I HAVE BEEN BUILDING BASS RODS FOR A YEAR OR SO, AND I HAVE SOLD A FEW. I AM FAIRLY COMPETENT WITH BASS RODS BECAUSE I HAVE USED THEM FOR YEARS AND KNOW WHAT I WANT. I NOW WANT TO BUILD A FLY ROD FOR PANFISH. I THINK I CAN LEARN TO USE IT, BUT DO NOT KNOW ENOUGH AT THIS POINT TO EVEN START. I WANT TO FISH FOR BLUEGILL IN PONDS AND LAKES. OPEN AREAS SO I CAN DO LESS DAMAGE TO START WITH. I THOUGHT MAYBE A 7 OR
7 1\2' 3 WT. I REALLY NEED INPUT FROM THOSE WHO HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE,
KEITH

Keith -

That sounds good. I usually use a 2-3wt for bluegill. If you're a beginning caster I would look at the Rainshadow RX7's. IIRC they're being closed-out and are priced well. They have a 6' 6" 2wt and a 7' 9" 3wt.

For flies: I generally do better with nymphs, but occasionally dry flies work well. Actually anything subsurface they will hit.

Christian

I built a Dan Craft 8ft 2pc 2wt a last year and fished it this summer and I really like for tight quarters and from a pontoon boat for smaller fish. nice. I use a 3wt floating line and fih mostly dry's and nymphs. Never fished for bluegill but brought to hand quite a few trout this summer both stream and lake fishing. It is a blast to hook a 12 incher on a 2wt .

You will enjoy it.

Bob

What kind of Panfish fly fishing? For a general all around first fly rod I suggest a moderate action, 8 - 9 ft. 5 - 6 wt. graphite blank to start with. Buy a basic handle setup & Alconite guides. I love a 3 wt., but not to learn to flyfish with. Take a look at AllStar, Forcast or St.Croix For a blank. Once you get out there and start fly fishing, and catching some good bluegills or whatever your panfish preference is, Then start planning your perfect flyrod. Right now you want "a good one to learn on", I think. Ralph

For fly fishing in open areas, you want at least an 8' rod; 8' 6" or 9' would be even better. If you're a beginner, the longer rod is easier to learn on, and a moderate/moderate-fast action is more forgiving and pleasant. Many companies make a 9' 3wt in their mid level series that should be just right.

Ponds and lakes, I usually reach for a rod that's 8' to 8'6" and 4-6wt. I like to use decent size flies and be prepared for the bass that swirl up and gulp your popper. 9' rods in the same weights are good choices too but I prefer shorter rods. Your 7.5' 3wt. is a popular choice for this type fishing. I guess it's really a matter of personal preference and you are getting several opinions of what people prefer for this type fishing. Any way you go, this is fun fishing!

I like my St. Croix sc iv 7'6" 3wt. It's the older model. I use it on creeks and smaller ponds for blue gill and small bass. It's a great rod.
If you're going to fish larger lakes you may want to go with a longer rod suggested above.

For an all-round rod, you'll never go wrong with an 8-1/2 ft. - 5 wt.

Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply