I am looking to purchase a rod blank for the purpose of building a custom 12' casting rod. I want to purchase one around 65-100 dollars. I am not sure if this is possible but I have a tight budget to buy other necessary rod building equipment. I have been an avid fisherman since I was a little kid and I have recently witnessed older guys fishing for striped bass with these custom made 12' rods that only have 3 large eye guides. They cast bucktails many times further than my 12' surf rod that has 7 guides. To make a long story short, they are able to cast the distance needed and reach the fish at John H. Kerr Dam where it is popular to fish for this species. But on the other hand you cannot find these rods anywhere around here. I have watched many videos, and read many forums on rod building and I am ready to accept the challenge because the reward could be great. Not only do I want one of these but so do all of the other guys around the area that are watching these guys cast a ton and catch all of the fish. The lake which is pretty much in my back yard (10 mins away), has many tournaments throughout the year and I would love to be the guy that they all look to for their custom rod needs bass fishing included. Thanks in advance to whom took the time to read and reply!