I've been planning on building an 8/9 wt for Great Lakes tributary steelhead/salmon fishing ever since I found out the Army was sending me to Fort Drum New York. So far I've come across good deals on Dan Craft's 10ft 8 wt, FT 1008-4, and another sponsor with good deal on a St. Croix 4FT1069(based on the model number I think it's an SCIV). Just wondering if anyone had any experience with either or both or any other that would do the trick. I've had a lot of fun with Dan's 9ft 5wt FT but understand there's a good bit of difference between them and the 10ft models. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Can't wait to latch hold of a big'un!

Thanks,
Mick

Hope the fish bite in Afghanistan next year :)

Mick
I have a Dan Craft FT 10ft 10wt that I am currently completing as a switch rod. It is a great blank and during test casting found it would easily cast a 10/11 wt line 80+ feet. I used Static Guide Placement in the library above to initially locate the guides, recommendations from Bob Meiser, and then a lot of test casting to determine the final locations. When all was said and done I ended up with 8 guides.

The Dan Craft FT blanks are highly praised by Bob Meiser a master rod builder here in Oregon and a sponsor on this site.
If you would like any further information and or pictures of my 10 wt email me.

Bob
crookbob@msn.com

Hook and Hackle has some nice 9'6'' , 10' , and 10'6'' 6,7,8,and 9 wts on sale now for 40.00. Sponser on left. I have built two rods with these IM6 blanks and they work great on the Lake Erie tribs. Good Luck!!

Do a search for Bob Meiser's comments on the Dan Craft 10' FT switch rods in 7 and 8 weights. Based on his comments I purchased the 8 weight blank, and only need to apply the final coat of finish to complete the project. I haven't cast the rod yet, but it seems very powerful. The AA is about 60 or 61 as I recall. I intend to use it on steelhead later this year in British Columbia.

Dan

What colors did you use? I have both the 10 wt and a FT 5 wt in the process, both rods have redwood reel seat inserts and butts, one has gunsmoke hardware and the other has black. Was thinking red/gold & green/silver. Any idea's would be appreciated. When it comes to colors I need all the help I can get!!!!

Bob

Dark blue with silver HT inlays at the grip and ferrules, no tips on the guide feet. Very basic. I read Bob's comments on the number of guides, and I was able to find a good 8-guide spacing. I liked the 11-guide layout better. I hope I didn't make a mistake there.

Dan

Thanksfor the color idea. I don't know if the number of guides make that much difference but thought I would follow Bob's advice.

Here is a link to a board here in Oregon where Bob Meiser is the host of the rod builing section. His replys to my questions might be of if intrest.

Just copy and paste it , I can't ever get the link to come up so all you have to do is open it.

[p076.ezboard.com]