I am interested in building a Float N Fly rod. I've recently read some articles where Spotted Bass are succumbing to this technique.

From what I have read these rods are 8', 9', or 10' long, and use very light line. The basic rig uses Power Pro Line in 1 pound diameter 8 pound test tied to the Three Way Swivel. A Seaguar 8 lb Fluorocarbon Leader from 8 to 18 feet in length for the jig, and the bobber on the the 3rd line to the swival. You don't cast very far. I guess you just lob it out there.

I am seeking recommendations from a builder who has built a rod for this technique, especially a recommendation regarding a blank.

Thanks
Bert Nagy

Bert -- This technique is used during the winter, as the water temp drops down in the 50's. Not saying it will not work at greater water temps, but the boys in Tennessee had rather the water be cold. Fish buch up and chase suspended shad during those water conditions. You are correct about the various length rods that are used. When using a longer leader under the float, some like the longer rods. I never used a 3 way swivel, just clipped the float directly on the line at the required depth of baitfish and tied the jig directly to the end of the line. We mainly used 4 lb. line. These rods are generally built on a fly blank. A 5 or 6 wt. fly blank works great. Wind makes this technique work best, as the wind makes the float dance on top of the water and then provides movement to the jig. We use a small pear-shaped float. Find the baitfish and stay back away from them, making long casts. Thus another very good reason for the longer rod. You will find the deeper you fish on a longer leader, the easier it will also be on a longer rod.

Bob McKamey
bobm@mudhole.com

St Croix makes a special blank for this technique, the 3S80MLM2.

I had talked to Bob at length about this technique as it is a necessity in the clear TX waters in winter. He suggested a 9'-9'6" minimum length. 10' maybe being most ideal just a tad longer learning curve in casting technique. Since sensitivity is negligible. Bob hooked me up with a forecast 2 piece and it turned out to do the job well. I did only get the 9' 6wt' rod and it did well. I don;t know if it was Bob, but somebody gave me a website to guy in TN that makes the flies and bought a bunch of them. They were a well built fly with many color choices and decent prices. I am sure if you call Bob he will get everything you need.