I built this glass blank into a short flyrod last fall. It fished real well with a WF4 and I really like the way it casts for such a short rod. Well, I was messing around with my rods in the basement last week and decided to try this rod out with a Mastery Headstart WF5 line. WOW, it absolutely came to life. Absolutely effortless casts upto 45 ft. After that it loses some power, but heck, it's a 5ft rod!! Really goes to show how matching the right line to the rod is crucial for optimum performance. I can't wait to get this rod out on my local panfish waters.

Hope everyone's staying warm and wrapping those rods for spring.

Lou

I am continually amazed at how the right line turns a so-so rod into a champion. I turned a Sig IV, 5 piece, 2 weight into a 4 1/2 piece by dropping part of the butt. The 4th section snugs up against the grip so it looks like a 4 piece rod. But I was disappointed as the rod didn't do much with a 2 weight line. I finally tried a Rio that has a 4 weight front taper followed by a 6 weight middle. That 2 weight turned into a cannon. I nearly doubled my casting distance. I always try a line size up above and below my best guess and a DT if I have one. That rod of yours obviously likes the much shorter head on the SA, which is often the case. You can often shoot more line than you can carry, even on light rods. I may try the 4 1/2 trick on the Stowaway.

Lou/Don,
What amazes me is that many of those casting other types of rods other than fly rods often do not seem to be aware of just what you are talking about, how the weight that is being cast has such a large affect on a rods performance. And I include myself in that group that are not always aware of the fact that matching the weight being cast to the rod is the same for other types of rods. A fly rod may be a little less forgiving but the principles are the same.

That is basically right Emory. Another added complication is that the "weight" may consist of 15 to 50 feet of flyline. Another factor is the speed at which the line is moving and the air resistence. As Tom K. often mentions, the more line that is aerialized the more it "weighs". I have also found that the taper of the line also makes a huge difference, same "weight", but it casts differently. Cast a slab spoon against a buzz bait that both weigh exactly 1/2 ounce and you will get some idea of the difference shape can make. Good thing that I own dozens of lines!

Don,
Yes, I completely agree with you. When you think about all of the variables it can get messy and complicated.

BTW, the balnk i am referring to is the Forecast SPG601, 1pc. 5ft UL fiberglass spinning blank. Again, absolutely sweet 5ft 5wt for those looking for this type of rod.

Lou