Hello, I was thinking of building myself a rod made up for one special purpose, tolling a Lake Clear Wobbler with a nymph behind it. This type of rod would be used for trout and LL salmon up to 20 inches. I was thinking of taking a fast action 6wt blank fly blank of 8'-6" in length and setting up the grip section and guides like a spin rod but using a casting reel with 8lb mono. The only reason I'm thinking of a fly blank is because I have only built fly rods and I don't have any experience with other types of rods.
Casting distance is not going to be really important, just looking for a light weight blank that will handle trolling this rig without being overkill. I don't see the weight of the Lake Clear and nymph weighing more than a 1/16 of an ounce. Reason for the longer length rod would be to keep the line out away from the oars of a Guide Boat.
Any of you folks ever build such a rod? I would think some of the Salmon/Steelhead blanks might work also.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, Bill H.

Personally I would go for a Steelhead blank . It will have more backbone than a comparable weight fly blank and still have a good tip section for the line and lure weight you are using. I think it would make a lot better trolling blank.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

I agree with Jay.
i.e. go with a medium light steel head blank and you will be good to go.
If you like, go to what ever length that you like. i.e. 8,9,10,12 feet would all work for this application.

Good luck
Roger

I have used a #6 fly rod blank for similar, Batson RX7 is a little faster than the RX6 series.
But also consider the new Batson RDR70L "downrigger" blank, add a12-16" extension if you need longer than 7'
It has a great combination of a very soft and forgiving fibreglass top area with graphite reinforced butt for some backbone.
Light in the hand also.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Thanks Guys, I was kinda thinking a few of you would advise me to use a Salmon/Steelhead blank. I may go both routes and build one of each, since I have a few 6wt blanks lying around and pick up a Steelhead blank thru the winter.