Hi folks (I have posted this question, sort of, in Walk About, so apologies to those that have replied already).

I have just experienced Skip baiting with piper for the first time (and destroyed an Okuma 6000 egg beater in the process.............) and would like to tool up properly to give me a chance of getting some bigger king off the rocks.

I already have a Stella 8000SW and want to know what you pro's think would be a good Rod match for Skip Baiting and using Poppers.  Now, I am new to this stuff so sorry if my questions are silly; But, reading all the posts and threads, I am getting the impression that there are distinct differences in gear for Stick Baiting and using Poppers (so I am assuming the same for Skip baiting). 

Given this, is it reasonable to get a 'good' popper rod that can be used for skip baiting (given that baits like piper are pretty light) And what about the action of a given rod?  Am I P1$$ing in the wind thinking I can get a single rod that would match my Stella and still handle Skip Baits, Stick Baits and Poppers AND would also be robust enough to use off the rocks (I am assuming that a longer Rod is the go for the rocks, say 8'6"..., oh, and it would have to be 2pce for traveling).

I have been looking at various Rods (Offhsore, Shimano MC etc), but it all seems a little confusing at this point and I would hate to lay out some hard earned for a rod that is not going to do what I want.

If you could please be so kind as to clear some of my confusion and recommend a rod (new or used) that would suite, I would be really grateful.  At the end of the day I want to re create the 'RUSH' I had recently skipping baits in the far north for big kings but would also like to explore popping....

Thanks in advance to all (and sorry again to duplicate a thread)

Yeah I would agree with above,work out what a piper weighs and go from there.

If you are looking at spending that kind of coin there are lots of options. whilst custom will allow a lot of personalization of the rod, it can only deliver what the blank its built on is. 

ChrisW wrote: Any rod is going to be a compromise.  A piper weighs what, say 20gms?  A stickbait can be from 60-150g, a popper from 100 - 1200g.  A rod that can cast all 3, work all 3 and be robust enough for rock fishing is a big call. I'd suggest the Smiths GTK74PG as a compromise.

i have this rod and it is a great match with the 8000 you will love its crisp light feel and it casts very well for its length.