Hi,

I have built a few fly rods from moderate quality blanks and components. I would now like to build a couple of top quality rods for my own use and to "hand down" to my fly fishing sons. I need recommendations on blanks and components (no bamboo). I would prefer suggestions from rod makers themselves but will entertain any suggestions by manufacturers or shops. Here is what I want to make:

Saltwater:
1. I think a 9'-0, 9 wt. for fishing for bonefish, permit and small tarpon. If experience suggests a different wt. or length, let me know.
2. I prefer a "stiffer" tip flex rod
3. willing to put top quality compnents on the rod - give me recommendations.
4. I would like a reel seat with a laser picture (or other method) of a fish.
5. Need suggestion on how to inscribe the rod with name and dedication. (I've tried several methods using my own picture and inscription on labels or paper and have not had good luck)
6. recommned finishes for saltwater and lots of sun.

Freshwater:
1. 9'-0, 5 wt. rod for trout and other smaller game fish (bass).
2. again prefer tip flex
same other requirements as above except finish suitable for freshwater.

BTW - I got started several years ago on this site and with Tom's book. Thanks Tom for some enjoyable hours in my basement and on the water.

Thanks,
Al

My recomandation. I fish in Scandanivian waters, but I have some expierence from Florida. I have used the discountinued Austin Allstar blanks a lot. I spent the nearly whole March month this year in the Tampa Bay area. I felt I was missing a good 7 weight rod ( I did not bring my allstar rod, but I Loop bluline salt rod, which did not handle strong wind and lead eyed clousers to well . I was thinking and thinking about buying a Sage XI2 blank, but ended up with another Dan Craft FT blank. That is my recomondation. When it comes to guides SIC with tianium frames. I am trying out the new amtacks, but I have plenty of expierence with Fuji Tlsg,. They a little bit lighter but more expensive. and the amtacks are more than OK. Reelseats ? I have Struble, REC and Pacific Bay and those aluminium reelseats Dan Craft is selling. When it comes to practical use theres is, at least for me not that big difference between them, though you might see which is the cheapest. I prefer titanium finish to black, because it is not so easily schratched.I have settled with Allstar Austin and vari0us Dan craft FT blanks from weight 4-10, included my Sage SLT 5 weight these rods cover all my fresh and saltwater needs. Myhandwriting is ugly, so I use my PC with Dymo printer with silver print on clear backgrond to create my own decals. If I lived in the US I would have considered Decal Connection ( a sponsor)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/22/2005 04:19PM by Terje bendiksby.

Check Rainshadow. Don't know if they have the RX8+ in stock yet, but you can't go wrong with that or the RX7+. The Forecast components are excellent quality as well. Most of the sponsors will provide you with blanks and materials to fit your budget and meet your needs. Not sure where you'll get the reel seat. For a single decal, go to the Decal Connection (a sponsor), great service and pricing for whatever you can dream up as an inscription. There has been a lot of discussion on finishes and UV resistance, I'd do a search and start reading. You may find that most of the finishes on the market today will serve your purpose well.

Amtak Matrix blanks have fairy stiff tips and are very attractive blanks. Dan Craft FT blanks are also relatively stiff, I think. I use Forecast components almost exclusively, good quality and pricing. For a lazer engraved picture, talk to someone in your area that does lazer engraving. There's shop here that only charges me $3 to engrave a wood reel seat insert. It isn't in color but I don't know that anyone can do that.

Dan Craft FT. Very good in windy conditions (fast action).

I don't build tricked out reel seats, so I can't help there. I agree with Terje about a titanium or aluminum reelseat (vs. black anodized) wearing better with less visible scratches. Consider a removable fighting butt for versatiltiy and easier tube packing.

Inscription is easliy done with a very fine tip pen (the type you dip into bottle) and metallic paint. This can be found in art supply or craft stores. A hand done inscription is a very nice touch with lasting value. Rough up finish with Scotchbrite first (epoxy finish covers any marks) and practice on scrap or butt end prior to gluing reel seat and grip on.

Good suggestions on the blanks , for the seat REC components offers lazer engraving on their salt water seats , in a variety of fish patterns . I personaly have one of the black finish seats engraved with a srtiped bass , and it is truely an exelent looking and functional seat . They ane not cheap , but well worth the money . They only do the engraving on their seats .
As far as the guides , I prefer inserts on a rod that weight , Forecast , Fuji , Pac Bay , I've used them all , among my favorites are the SIC Fujis , colored ring Forecast , and Fuji Alonites. The Alconites are the best value for the $$ IMHO. Have fun , JHD

Got Fish ?

Gerry Rhoades Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Amtak Matrix blanks have fairy stiff tips and are
> very attractive blanks.

Could you send me a link for these products?

Dan Craft FT blanks are
> also relatively stiff, I think.

Is this the Dan Craft that is a spopnsor on this site? If so, I do not see where there are any rod blanks for sale. MAybe in his catalog? Which is only available thru the mail.

If it is different source, please send a link.

Thank you, Al

I use Forecast
> components almost exclusively, good quality and
> pricing. For a lazer engraved picture, talk to
> someone in your area that does lazer engraving.
> There's shop here that only charges me $3 to
> engrave a wood reel seat insert. It isn't in
> color but I don't know that anyone can do that.

You ust download it from his home page. Try: [www.dancraftent.com]. Yes he is sponsor. Take quick search on this board about his blanks. His 10`blank are not so fast compared to his 9`.

Al,
The questions that you asked apply to exactly the rods that my customers usually request
My suggestions are in the order that you asked

Saltwater
1. SAGE Xi 2 or TCR
2. Fuji Gold Cermet
3. REC
4. Decal Connection
5. Flex Coat

Freshwater
1. SAGE XP or TCR
2. Fuji Gold Cermet
3. Strubble
4. Decal Connection
5. Flex Coat

Hope this helps,Gil