Thanks, Kevin. I have not yet bought a 700XH, either for the spinner or for the 665 jigging rod, so this does bear some consideration. I think I was impressed by "...brutal fish-lifting power." That sounds awfully good! Of course, what I may be forgetting is that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction--and the poor fisherman has to be the brute to do the lifting.
My thinking is influenced also by the fact that I have the Twinspin 30 spooled up with 65 on on one spool, and 80 on the other. I guess I would be OK with the 65 on a rod rated for 50, but I was thinking if I want to fish 80, I should do so with a stouter rod. I would also like to have a backup rod for the big spinner in case I broke the 700H.
As you know, I am thinking about having the first rod you build for me for the Twinspin 12, done on the 850H blank--not because I think that would be a great tuna rod, but more because I want a rod capable of "surf-type" casting from the jetties to put the hurt on bull reds and jackfish in heavy current--either that or the 800M or H. So I was thinking of the 700XH as a good backup rod for both. What would you recommend as an alternative that would be more humane to a 61 year old body?
Also, I was thinking about a 700XH for the 665HXC. I guess the 700H I already have might be better for that (jigging) application as well?
All in all, I was looking at:
(Items already owned are in bold) Intended primary usage (there would of course, be overlap) are in italics.
Rig # 1::50W/130/760Hand maybe a 7465H rail rod as well. Usage: Trolling/Deep Drop/Chunking. (However, the 760H arrived tonight and it has a 16 inch upper handle, so it might be OK on the rail as well.
Rig # 2:: 665/80/700H and possibly 700XH or other alternative? Usage: Jigging
Rig # 3: TS30/80 & 65/700H spinner and possibly 700XH or other alternative? Usage: Casting poppers to big tuna/Live Bait rod
Rig # 4: TS12/50 & 30/850H and/or 800M or 700M Usage: Light casting and Making Bait)
Update: Just read Mr. Bill's post on the Seeker rods. That might be the answer as a primary rod for the TS 30.
I am, as always appreciative of any and all advice from you as well as everyone else on this board. Thanks.
Russ