Submitted by Capt. George Beckwith (205.244.106.196) from NORTH CAROLINA says Cape Fear Rods Rule
    Haven't fished the heavy stuff, 16-25;s to 30-40 we use in Costa Rica. They are very light and incredibly strong. Contact Tyler Stone at www.intracoastalangler.com or Doug Cutting at www.capefearrodcompany.com The livebait rods are awesome king sticks and the bluewater spins are perfect for tarpon and livebaiting Pacific Sails.

    Tight lines to all,

    George

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11. 7/4/01 8:57:00 AM Submitted by John B (65.32.99.224) from FLORIDA says Standup rods
    Please note Star rods are no longer made in Miami they have moved there operations to China,I also have been told they no longer use Gator Glass blanks,Chaos uses Gator Glass FYI.

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12. 7/8/01 8:20:00 AM Submitted by Brett (24.190.223.96) from . says Star Rods
    Star rods are now made on the same production line as Ugly Stick Customs and in fact they look almost identical. They are fair quality at best. Ckeck them out carefully and put a reel on them before making the purchase. I picked up in a row off the rack and all three and all had crooked reel seats so the reel was cocked to one side or another.

    Look at Calstar or Seekr for a good workhorse rod. I have no knowledge of Cape Fear so I cannot comment. They look nice and I like the design. Not sure if the post about them being heavy and having cheap components is true so don't let that get in your way. Handle them all and ask if they can put a reel with line on a rod so you can pull on it. Graphite has a much different feel than glass so you may prefer one rod over another based on composition.

    Brett

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