I have a friend who wants a fly rod to be used offshore for a variety of species. His only specifications are that he wants a two piece fly rod to catch everything from small dolphin to sailfish and cobia. I have never built a fly rod of any sort let alone one for this purpose but I'm willing to give it a shot. Any recomendations for possible blanks/components/setups?

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL

If he's going to be fighting large fish and needs lifting power I would go with a shorter rod like an eight footer. If he needs greater casting distance I would go for a nine footer. Either way for those species you mention I would go with a twelve weight rod.

RJH

TFO has a "Bluewater Series" that offers an 8'6" 13-15wt and a 8'6" 14-17wt ... both are composite S-Glass and IM6. Not finesse rods, but capable of handling sailfish and cobia - the latter are particularly tough to deal with.

See if you can pin him down a bit more. Everyone wants an "all purpose" rod. There isn't any such thing. A 15 weight is going to tiresome and no fun for small dolphin. I say build for the majority of his needs. Nothing wrong with getting stripped now and then when a really big one comes along.

I have a 12 weight (haven't built it yet) that I think would handle a sailfish if I had 300 yards of backing. It would be fine for moderate sized dolphin but a 60# bull would be a little much.

If I was going to toss flys to smaller dolphin (under ten pounds) that followed a big one back to the boat I'd rather have something lighter, like an 8 weight.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Try to build on the Beulah Bluewater 13-15. Though blank but still castable. This weight size is though on your arm and is meant for the really big ones. It is not a rod you blind cast for hours, rather minuttes. I think anglers workshop carries them

Thanks for the replies. Gives me a good starting point. I will get back with him and try to pin him down a little.

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL

You could also build one out of a 2 piece hotshot blank, they are heavy butted for good lifting power and a bit easier on the wallet than many fly blanks.

Like said a spin and cast blank will work and be easer on the money Some thing in a 3/4 - 1+ lure weight range should work All blanks will though weight weather it is a fly line or lure

Bill - willierods.com