I need some advice from some veteran builders. I want to build a 6'6" spinning rod. I want to use 6-12 lb test. I'm thinking about using the netcraft IM6 blank. I'm worried that it won't have enough power to fight largemouth bass because the butt diameter is only .290, and the tip is a 4.0. Do you guys think this blank will work, or does anybody else have any blank suggestions. I'm trying to keep my cost down. Thanks in advance-Rob

The St. Croix SCII 2S66MF2 is a very sturdy blank with plenty of backbone. For my tastes it was too stiff for bass, but many anglers like this feel.

Mark Janeck
Custom Rods, Campbellville, Ontario

well depending on what you want to spend i wouldent go with a sc2 st.croix cause it only carries a 2 year warranty i recomend 6''6 gl3 loomis retails for $94 i think........ med.power fast action 6-12lb very stealthy rod these are what i use on the boat your blank selection can go on forever so keep in mind lifetime warranty to protect your investment st.croix sc3 or better will do you just fine also or even your pac-bay blanks will do another thing to keep in mind rob if you can transport the rod i would go with a 1 piece also keeps the price down as 2piece are usually higher priced..

Rob,
I think the medium power fast action blank below the one you mentioned would be better. Another choice that is closer to you is the IM6 Lamiglas blanks that Neal's Fishing Products for the same price. He could set you up with a nice inexpensive kit for that blank. I agree with you, the blank you mentioned is too light and moderate actioned for largemouth bass.

I'de recommend the St. Croix 2S66MF. The one piece blank preference for bass fishing has fast action for excellent casting performance and sensitivity along with good backbone for fish fighting largmouth. If you want an excellent 2 pc. domestic blank, I would go with the 2S66MF2.
For an import blank that would suit as a very good choice for custom rod building and want a good 2 pc. inexpensive blank I would go with the American Tackle Matrix AMSP784-2. For the one piece in spin jig blank go with the AMSJ782.

Rich Garbowski
Richard's Rod & Reel

info@rodreel.com

Just to add, the Rainshadow /Forecast blanks are another to look at. Nice prices

It depends entirely on what you want to do with this blank. The 3S66MF is a good all-around choice--it'll do a lot of things quite well. If you're thinking of using 8 or 10 lb. test, and very light lures, maybe some drop-shotting, then think about the 3C69MLXF built as a spinning rod. I use the 3C69MLXF for 1/8 oz. TX rigged 4" worms, baby brush hogs, etc. It performs incredibly well for this, as well as for drop-shotting, which is what it's designed for.

What your looking for is a pretty basic spinning rod blank. I'd lean toward A Rainshadow or if you dont want to spend a ton of money a Forecast. Both from the Batsons. The specs seem to be off I would think on the blank you have described. Thats a pretty small blank to have a 6-12# rating. but I may be wrong