I am wanting to build a Bass/Pike Fly Rod, and need some suggestions for blanks. First...what weight should I look for...8wt? I have a limited budget, and am looking at either a RX7 Rainshadow, Matrix, or St. Croix SCII blank. I have used the SCII blank on a Ultralight spinner and liked it, but it is about the top of my price limit. Are there other blanks that should be concidered?

Thanks for any suggestions...

Andy take a look at the Batsons RX6 fly rod blanks...they are a great value at the price they sell for...as well as a real nice fly rod blank

Bill@midwestrodandreel.com
www.midwestrodandreel.com

I just built a fly rod for my brother based on the RX7. I have only casted it over the grass but I like it very much. I may have to build one for myself.

I built an RX 7, 9&1/2', 7weight , 3 peice and use it here in S. Fla. for insore but have also used it for bass on lakes here. It's a great tool and has enough power to bring in some big girls. My largest bass on it was 6&1/2lbs. and I had no problem beating her on this rod. The extra length is nice for picking up line over weeds. Good luck!

Snooker Pete

For Bass AND Pike...I'd be going with an 8 weight.

If Pike is more of your primary target, I'd be looking at a 9 weight.

In my opinion...you need a heavier weight rod for the giant flies you'll want to toss. You can't toss anything too big for a Pike.

Given your comments...I'd probably opt for the RX7. The SCII is a nice blank and I know guys that prefer them over the other higher end St. Croix's. But if given the choice on price point, I'd probably go with the RX7.



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Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

OK - gotta toss in a vote for the Matrix - especially black. It's a very smooth blank with good power, and way prettier than the others. I would vote for an 8 wt for a double duty rod as well.

Good Luck!

Those Matrix rods sure are pretty! I have a #3 in black & a #5 in green I use for trout streams whenever I get up north. I just love them! But haven't tried a larger Matrix flyrod yet. I'll bet they are great and just so sweet looking!

Snooker Pete

Rainshadow RX7 Fly Rods

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # IF908-M or IF908-OG 9' 2pc 8wt Fly IM6 Matte or Olympic Green
Butt cap: CEVAFB-1 1" Cork EVA Fighting Butt
Reel Seat: RA8L2-SG #8 Alum Fly Reel Seat w/recessed hood & Double Locking Nuts & Trim Ring - Shiney Gunsmoke
Reel Seat Shim: SHIM/16/SPIN Proof Board .590" OD 3.70" Length
Grip: FW7.375CS-340/900 7.375" Full Wells Fly Grip .340 bore/.900 Real Seat Cut Out Super Grade Cork
Winding Check: AWC389 Aluminum Winding Check .389" I.D.
Hookeeper: FHK-H Folding Hook Keeper-Hard Chrome
Tip Top XFTL6.0 SS316-Chrome Plated Large Loop Fly Top 6.0 Tube
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XSNGP SS316- Snake Guide - Polished
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XLXNZG ALPS SS316-LXN Guide w/'Z' ring Polished

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st XSNGP2 4.5"
2nd XSNGP2 9.5"
3rd XSNGP2 15.5"
4th XSNGP2 22"
5th XSNGP3 29"
6th XSNGP3 36.5"
7th XSNGP4 44.5"
8th XSNGP5 54"
9th XLXNZG12 64"
10th XLXNZG16 76.5"

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

Karry, I'll bet it would be an awsome snook rod too! Hmmmm? Guss I'm going to have to start saving my nickles! I've been using my RX7-7weight 9&1/2' 3peice (just love it!) w/ a 8 weight forward taper line for inshore flats redfish, seatrout, baby tarpon and snook but haven't tangled w/ anything much over 10lbs. yet on it. I think the 8 weight or even a 9 weight would be great for bigger mangrove snook??? Sorry if I'm off topic. I'm looking forward to meeting you and all the Batson gang at the big show! Can't wait!!!

Snooker Pete

The 8 or 9 wt RX7 would work great for what you want. The OG blanks are my favorite. It would also work on lakers, salmon and steelhead.

I've had great luck with my 8-weight for pike, a Loomis blank. I've caught bones, salmon, bass on it, too. A very versitile weight, the eight.

Depending on what the pike are hitting you can definitely use too large a fly for them...in fact, I'd wager that you'll catch more and larger pike on a #2 to #1/0 Deceiver or Clouser than 9-inch flies that look like an adult whitefish. Pike can be as particular as any other fish and often feed on small bait and even insect hatches...a finess presentation is needed which an 8 wt. can handle.

For this reason I like the eight weight vs bigger weights...you can handle a comprehensive variety of flies in both size and presentation.

Sounds like you are on the right track.

Les