I'm interested in a building a float rod in the 9' range for some of our more moderate sized streams in western NY. All of the "off the shelf" float rods are 11'6" to 13'+ in length and really suited for bigger water then I usually fish.

Since I don't have the $ to have a shorter, custom float rod made, anyone have any experience or tips on selecting a blank for a 9' rod probably in the 4-8# or 6-10# test range?

Thanks.

look at cheaper fly blanks in a 6 or 7 wt also.

Rainshadow 1081F or 1082F steelhead blanks will work great. I like the green ones.

The longer float rods are not needed for larger rivers but the speed for picking up line off the water- insuring a good hook set and fewer lost fish regardless of size of the river.I fish a few rivers in Western NY and my preference is nothing shorter than 11'6". My rod is Loomis ST1384IMX. The best float rod I have ever come across. The IMX graphite makes it a very light rod, easy to fish all day- with lots of power to turn a Steelhead if need be . Loomis also makes these blanks in GL2 and GL3 graphite, which are less expensive.

Thanks for the tips guys.

Spencer, any suggestions on where to look for the blanks you suggested?

Roger, I understand your thoughts on a longer rod for better line management and hooksets. I had the chance to use a 13' rod on the Genny a couple of times during the summer on cats and carp and can definitely see the advantage on water that size. I'm just starting to dabble in the Lake Ontario runs for browns and steelies but most of my fishing will be on smaller waters closer to home for trout drifting nymphs under floats. I'm basically doing that now with spin equipment but it @#$%& with having the bail open for a drift, trying to manage line and then trying to close it and get a hook set in under 10 minutes! That was my thought for a 9' rod which is about the longest I can easily handle on these streams with trees and vegetation.

Maybe I'm way off on this but I just can't see having a good time fighting with a longer rod on the streams I have in mind and get to fish most. Maybe I should just get the center pin first and try it on my current 8.5' and 9' spin rods? But I'm thinking a rod with about 18" of cork grip with sliding ring seats would be good for adjusting the reel placement. I'm thinking there's not enough cork in front on my current spin rods for a comfortable grip and proper hand placement to feather the spool.

Any thoughts on this ramble?

FishSticks4U is probably the closest to you, but there is also Custom Tackle, Scneider's, Bingham's, and Angler's Workshop.

Where can I learn more information about float fishing? I did a few searches and cant seem to find anything good really. I got a 12 foot graphite spinning rod for float fishing and would like to learn proper methods so that I know what Im doing and be able to build a rod that is perfect for what I am doing. I am new to "float fishing" but Ive built and rebuilt quite a few rods.

Where can I learn more information about float fishing? I did a few searches and cant seem to find anything good really. I got a 12 foot graphite spinning rod for float fishing and would like to learn proper methods so that I know what Im doing and be able to build a rod that is perfect for what I am doing. I am new to "float fishing" but Ive built and rebuilt quite a few rods.

www.steelheader.net, www.sportfishingbc.com, www. fishsponge.com. There are a huge amount of steelhead fishing sites with info. Just google "steelhead fishing (your state)" and you should get lots of local techniques and other info.

Thanks Spencer.

Brandon, here's one link to some good info. on rigging floats. [www.steelheader.net]

Drop me an email at Steelheader@buffalo.com. I think i can help.
Sincerely,
Dan Colville