Hello all, I would like to build a 2 piece 6 to 7 ft light to medium light spinning rod for my son's Cub Scout graduation. I'd like to keep the blank price below $50US. I have designed a weave pattern of the Cub Scout logo and his Pack and Den #s to weave on the butt and an Arrow of Light weave for the ferrule wrap. I would like to do this on a blue blank since the Cub Scout colors are blue & yellow. I've looked high and low and have yet to find the blank. Any suggestions?

regards,
Michael

The only blue spinning blanks that I've been able to find is a light blue St Croix SCIV or V, I can't remember which off hand. But at around $100 per blank it's well above what you want to spend anyway. (Sage makes a gorgeous blue fly blank in their Xi2 line, really pricey) Forecast used to make a blue spinning blank, 2003 models if I remember right, I see that Schnieders Rod shop has some closeout 2003's. Give them a call and see if they have any blue blanks left. They are easy to work with and very helpful. I've built a few Forecast spinning rods and they are a pretty decent blank for the price. They are a little soft for my tastes, but should work well for a younger angler.

Jay

I have some 8 foot powder blue glass blanks. they are one piece and would require cutting down and installation of a ferrule. I suggest using a featherwieght ferrule - which can be found at @#$%& under Rod Building and repair, lots of those go unbid on constantly.

price for the blank is $25.00 plus shipping.

let me know one way or the other please. hope this helps.

Check out Neal's Fishing Products,a board sponsor. His link is on the right. Last week he had some blue Forecast blanks at 2 for $25 or so. He typically sells them at $15-$16 each.

For the specific blue you're looking for I suggest purchasing the blank that matches all the other criteria you require EXCEPT for the color. Don't even worry about what color the blank is...buy it & paint it. This way you get exactly what color you want...well as long as you find the paint in the color you want which really shouldn't be a problem. Painting a blank is just another way of making your rod truely custom. Your son will love it!

Jay

Michael,

Get a Forecast fly blank. They are the perfect blue to match a blue and gold scout pattern. Use cobalt blue thread and NCP yellow with color preserver over both for a perfect match. The Forecast fly blanks are dark blue and BEAUTIFUL. Get the 9' 6 wt 4 pc ($38) and drop the butt section. It works out to a 6'9" 3 pc that is a great panfish and trout rod. I used to have the 9' 6 wt 4 pc fly blank until the butt piece broke below the ferrule. I stripped the middle two sections and re-wrapped as a spinning rod. It is now my go to light power trout rod. It would be great as a scout camp rod since it breaks down small (~30"). If you want to go a little more power (like a 1/8 - 3/8 spinning blank) get the 7 or 8 wt blank and do the same.

Thanks,
Rick

Wow, thanks everyone. I have contacted the vendors mentioed via email and most certainly the forecast blue is what i am after. Using a 4 pice fly rod and dropping the butt section is a super idea and like you said, gets a more portable rod. And, the price is right too!

Very warm regards,
Michael