I picked up a 7pc. 9ft. 3/4 wt fly rod blank today for a very reasonable price. (trading for a butt wrap) It's moderate to fast action. I don't really want a 9ft. 7 pc rod, so I'm thinking of taking off the last one or two butt sections and making the rod either 7'9 or 6'6. I whipped the rod in the air a few time with the sections removed, and it still appears to me to be moderate action. Will this change the line weight at all (increase/decrease?). It will be used for fishing small creeks and pools, so distance casting is not a requirement. Just curious what I should expect from the rod by doing this. What would be the pros and cons of this alteration. I welcome any input/feedback.

thanks
Harold

What you can expect is a fly rod that lacks the necessary power to turn a decent size fish.
I recently built a 6' 10 wt rod for a flats guide who had fished with a 10 wt fly rod that had a broken butt section. It had been a 3 pc, 9' rod and became a 2 pc, 6' rod. While he LOVED the short rod, he was unable to turn any decent size fish with it. I suspect you might have a similar experience.
Also, be aware that the rod blank was designed as a 9' blank. Shortening it removes most of the backbone of the rod. The wall thickness of the tip sections is likely not the same as in the butt, so strength will likely be compromised.

Removing the butt section will create a rod with a much slower action and one with considerably less power. That might make it perfect, or completely useless. It depends on what you're after.

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tape some guides and a top on it, tape the reel on it, and go cast it. You can find out right away if it will do what you want.


My experience with multipiece rods is that you will probably be better off trading the blank for one that you want instead building this one short.

You can always leave some of the sections assembled when you take it apart.

I don't anticipate anything over a lb. in these little creeks, so the power aspect may not be a factor. Most of the casts will be simple roll casts. Bill, that's my plan for today is to line it out and see what it can do with some taped on guides and I'll try it with various line weights. I suspect 4wt. or possibly 5wt line to get it to load proper may be needed. Gary, good point, I never thought about the different wall thickness, so I will have to take that into consideration. Tom, you hit it on the head as usual. It's going to be good or bad, so give it a go and see what happens is my thinking. I think I'll build it as a 7'9 to start with, and see how I like it. That will be a happy compremise.

Thanks for the help.

Harold

Harold,
Although you can do - of what you speak, wouldn't it be a better idea to simply pick up a blank that better fits your particular needs.
Sometimes - things that come at low cost - end up being quite expensive, particularly if after spending a lot of time and effort - don't end up giving the desired results.

Good luck in your endeavor.

Roger

Normally I would agree Roger, but I have no use for a 9' 7 pc rod. The blank price was right, and I don't mind experimenting with this one. I think I've come to the conclusion I;m going to knock off one section and make it a 7'9" -6pc. I know a lot of guys that will want it if I'm not happy when I'm done. I can give it away or trade it for something else. Thanks for your input Roger, I appreciate it.

cheers
Harold