I've been asked to build my first fly rod for a co-worker's dad. It will be a 9-foot, 2 pc., 5-wt. As I'm not normally a fly guy, I've had to do more research on the blanks than I would for other rod types. I really want to keep cost down, so I'm considering a St. Croix or a Pac Bay Rainforest (both of which are under $60). The St. Croix comes with a 2-year warranty and the Pac Bay comes with a lifetime warranty. I was also looking at a couple of Cabela's private label blanks (several models go for less than $30!). Anybody have any suggestions one way or the other (I'm probably going to to St. Croix or Pac Bay so I can buy from a sponsor).

Thanks as always,
-Nick Dazer
Portland, Oregon

I don't know if the person specifically wants a 2 piece 9' rod, but I can tell you they are a pain to transport. You loose nothing by going to a 3 piece and gain a lot in portability. Without know what kind of rod the person prefers, it's hard to make any generalized comments. I have'nt built on a Rainforest but have built on the Pac Bay Tradition and they're very nice. I've built Forecast and Amtak Matrix and they're also nice and within your budget. I've built one St. Croix blank several years ago and it was also a nice blank. Can you find out more about what kind of action he prefers? That would help a lot. If he likes pretty stiff rods, I'm not sure he would like either the St. Croix or the Pac Bay.

The Rainshadows are nice blanks. Not the forest the shadow

Another to consider is Batson's forecast. They are wonderful blanks for very little money. I have built 3 of them (all fly rods) and have had no problems. In fact despite using some more expensive blanks my current favorite is a forecast 7.5 ft 4 wt. I think this blank cost $14 and the entire rod was less than $50 with good components. They have either a 1 or 2 year warranty. Hook & Hackle has some really good buys on them right now. I do like pac bays blanks as well. I have not built on the rainforest. The pac bay I built was a "traditional" but I think the rainforest is very similar.
Greg

The St. Croix SCIII makes a very nice rod. I'm wrapping a Pac Bay rainforest 8' 4 weight right now and I think the St. Croix would probably be a better rod. A little smoother and lighter weight.

Mark

Nick,

Send me your name and address and I'll send you a copy of our catalog.

Thanks,

Joe

Joe Douglas

Try the AmTak Matrix. They're a unique looking blank that also performs well. Definitely more 'wow' factor than the SCIII matte gray.