Couple quick questions.

What is a good blank in the 9' 4-8lb range?

Also - what are folks using for guides in this style of rod?

Thanks.

Bob

No question on this one for me...Rainshadow IST1081 for 4-8, but the IST1084 at 8-12 is one of my favorite steelhead rods. Built spiral with Forecast guides, 12, 10 in U frame and the rest single foot fly guides. For the spinning setup, the Forecast V frame guides are great, start with a 30 or 25 depending on the reel and use the Concept system for spacing. Forecast also has a Match type V frame spinning guide, it's a taller frame .

Bob,
I could not agree with Grant more. I have built several of the Rainshadow IST1081's and many of the IST1084's and think that they are excellent Steelhead blanks. I do not think that you will find better ones at any price.
What guides you use is a function of a number of things: are you setting the rod up as a casting or spinning rod, what kind of fishing are you planning; bobber and jig, casting hardware, normal drift fishing, plug fishing, etc. also what type of line are you planning to use? I think that we need a little more information about how you are planning to use the rod.

I will be setting it up as a spin rod (not a "sping" rod, as the subject says, ha ha ha).

I will most often be dead drifting flies and occasionally bait in the Lake Ontario tribs.

Bob

Bob,

Either the Rainshadow mentioned above or the comparable Rogue. Not sure about Rogue's situation with bankruptcy or whatnot, but the blank is awesome.

Thanks,
Rick