Looking for a small stream blank that is great value bang for the buck any suggestions 3wt 6' 6' can vary on length?

Thanks

Tim

Tim,
give the F663-3-MHX a shot. You will NOT be disappointed.

[www.mudhole.com]

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Why don't you take a look at some of the Batson models-either the Forecast or Rainshodow series-if length is not an issue they have a 5' and a 7'9" both in 3 weights.These blank are designed for high performance at a reasonable price.
Karen Hapka
Bingham Enterprises

Binghamenterprises@kc.rr.com

The MHX blanks look intreguing and I like the Batson Rainshadow blanks, but i would also look at the Tiger Eye 6' 2/3 or 7' 3/4. I love these blanks for small stream rods.

These just arrived and are worth a look at as well:)

Sequim WA- July 1st 2010 one of the fishing industry’s leading rod blank suppliers,
Batson Enterprises, is pleased to announce 4 new travel fly rods blank models for the
upcoming tackle season.
The demand for high performance light line travel fly rods blanks has been
growing steadily. These 4 new models fill some big voids we had in our line up.
? RX7 Models feature high modulus RX7 graphite
? RX7 models are medium fast actions
? RX7 models are painted Matte Clear
? RX8 models feature proprietary blend of RX7 & RX8 graphite materials
? RX8 models are fast actions yet load in close correctly
? RX8 models are painted Matte Clear.
? RX7 & RX8 models feature limited lifetime warranty
130 Harrison St. suite 8 Sequim, WA 98382 Ph: 877-875-2381 Fax: 360-683-3579

IF662-4 6'6" Med
Fast 2 4 M 0.292 4.0 .855 oz $73.53
Trout in spring creeks /
panfish / short casting
distances
IF793-4 7'9" Med
Fast 3 4 M 0.325 4.5 1.09 oz $86.35
Trout / panfish dry fly &
small nymphs / short to
intermediate casting
distances
Model Length Action Line
wt Sections Color Butt Tip Blank
Wt. MSRP Application
XF662-4 6'6" FAST 2 4 M 0.282 4.0 .695 oz $86.59
Trout in spring creeks /
panfish / short casting
distances
XF793-4 7'9" FAST 3 4 M 0.315 4.5 .945 oz $100.24
Trout / panfish dry fly &
small nymphs / short to
intermediate casting
distances

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

Hi Tim,

My suggestion for model would depend on the area or stream type your fishing (or even how your fishing). You can probably bet my choices are going to be for American Tackle Blanks though. I love small stream fishing but don’t get to do it a lot these days but I do fish my small pond everyday and as of late, the fish have been in the shallows in relatively heavy cover. I normally would fish a 7’ 4 wt. for small streams but for heavy cover and what I have been doing this past week, I went with the 662 (6’6” 2 wt.). Of every rod I have, my choice has been for the Matrix blanks. They tips will load very well and for longer casts (when I can’t get close to the fish) the woven twill adds reserve power to punch the line out a bit further which is why I can fish the 662 with 3/4wt. lines as well.

Although economical, they look and perform extremely well, hope you’ll consider one.

Best Regards,

Darrin Heim
American Tackle Company

Here is a great price point recipe for your consideration. The Forecast blank retails at only $30 and change:)

F793-2
Forecast RX6 Fly Rod Blanks

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # F793-2DB 7'9" 2 pc 3wt Travel Fly Rod - Dark Blue
Butt cap: n/a
Reel Seat: U3SKC-SG with U3-RI #U3 Uplocking Shiney Gunsmoke Skeleton with Cap-with Stabilized Wood Rosewood Laminate
Reel Seat Shim: n/a
Grip: FRHW7CA-250/760 7" Fly Grip .250 bore/.760 Reel Seat Cutout "A" Grade Cork
Winding Check: BWC07 Black PVC/Rubber Winding Check 0.276" I.D.
Hookeeper: HKS Small Stainless Steel Hook Keeper
Tip Top LWHFT4.5 Light Wire Super Hard Chrome Fly Top 4.5 Tube
Guides (see below for size and quantity) LWHSFGP Light Wire Single Foot Fly Guide Super Hard Chrome
Guides (see below for size and quantity) LTCUDUG UD guide with Light PVD TiCH Plating with PDV Blue TiO Coated Zirconium Ring

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st LWHSFGP2 4.5"
2nd LWHSFGP2 9.5"
3rd LWHSFGP2 15.5"
4th LWHSFGP2 22.5"
5th LWHSFGP3 30.5"
6th LWHSFGP3 40"
7th LWHSFGP4 51"
8th LTCUDUG10 64"

or the F662

F662-2
Forecast RX6 Fly Rod Blanks

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # F662-2DB 6'6" 2 pc 2 wt Travel Fly Rod - Dark Blue
Butt cap: n/a
Reel Seat: U3SKC-SG with U3-RI #U3 Uplocking Shiney Gunsmoke Skeleton with Cap-with Stabilized Wood Rosewood Laminate
Reel Seat Shim: n/a
Grip: FRHW7CA-250/760 7" Fly Grip .250 bore/.760 Reel Seat Cutout "A" Grade Cork
Winding Check: BWC05 Black PVC/Rubber Winding Check .200" I.D.
Hookeeper: HKS Small Stainless Steel Hook Keeper
Tip Top LWHFT4.5 Light Wire Super Hard Chrome Fly Top 4.5 Tube
Guides (see below for size and quantity) LWHSFGP Light Wire Single Foot Fly Guide Super Hard Chrome
Guides (see below for size and quantity) LTCUDUG UD guide with Light PVD TiCH Plating with PDV Blue TiO Coated Zirconium Ring

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st LWHSFGP2 4"
2nd LWHSFGP2 8.5"
3rd LWHSFGP2 13.5"
4th LWHSFGP3 19"
5th LWHSFGP3 25"
6th LWHSFGP4 32"
7th LWHSFGP4 40"
8th LTCUDUG12 50"

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

I have built 2 of the Rainshadow IF662 blanks recently and they cast like a dream, and won't break the bank either. I didn't run any CCS numbers on them, but would be willing to bet they will handle a 3wt line if that's what you are after. The first one I sold to a guy who caught a 19" Rainbow on it right after he got it. It was a pretty serious fight on a 2wt, but everything held up.

I also have built on the 793 and 763 (7'9" 3wt and 7'6" 3wt) mentioned above from Batson and they are super nice too, although longer than what you are asking about.

I fish almost exclusively with a 9' 4wt fly rod. Big streams, small streams, doesn't matter. The only time I have trouble with the 9' length is walking through the trees to get to the water. I guess it is a matter of personal preference, but I like the longer length and find it can actually help in the smaller streams as I can reach out and "cane-pole" some of the hard to reach spots, and also think it helps with roll casting. Thats just my opinion, though.

Matt Smith
Greensboro, NC

I have a Batson Forecast 6'6" 4pc 2wt rod. It handles a 3 weight line well, casts nicely, and is a very low priced blank. You can't go wrong.

Greg

Thank you for all responses this forum is a great source of information

Tim