Looking to build a pan fish, small trout rod 2WT. I've looked at all the various blanks but not sure what would be a good option for a 6'6" blank. And the trade off for various actions. I have a 7'6" IM6 in a 3 WT that I really like but not sure if that would make a good 2WT rod. Any suggestions would be appreciated or considerations about action in such a short, light weight rod.

Thank you.

Take a look at the Batson RX6 6'6" 2wt or the RX8 I have built many of the RX6's and fish one myself. In my estimation it can't be beat!!

i've fished the RX6 in slightly longer lengths (7'-6") and it's a nice rod for stream trout. i imagine the 6-6 version should be equally so.

eric
fresno, ca.

Not that I've built one but just this morning I was looking at the MHX 6'6" 2 wt.. They are getting great reviews.

I just ordered a MHX 6'6" 3pc 2wt blank to try as well, and I'm really looking forward to it based on the other MHX reviews I've read (not seen any on that particular blank yet). You might also consider Batson's RX7 6'6" 2wt blanks. I have one of their 2pc 2wts waiting for me to start building. They also offer a 4pc 2wt in the RX7 lineup.

Sevier Mfg's Tiger Eye 6'6" 4pc 2wt is another option as well. I've built a couple of these and quite like them. I took CCS measurements for two of the Tiger Eye blanks and found an average ERN of 3.4 and 62 deg AA. I've fished this rod with both 2wt DT and 3wt WF lines. I don't particularly have a preference, but I know some do prefer the 3wt line on the rod, especially for short casting distances.

Ed,
Sage has the 7' 10" TXL-F and 8' ZXL in 2 weight.
Mud Hole shows blanks from Orvis 7'9" T3 and St Croix 6' SCII and 7'6" SCIII along with their own line blanks.
Cabela's has the 6'6" PT+ and 6'6" IM7 blanks.
Many possibilities in a broad price range.

Eugene Moore

Ed,

What distance range do you plan to fish at with this rod?

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Most of my casting will be about 30 feet I'm considering a DT line instead of WF. Seems like even though I start out wanting to throw short distances...there is always a spot I want to go a little further to not spook the fish. My biggest issue is overhead clearance. I have a 3wt 7'6" IM6 from Bastons labled under H&H and I love it. Sometimes its a little to long in climbing through the brush on the creeks in Mississippi.

Want to say thanks to everyone on the suggestions. I would like to know how the MHX rods turn out. This is only my sixth rod to build and I'm not familiar with them or the action.

If anyone could explain what the difference would be in action between the Bastons RX6 and ther RX7 I would appreciate it. BTW I do not like soft rods but then again I've never used anything shorter than a 7'6".



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/30/2010 10:46PM by Ed Casteel.

Action and power are not the same thing. Action is where the rod initially flexes, Power is how stiff it is.

Obviously, you need something that is capable of being loaded by the weight of some amount of a 2-weight fly line. That's why I asked what your fishing range was. 10 feet of a 2-weight line does not weigh the same thing as 50 feet of a 2-weight line. Once you determine the range you're going to be using it at, you can determine how much power you need for easy loading and casting.

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I would say 30 to 40 foot range.

the Batson RX8 XF662-4 travel blank is feather light, and a blast to fish. I built one this fall on a whim, and really enjoy pan-fishing with it. It is my first 2 wt. I have an Okuma 2/3 wt reel on it and used a YFLY reel seat. I used extra light wire single foot guides and no hook keeper. It really is fun to fish. It fishes up close very well, and has enough zip to reach a little further if need be...

What reel seats have people used on their 6'6" 2wts. I'm trying to stay in the $20 to $40 dollar range.

i use downlocking cap and ring reel seats with wood inserts for my light trout rods. utmost enterprises has a nice deal on what i think are uplocking pacific bay seats if you're looking for a good value. check those out. versitex has some double ring pacific bay seats for a bit more which are nice.

eric
fresno, ca.