Has anyone built and fished the American Tackle 12wt blanks. I've got a request to purchase and build two American Tackle 12wt rods. The person that wants it (he wants 2) wants a more affordable rod (than Sage, Loomis) that is fast (tight loops) and he casts 60-80 feet of 12 wt sinking line with a 3 inch 3/0 or 4/0 streamer. Most of the fishing is blind casting the passes for tarpon.
I've built (and fished) several sage and lamiglass 12 wt rods. They've held up really well over the years and I've sold several of them to guides who fish them hard and they've never failed due to design, fabrication, or manufacturing defects. I'm a little leery of building it because I don't know anything about their reputation on the water. I really don't want to be re-building the rods because they crapped out on a trophy fish. Thoughts?

I have not used that particular blank, but I have fished no less than 3 other American Tackle Fly Rod Blanks and I like each one of them very much.

If your customer specifically asked for that make and model, at least you're covered to some extent as you're giving him exactly what he requested. Frankly, I think you and he will both like them.

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Thanks. I'll probably give it a try and see how it hold up.

Hi Ed,

I am sorry to say I don't have any personal experience with this blank and I don't even have a ton of experience casting heavy fly rods, but I can tell you that I am extremely impressed with the durability of my Matrix rods. And, I fish them so hard it could be considered abusive, in fact I will make a note that I should never be covered under the warranty. All kidding aside, although this model isn't a huge mover we have sold hundreds and to my knowledge we have not had any returned for warranty. While it's true they don't come back to me, I always try to stay in touch with any potential issues with our products and I would proudly recommend this blank.

I hope your customer like his new rod.

Best Regards,

Darrin Heim
American Tackle Company