I'm not new to fly fishing, but I am looking at building my first fly rod. I'm thinking a 5 wt. around 8'6". My dilemna is I would still like a decent rod to fish with, but I don't want to dump a whole lot of money into a blank on my first try. I was thinking in the hundred dollar range for the blank. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Will Try one of Batson's Rainshadow or Forecast blanks. The forecast blanks are priced well below $100.00 and cast very well. Paul

Will, take a look at our Tiger Eye fly blanks on www.blackdogtackle.com.

Very good price/quality combination for anyone. Joe

Joe Douglas

If you're willing to drop a C note on a blank, you have a wide range of options and can obtain a very, very nice blank. Don't feel like you can't get a really good premium blank for that amount of money - you can.

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I second the Batson recommendation. I now highly recommend any of their blanks (different actions and price points) to my clients.

I heartily second the Black Dog Tiger Eye blanks. I've built three of these now and they are among my favorite rods -- and by far, the prettiest, too. And this from a so-called professed ultra-fast rod user !! Try one, you won't regret it and may find yourself not lusting after the $200+ blanks.

Tony M

I will give Batson's the nod. I really like their blanks. I was fishing Kenai River Reds an IF809 this week. I call it "The Hawg Hammer" whatever I put it through it just keeps on producing. I say Bang for the Buck Batson's stand up with the best

Batson. Everyday of the week and twice on Sunday!