I have a situation where I need a very short(like 5-6') 5 wt fly rod and I was thinking of using a spinning blank for it, but I can't figure out how to determine what blank to use. I tried searching this site for info, but I couldn't find much as to how to convert them over. I figure if 30' of WF5F is 140 grains or roughly 5/16 oz. then I should look for a blank with 5/16 oz. as the upper end of the casting weight range. Am I way off base here or am I on the right track? Any help is appreciated.

You can use an ultralight spinning blank.

i think you are in the ballpark for a five wt. i used a lamiglass honey colored e glass ultralight spinning blank. i works with a 4wt. not a powerful caster but good in very tight quarters. i cut the blank and put in a spigot ferrule and made it into a two piece. i am not sure lami still makes that blank.

Can't recommend anything specific, but if you know what you want in the flyrod, the CCS may be of great help here. Like flyrods, spinning rods are subject to some debate on what a rating really means. I'd go by measurable attributes as in the CCS, especially with something like a 5-6' flyrod project. A wee bit of difference in that blank that length may be quite significant, and there are different interpretations of lure weight labeling.

A weight range that puts the middle of the range in the vicinity of 5/16th ounce is a pretty good place to start. Keep in mind, of course, that where a 5/6th ounce lure stays the same weight, a 5-weight fly line increases in weight as you get more and more of it past the rod tip.



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This is a first for me, usually you see the reciprocal Fly Blank to Spinning. I guess you have to use what fits the bill.

Bill in WV

Jason,
Take a look at Jann's Netcraft on the left and check out their ultra light spinning blanks. I built one on their 6 ft. blank and it throws a 5 wt line great. Their 5 1/2 ft is similar but a little stiffer, but it might work.