I'm going to build a bass rod (both smallmouth and largemouth) that will see very occasional use in salt water (plan on using Titans for this purpose), and I'm having a difficult time deciding on which blank to use. I've settled on the Dan Craft FT series, but not on the line wt. From what I've read about these blanks, I'm thinking that the 7 wt would be sufficient (basing this on CC numbers and a post saying it had very similar characteristics to the Clouser designed SCIV 8'9" 8wt). However, I'd like to hear from people who have built and used the two. Anyone know the difference in weights of the two blanks?
Also, plan on going 12, 10, 8, then 7s on out. Any benefit in going with a 16 first?

I would use a high frame (SVSG type) #16 for the stripper guide. I would also go with the 7-weight blank, although that means it'll be a very light saltwater stick. But a 7-weight rod is more than enough for the average bass any of us catch, probably more than enough. Might as well have fun with the smaller ones - the big ones are fairly few and far between, and the 7 can certainly handle a big fish if need be.


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Mike,

I have a 908 that is a real cannon. I used it this spring on hybrid striped bass and it has amazing fighting power. If I were going to build a rod for bass around here I would go lighter than the 908. I use a 6 wt XT-51 for casting bass bugs (and for wipers after I broke my 908) and a 3 wt whenever I can get away with using smaller flies (bass are a riot on a 3wt). If you are fishing for largemouth in heavy cover the 908 might be the way to go. I built my 908 with the intention of using it in salt (which will unfortunately be a rare occasion) and I think it will be a fantastic rod for that. Can't remember what size guides I used. They are Forecast ceramics and I like them a lot too. I have a friend who built a 1006 and it is a real nice rod. So I guess my answer is to go with an FT but consider going down to a 6wt. My two cents.

Peter

I concur with Peter that the FT906-4 might be all you need. That having been said, I LOVE the 7wt. It's a little crisper to me and is just a joy to cast. It would certainly have all the power you'd need for the criteria you've given.

I have cast the 8'9" 8wt St Croix you referred to and was also very impressed with it. I would say the FT907-4 is the closest I've encountered, but the FT's are markedly their own animal. The new Rainshadow RX8+ 908-4 would also be a strong contender for being similar to the SC.

I would definitely use a #16 stripper, a #12 taming guide, then 1 - 10, 2 - 8's, and 7's on out. You could actually drop the 10 and just go from the #12 taming guide to 2 - 8's (or three if you like the look better) and then run with the 7's.

We've recently sold out of the 6, 7, and 8 FTs but all are enroute and will be available next week...we'd love the opportunity of helping you put a package together.

All the best,

I'm with Peter and John for the #6 . I built a 6wt Ft this winter and it has handled stripers in the Housatonic river this spring up to 32" already . Throws Clousers like a champ and still had some reserve power for even bigger fish , which it will see in june on Cape Cod . I can't say enough about this rod as a light salt rod , it's been perfect so far . Have fun , JHD

Got Fish ?

Mike,

I have to say that while the FT906 will be all the rod you will need for most any bass fishing, I love throwing the FT907! It just seems to have the perfect taper and just the power for the blank. I would say that you could put the fear into any Bonefish and a bunch of snook and reds with the 907 but I am pretty sure if you were just thinking mostly about bass and occasionally bones, you could get away with the FT906!
We have them all in stock as well as all the components you would need.
Thanks,

Dan Craft
Dan Craft Enterprises