Just curious as to what are different builders favorite fly blanks and why.
I have built 3 fly rods so far and am working on my fourth. A pac bay traditional, a forecast, and a H&H IM6. I am currently building a 2nd forecast. I like them all but like the pac bay tradition the best. It was my first rod on which I have since rewrapped the guides (my first wraps were pretty sloppy). I also really like the forecast (built for my son) and it is an outstanding value for the $$. I do like the H&H IM6 but it seems a little heavier (or maybe just tip heavy?) and the action doesn't seem as forgiving and smooth as the other 2. Does anyone else really like the pac bay tradition? Mine is a wonderful rod (8.5 ft 5 wt) capable of casting either weighted streamers or tiny dries with ease. I really like the struble reel seat I picked also.
I am also interested in the rainshadow, rainforest, cabelas SLI, and st. croix SCIII blank lines.
So many to try and so little time. Or as my wife says - how many fly rods do you need? Plan to start building for friends now that my skills are somewhat up to the task.
love this forum and the information and camraderie found here.

Greg

The correct amswer to your wife's question is: "Just one more, dear." Use with caution. My ex did not think it amusing.

Dan Craft Signature V for trout and one-handed steelhead rods. I'm still looking for a favorite saltwater rod blank.

Tough question....I'd probably say St. Croix.

Favorite saltwater (was) Austin All-Star (sigh). I just finished an American Tackle model H-ISA1026 though that is a very close match. This rod is a true 10/11 and may well become my favorite for saltwater. I'm bringing it to Charlotte for folks to take to the casting pond -- if you can wait for Charlotte you'll have hundreds (?thousands?) of choices.

Also look at the Tiger-eye blanks. They're inexpensive and make sweet rods. Available from Neal's or Scheider's, distributed by Sevier if you're wholesale. I like the Lamiglas Perigee's and XMG50's for upper end rods.

American Tackle's Elite AND Heritage Series, by far....

Good Wrappin !
David A. Fuller,
Great Basin Fishing Rods
Full-Time RV'r Traveling- n- Fishing
www.mytripjournal.com/FullersBigAdventure

For Trout....

The Dan Craft Sig. V 8'4 3 pc 4 wt.........As good as it gets. Well better, mabe.

Keith

So many great ones and without slighting any of them, the rod I use the most and would save if I had to go down to one is the St. Croix SCIV 8'6" 4wt. 2pc.

for fishing the yough in pa. and md. i go with lamiglas esprit for steelhead at erie i go with scott for small streams in pa. and md.i go with st. croix forecast tigereye.
joe.

For small water the Dan Craft Sig. III 8' 2 pc 2 wt, for other fresh water the Dan Craft FT 9' 4 pc 5 wt. Also have a Dan Craft FT 10' 4 pc 10 wt built as a switch rod, haven't fished it yet, waitnig for spring salmon, but it will easily cast 80 to 100 ft single or double handed.

Bob

Still looking for it.

My vote goes to the Dan Craft Sig. V and FT series. In my opinion I believe they are the best cost/performance blank on the market bar none.

Thanks. Interesting comments. I had not thought of the tiger eye and dan craft blanks. 2 others to try. The wife will be thrilled. LOL.
Greg

If I took the price completely out of the equation then there are LOTS of blanks that I really like alot.Too many to list really and I couldn't really say which I like best because each has it's benefits.From my favorite medium action blanks like the Scott G and Diamondback Classic,to rocket launchers like the GLX and XP,I love them all equally,but for different reasons.

But,if I consider the cost and shear performance,and then compare them all,one blank stands head and shoulders above all others for performance for the dollar and that is the Dan Craft SIG V.It's not a good blank for the buck,it's an EXCEPTIONAL,high performance,ultra light weight blank that is a flat out steal compared to most blanks of similar performance.

i like my dan craft FT 9 ft 4wt i was looking at a 9 ft 5 wt TCR and they felt very similar the FT a bit faster maybe but ididnt get to cast the TCR

Hi over there!

Has anyone experience with the blanks ATC Heritage 862, or Shikäri SHX PF 86-2 ?
Looking for a light, crisp approx. 8` 2wt 2 or 3 pc blank.
Thank You, B.Klimo