I'm wanting to build a 6'0 - 6' 6" ultra light rod. I've been looking at a lamiglass IFW78-UL. Has anyone used these before? Are there any comparatively priced rods that are better? Thanks

~Jon

There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind

Hi Jon,

I wouldn't say we have anything "better" here but I do like some of our choices for light rods, although they might be considered extra light instead of ultralight. I suppose it depends on what you would use them for. I just wanted to throw out a couple of our blanks as potential choices.

Matrix (available in green or black)
AMSJ720 6' 4-8# 1/32-1/4oz 1pc #4.5 top fast action = upper$40 range
AMSJ781 6'6" 6-10#(or 4-8#) 1/16-5/16oz 1pc #4.5 top fast action = upper $40 range

Classic series (matte black)
AC721 6' 6-10# 1/4-1/2oz 1pc #5 top mod-fast action = $30 range
AC781 6'6" 6-10# 1/4-1/2oz 1pc #5 top mod-fast action = $30 range

Not complete exact comparisons but maybe some thing to consider.

Best Regards,

Darrin Heim
American Tackle Company

Darrin, I'm going to be using this rod to fish for crappie, perch, and small mouth bass. The line rating is a little to much on those blanks you mention. I'm looking at something in the 1-4 # range. Thanks for the info tho. I'll definitely look into those .

~Jon

There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind

Jon I build a lot of light rods for Crappie, Bluegill, Smallmouth. In my opinion a 1-4 lb blank is a little light for Smallmouth and Crappie,especially the Crappie in the southern lakes that can reach 3 lbs. And for Smallmouth that reach 5 lb I couldn't use a 1-4 lb blank.
I fish the lakes in Ky and Tn. To me a 781, as Darin describes, would be agood choice. A 1-4 lb blank would be good for small Perch/ BlueGill.

You should also look into a fly blank. I have built some out of 3 wt's. people have loved them. Just take the line weight put it over 16 for lure weight. The blank don't know what it is being used for.
Makes for a lot of fun.

Bill - willierods.com

Jay, your right, I'm not sure what I was thinking. That lamiglass blank I listed is rated for 2-8 lbs so ...I think I'll probably go for that one for now. I'm open for ideas on what to do with it....handle, reel seat, any ideas?

~Jon

There is certainly something in angling that tends to produce a serenity of the mind

I'm assuming you will be using a light mono on this rod and wrapped as Spinning. Now would be a good time for some Micros. Size your stripper guide to the reel you will use. Using the NGC method in the Library getting the proper line path to the running guides. Then let all the running guides be Micros,4's or 3.5's. I like to use Alconites for the stripper and all intermediate guides.
I like the Fuji NPS seat shortened on both ends. I would also build it with split grips. You could use a nice wood grain EVA or cork whichever you like. I like to use EVA on a Spinning rod but I use cork on all Casting except heavy Cat Rods.
If you are not comfortable with the Micro's yet , then use BLAG 6's for the running guides.

I think Schneider's has a White River Special ultralight blank with a fast action, don't remember the ratings or length.

I like the Batson SP-721-2 2 pcs is great for trout, smallmouth bass, and crappie. Being 2 pcs is easy to transport. Schneider's has some really good prices on these blanks. I got some of mine from him and got some from the show last year.

Edwin Kime

My favorite small rods are a matched pair of Rainshadow SB720-4. They are 6'0", 4-8#, four-piece construction. Disassembled they are only 18". I have packed them all over the US and you can't match the portability, durability and usability.