Guys what would be a good rod blank to make a FNF Rod, I plan on Smallmouth fishing this winter and would like to build my own, what lure wt. line size etc would you reccomend? since i got into rod building i am no satiified with a rod that you buy, i want one that I build.
Richard

Have only done this type fishing once, but a 5 of 6 wt fly rod blank would be my first thought. Wouldn't go any shorter than 8 ft to start I think.

We do lots of this type fishing here in Tennessee for Smallmouth Bass in the colder months. There are two blanks that St. Croix actually designates as Float-N-Fly blanks. One in SCII and one in SCIII. also as spencer mentioned, fly blanks work great for this. We find that the lighter the line being used, such as 2 and 4 lb., a 5 wt fly blank. If you are using 6 lb., a 6 wt. fly blank. Spencer is also correct about the length, no shorter than 8 ft. We also will use longer rods, if we are fishing a longer amount of line under the float. Most the fellows around here are using 9 ft., because the longer rod makes it easier to cast longer amount of line under the float. You need to use a stationary float. Provides better action to the jig, versus using a slip float. We are a sponser here on the board and would be more than glad to help you set-up this project for you. Also some of the fellows like a 6 wt. blank when they are really chasing bigger Smallmouth. They have jsut a bit more lifting power. If I can be of any help assisting you, just give me a call at 931-684-6164.

Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply

I haven't had the nerve to venture into Fly Rod Fishing, I thought that maybe there was a Spinning Rod Blang that would be good for FNF Blank
Richard

Richard; I think Bob is talking about building this fly blank as a spinning rod and using 4 or 6 lb mono and a stationary float with a jig. Maybe he will come back in here and verify.

I am terribily sorry Bob. I hope I didn't make a fool of myself as I usuall do. I really do apreciate it. Please feel free to make fun of ole' dummy(me)!!
Thanks guy's. I have never built one like that, i may need some tutoring on this one.
Richard

Dumb question # 1, would i fix the reel seat like a Fly Rod and fix a fighting Butt or would I amke a regular Spinning Rear Grip and Fore Grip. I will be using a SC III #5 wt Rod blank. #2 do i use Fly Rod Guides or Spinning Guides??
Richard

Handle style is usually personal preference. I think you would be most comfortable with a standard style spinning handle, making sure the butt is 10" long at min.. My first choice for any colder weather spinning rod is the traditional Tennessee grip. You could use graphite slip rings, or simply tape the reel to the cork. If you can't find a nice long Tenn. grip, I usually will cut and splice two grips in to one to get in the 15"-20" range.

Marc

#2, Guides?? reg. fly rod guides?? I told ya I am really ney to this Fly Rod conversion. I did it with spinning blank, converted it to a casting rod, everbody that uses it loves it. that was anotherone of of the great tip's from you guys on here and yes they walked me all the way thru it.
Richard

The blank doesn't know what it's used for, just set it up as per the Library article for spinning rod and have fun with that rod. Since your dunkin' floats I wouldn't get to fancy with the spinning guides as sensitivity isn't an issue.

Richard, basically, you are just using a fly rod blank to make a spinninnig rod. Remember that a blank is a blank and has no way of knowing what it is being built as. Some fly guys use short U/l spinning blanks to make short stream fly rods and the use of fly blanks to make spinning rods is often done to get a particular action. You build it the same as you would any spinning rod. Have fun and don't feel stupid about asking questions! Ask Away

Spencer, we were typing at the same time!!


Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/2007 10:43AM by Mike Barkley.

i reall thank you guy's. I will let ya know how they turn out. I am excited about building them, i hardly slept last night trying to figure out grip style, guide placement., how many guides. The wife says i have lost it again. do any of you guys ever do the same?? I guess Fugi concept guides and Tip top and i am leaning towards a Tn handle, i have never made one, i guess thats another challange
Richard

This Rainshadow would be a good one as well.
Rod Blank Model # IST1142
Butt cap: SBC20B
Front Cap:
Rear Grip: RGS12A-340
Handle Arbor:
Reel Seat: GS17C-B THREADS DOWN
Reel Seat Shim SHIM17SPIN
Foregrip: FG200A-250
Winding Check: BWC09
Hookeeper: BHKS
Tip Top BPLT06R04.5
1st guide from tip top BFLG06
2nd guide from tip top BFLG06
3rd guide from tip top BFLG06
4th guide from tip top BFLG07
5th guide from tip top: BFLG08
6th guide from tip top: BFLG10
7th guide from tip top: BVS3TLG12
8th guide from tip top: BVS3TLG16
9th guide from tip top: BVS3TLG25
10th guide from tip top:
11th guide from tip top:
12th guide from tip top:
13th guide from tip top:
14th guide from tip top:
15th guide from tip top:
16th guide from tip top:
Guide spacing Specs(inches from tip, center ring over mark) 4.5-9.25-14.5-20-25.75-33.75-43.75-55.25-68.5

Thanks, thats exactlly what i needed. I will post a oic of it when i get done, again i really thank you guys