hello all. I was planning on using a 8'6", fast action fly rod blank as an ultralight spinning rod. I fish primarily for small stream smallmouth and trout, and will be using spinners up to size 1. Do you think this rod will have enough power to cast/set the hook and what would be the line range for a 4 weight (e.g. 2-6pound test). Any advice/opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks, Tom.

You can't convert mono lb test to fly line weight or vice versa. Fly line weight number is not line breaking strength, but the designated weight over the first 30 feet. So it's closer to lure weight ratings for casting and spinning rods..

A 4-weight rod should work out to something that would cast nicely nicely with about 1/4 ounce lures or spinners. Do remember, however, that no industry standards exist for rod number ratings so this can vary to some degree.

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I would reccomend at least using a straight flouro or a braid with a flouro top shot if you have any problems on the hookset sticking. I had problems setting the hook w/ a 5wt and straight mono on small bass because of the combination of rod flex and line stretch. I switched to Stren Super Braid 10# test (3# diameter) and a 10 foot leader of flourocarbon. The hooksets became unbelievably solid after that.

I, indeed, used a friend´s XP 486-4 with a light graphite reel loaded with 6LB hi quality MonoFilament, and spoon lure (Mepps 0 and 00). It is a perfect match!
Fished a small pond for small rainbows. Pleasure to cast, no problem setting the hook, they actually hooked them selves.
I hope this helps You.

Several years ago I built a Cabela's PT764-2pc. into a combination fly/spin rod and it's my favorite for when it's not convenient to carry more than one rod, wading, float tubing, etc. I made a 12in. cork & ring handle to use the rings at the butt for a fly reel or the other end of the grip for spinning and used Fuji BYLG guides, (before Alconite) size 25, 16, 12, 8, then 7's to the tip. I placed these where Static Deflection indicated, with the butt guide where I'd place the stripping guide on a fly rod. The rod is almost perfect for 2-4lb. test Stren original and will throw a 1/32 to 1/4oz. very well. Even though a moderate action I have No trouble setting the hook. I've built 5 or 6 just like this rod for fishing buddies who tried it. I believe you'll love your combo rod after you fish it. I've caught an 8lb. Channel Cat on a foam cricket (fly) and Bass up to 4lb (fly or spin) on this rod, not to mention many, many Bluegill (fly or spin). Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/26/2005 09:35PM by Ralph Jones.

Thank you for all the input. Tom.