I have a flats guide client who has requested a 6' fly rod for 10 wt. line. He wants it for making short casts to docks and pilings for big snook (over 20 lbs).
I have thought about using a 3 piece, 9' blank, using just the tip and mid section, and then stiffening the mid section (now the butt section) with a light graphite blank slid inside the first 2' of the section. I have done this to stiffen blanks for jigging heavy iron with good results, but never tried it on a fly rod.

Any ideas?

I think you'd be better off just using a very stout bass rod blank in a 6' length. It will easily cast a fly line short distances and would have the power needed to get the fish out quickly.

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I'd make it much easier on myself and use a G Loomis SJ700. Light tip for throwing short lines with good backbone. I have older version with a slip ring / tennessee grip I could try test casting after work today it would help. St Croix 2 or 3S60MLF I think would also work.

The only problem I see with that blank is that it's not really powerful enough to haul large snook.

Casting the line will be the easy part - getting the power to handle the snook will be tougher.

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Gary,
I agree with Tom.
Just pick up a heavy or extra heavy 6 foot casting blank and put on a fly rod handle and guides as needed.
Job done.
Roger

Gary,
Spent considerable time on this problem.
The closest I've gotten is a 6'6" MH 1 piece Cabela's IM7 blank.
The drawback to building a rod to fight the fish is the compromise for fly casting.
This combo should cast an 11 or 12 weight fly line and be capable of turning the fish after the fly is taken. I know this isn't exactly what you've requested but the additional 6 inches will help cast the fly line while the line weight is matched to the rod strength required for fighting the fish.
I assume this is an experimental build as I've seen nothing else close. UNIQUE !!
If this is an acceptable approach let me know how it progresses.

Good fishing
Gene

The flats guide was specific...6" long for 10 weight line. He said 6'2" would be the maximum length.
It is most definitely an experimental build. I'm hampered by the fact that I don't fly fish myself, so I truly appreciate the ideas being posted here. Many thanks.

In that case the 3S60MLF St Croix blank as suggested above should cast a 10 weight.
He may be utilizing a spey cast on a rod that short.
My fear would be after the hook-up you might be overmatched with a rod that light.

How about a 6' M - MH blank up to 3/4 oz. Should be heavy enough ??

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/02/2009 11:54PM by bill boettcher.