Hello,

I am looking for a slow action 8 to 9 ft 2-3 wt. rod blank. Graphite or glass. Any suggestions? I know you have great vendors to the left of this column, but I am looking for some feedback or personal experience first. Thanks much. Jess

don't know about graphite but glass will be hard to find in that length and wt. only sourse i know if in glass is steffen brothers. not a sponsor but i believe no one else makes them.

JESSE, THEIR WEB ADDRESS IS www.steffenbrothersflyrods.com. the 8' is listed as a
3-4.

Some of the sponsors may carry Pacific bay traditional blanks I think maybe 8-9' 3wts. If not Cabela's has PT (progressive taper, moderate action 3 wt rods in 8 or 9'. Cheap, but nice brown finish.

Tony

St. Croix SCIII 7'6" 2 weight, or 8' 3 weight. Both are two pieces and their on sale from Hook and Hackle for $50.

These are the blanks used to make the Avid series of rods. I've cast an Avid in a 7'0 3 weight and it was a very nice and slow, smooth rod with plenty of reserve power. I'll be ordering one of the 2 weights this week, should make a perfect dry fly rod for small streams!

Mark

I think the PacBay Tradition would be a good bet to fit your need. It would be my 1st choice.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

I'll second Stan's recommendation for the Pac Bay Tradition. The 7'9" 3 weight is a really nice rod.

Jesse,

None of the rods mentioned above would I consider 'slow' action. When I think slow, I'm thinking the ORvis Full flex or the Scott G-series. If that's the slow you're talking, then the 8' 4 wt 3 pc Forecast from 2003 is right on cue with a 3 wt line. I use mine for 8X and midges. Also, the chalkstream light series from Angler's Workshop is slow action with a little higher modulus graphite for better recovery. I think they have a 7'7" 3 wt, maybe an 8' 1" 3/4 and other. Check out their site to the left.

Thanks,
rick

I second the Chalkstream Light blanks from Angler's Workshop. They are very similar to the Talon Highlander light Series, which make up into incredible light line rods. They are very smooth casting, moderate action rods with enough backbone to reach out when necessary or land larger fish.

Lamiglas makes a nice slow action fiberglass rod. I've built and fished the 7' - 0" 3 weight and it's a very nice slow action rod. The blanks come 2 or 3 piece and are honey colored. Lamiglas also introduced a gloss black graphite/fiberglass blank for small stream, short casts, but I have no experience with it. I think it would be suitable for your use though. Also, Lamiglass has the Appalachian series that is designed for small waters and light lines. I've heard great things about this series and intend to build one very soon. Lastly, Diamondback makes a great little fiberglass rod that I had the opportunity to cast last year and it was fantastic, but with a more moderate action. I wouldn't overlook this rod though, it is really, really nice!

i'll agree here with rick. i built a pacbay tradition, but an 8 foot, 5 weight. it didn't approach slow at all. to my somewhat inexperienced .. err, experiences, i would label mine a medium fast, MAYBE medium. probably medium in your targeted 2-3 weight. but i'm just guessing.

i'm currently building both a rainforest 7'-9" 3 weight, 2 pc, and a forecast 8 foot 4 weight, 3 pc (the post 2004 model). both of these are much closer to a slow/medium feel. kind of whippy, if that transfers to "slow."

it's not personal experience, but the lamiglas honey-colored fiberglass blanks were supposed to be pretty nice. check with lamiglas or anglers workshop. and the diamondglass blanks are supposed to be a pretty sweet poor man's bamboo. not sure if either offers the size you're cruising for. those chalkstreams were recommended to me for a light rod. one of the few available in blue, but they only come in two piece versions. good luck.

eric
fresno, ca.