I'm gearing up to build my 4th rod- a 2 wt. ultralight for Minnesota panfish.
I've got a 3M Scientific Angler blank, and I need some help with where to go for all the components I need, butt, guides etc..
I'm set with tools and liquids. I would prefer a kit due to the easyness, but maybe I should branch out and look for some cool colored ionized guides, etc.....
I'll appreciate any input.
-I sure am having fun learning at this website, I hope to someday have enough under my belt to offer some help to "newbies" like myself instead of always looking for help.

I guess the question is are you going for budget or premium?
If you're going budget, I'd get the 1-piece grip/seat from Jann's NetCraft. For guides I'd use single foot wire guide. You can probably get everything you need from Janns for under $40. For Premium ultralight components, look to REC. Their PLRN seat is very nice and really light. Then use thier Recoil light wire guides, these are the lightest on the planet. With a matching grip and a nice winding check, that setup would run around $75. Either way, I'd use a single foot spinning guide for the stripper, size 8 or 10.

Hi Doug,

even just reading your headline on the main page I had exactly the same ideas like Daniel, the full cork reel seat and the thin/freshwater sf-guides also from recoil. If you can turn your own grips you could even buy just two slip rings for teh reel-foot and design grip and reel seat exactly to your specs.

For the stripping guide ( attention, here comes now my creativity hohoho) I would go with a Fuji TLNSG or CLNAG in a suitable size. Both strippers (same shape) are having a nice, filigree appearance what should match pretty good for a 2 weight rod.


RGDS,
Ole

Doug,
any of the sponsors on the left will help you out. If you are not happy with internet ordering I have a few suggestions for places you might try. You can email me for those suggestions at tom069@comcast.net or thomas.kaufmann@navy.mil

Don't be intimidated by the net, all of the sponsors are great. I have had the pleasure of using many of them. I can personnaly recommend Lamar, Fish sticks, bingham,mudhole,Janns and Anglers workshop. i have had great experiences with ALL of them!!!!!!!!!!!! They all employ exceptional people

thanks to all of the sponsors that I have mentioned for making my life that much easier with your great service!!!!

Tom Kaufmann
GySgt USMC

Doug,
Is this an ultralight or a spinfly rod? Spiinfly rods I think may have started in New Zealand and are gaining popularity worldwide....lighter than ultralights, throw lighter baits than ultralights, and tend to cast farther as well....