I am building a rod for a friend. The basic parameters are 6' to 6' 6" spinning rod, to handle 4 to 6 pound line, and handle 1/4oz lures, or a bubble and fly. I like St.Croix blanks, so I dug out the catalog. I was looking at the 2 piece SC III 3S66LF2 blank. This is rated for 4-8# line, and 1/16 to 1/4 oz. lures. I talked to my friend, and he said that he often uses 1/4 oz sinkers, plus terminal tackle. This would put the weight well over 1/4 oz, so I ordered a 2 piece SC III 3S66MLF2 blank. This is supposed to handle 4-10 # line, and 1/8 to 3/8 oz. lures. I have to say that I haven't built or used anything heavier then an Ultra Lite spinning rod in the last 25 years. I now have this blank, and compaired to what I have been dealing with, it feels like a steel rod. To compound my misgivings in picking this blank, I checked with my friend and he said he uses an ultra lite reel, and the factory recommended reel seat is for a light to medium reel.

I know these are probably beginner questions, but they are things I really haven't had to deal with: Did I do an over kill in picking the heavier blank? How do you figure out where to place the reel seat to balance the rod with a lighter then normal (for the blank) reel?

I am over my head here, and any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Don't locate the seat in any attempt to balance the blank. That compromises the extra length, which is going to give him additional casting distance and "feel" (the fish is going to have a longer lever and knows what to do with it).

The rear handle need only be long enough to allow him to fight the fish off his forearm rather than his wrist.

I do feel the LF would have been better than the MLF for his purposes. You can either put that one in stock (it's still a great blank) and order him another or swap it with your dealer.

................

Mike,
For pitching 1/4 oz jigs, you have the optimum blank.
I would put a back grip of 8 inches on this rod, and call it good. It will balance well with an 8 inch back grip.
Take care
Roger

Mike, for waht you are describing the 3C66LF is a good choice, however if your friend is going to throw heavier line / lure
(i.e. 8 lb. , with weights to 3/8+) I'd go with the 66MLF it's a good all around spin rod..

Roger just a question - why an 8" rear grip, I usually go 6.5 - 7" on a 6'6" spin rod?

I wouldnt try to balance it with the reel seat. The MLF is great for jigging walleyes but I agree with Tom, an LF would have worked better in your case. Good Luck.

Why the LF ? I always read that the sweet spot is usually in the middle of the lure weight range. And if the owner is going to use heavier weight to throw ??? Are you thinking because it is a fast blank and will handle a little more weight ?

Bill - willierods.com