Hi all,
I have someone who wants me to build them a 4 to 4.5' fly rod. I haven't been able to find any blanks that size. I was wonder if anyone has ever built one that small and if so how did you do it.
Some ideas I had were to use an 1 piece ultralite spinning blank and cut it to size. Or to take a 9' fly blank and only use to tip.

Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks.

Joe

Try Dorber at [www.dorber.com]. Not a sponsor, but they have alot of blanks in shorter lengths and at reasonable prices.

Dave Fowler

I'd say try a very fast fly rod blank and use the tip section (or sections if it was a 4pc). You'll end up with a moderate action rod that'll still cast pretty well. Don't try it with a blank that was moderate or mod-slow to begin with...you'll just get a floppy noodle (I say this from unfortunate experience).

Scott Kinney
The Longest Cast Fly Rods
[www.thelongestcast.com]

I've done this many, many times. Use an ultralight blank. I'm assuming you're wanting something like a 2, 3 or 4 weight rod?

Look for a lure weight rating of about 3/16th ounce which will put you on par with most 3-weight fly rods.

If you can tell me where you'll be fishing the rod and what line weight you plan to use I can probably dial you in very close to what you'll be happy with.

...................

If you want graphite, I would use the St. Croix 2S46ULM or similar from another manufacturer (1/16 to 1/4 oz. lures). I've tried the top half of a fly rod trick and I don't like the way they cast. I have an old Fenwick fiberglass 5'3" UL spin rod I converted to a brook trout fly rod and it does a real nice job with a 3wt. line at close distances.

Joe. Do you want a micro rod? If so, see if Dan Craft will sell you a 0/1 weight 6 piece Sig IV. Use the top 4 sections for a 4'8" rod. Bob Dennison sells a reel and reel seat combo that is perfect for such a project. You might also try a fiberglass ice fishing blank. Flyline will be a hassle, but can be done. Don

Joe check out Global-Dorbers site they sell a 4.5 ft fly blank in 2-5 weights. I have built fly rods from their blanks, very light and responsive... Bob.

Tom,
The rod will be used in northern wisconsin in small very tight tree lined streams. Probaly a 2 or 3 wt line.
Thanks.

Joe

I am sure you know this Joe, and the customer is always right, but shortening up the rod doesn't help with trees. The backcast is the problem and roll casts, bow and arrow casts, and dapping is the solution. A short rod makes the needed casts more difficult. When you do have room for a backcast, you would appreciate a longer rod then, too. Don

I agree with Don. I have been fly fishing for over 50 years and anything under 6 ft is very hard to cast and obtain the delicate presentaion of the fly on the water.

Bob

Don & Bob
I agree with both of you. My shortest fly rod is 6.5 and I can't imagine going shorter. But this rod isn't for me, the person its for is bound and determined to have very short fly rod. So, if he really wants one and knows that it may not cast that well than I will make him one.

Joe

Joe, yup Dorber has the 4.5 fly rod blanks as several have said already. I been thinking about them. Fact is I am going to buy their 10' 3wt full flex blank. I think they have their price list backwards. The column for buying ONE blank is a cheaper price than their column showing price for 24 or more. Anywhoooo.....I think they would be great to build rods for 5-6 year old children of your own or grandchildren.

Gem