I'm planning an 8wt fly rod and I'm having a hard time deciding on a reel seat. I'm mostly looking at the forecast seats. Which model would be apropriate for a 10' 8wt? Do they make a skeleton reel seat that would be suitable? I like to turn my own inserts, or would I be better off to go for a solid metal model. One more thing, what does the metal reel seat with woven graphite insert look like in person?

When you order the blank - call your supplier and ask about the seats. This way you can find out if they are in stock. And get lots of info.

My Dan Crafts were thin enough at the butt to use just about anything. If the butt dia. is under .42" you can too. I use the solid metal or 16 mm spinning seats on saltwater rods and on my switch rod. After that you just need to decide how you want the reelseat to grip junction to look to pick a reelseat. My older Forecast graphite reelseat looked alot like the GLX reelseats except with a gloss finish.

Where will you use it? For saltwater I'd go with Fuji. About anything else you can use whatever you like. If you can't get a skeleton then just cut the barrel out of whatever you get and install your own insert.

One thing to take into account on a fly reel seat for the salt is that it holds the reel securely. I strictly use graphite spinning seats, either Fuji or PacBay on my salt rods because they are impervious to salt, lightweight, and will hold any reel made very securely. Also, if you use the graphite bushings to secure it to the blank you get a very sensitive set-up.

PacBay has a nice graphite spinning seat with a woven graphite insert for a more tech look.

HTH,

Lou

Thanks for all the advice. I went with the Forecast A8L2 with graphite woven insert. Does anyone know if the graphite insert is easily removeable like a wooden one is?

Darrell,
The Forecast A8L2 reel seat is loose when you get it so you will have to glue all pieces up then.

Neal's Fishing Products

Perfect, this way I could turn a wood insert if I don't like the graphite. thanks

I think you will like the look of the woven incert on Dan's blank . I built a 6wt and used a Pac Bay seat , looks outstanding with black hardware, Alconites , and black wraps . Stealthy looking . Have fun , John

Got Fish ?

Very cool. I was thinking about black wraps too. Or maybe dark blue.