I am preparing to build my first flyrod and would appreciate input on the basics and do's and don't's. So far I have built about 25 spinning rods using NGC and #4 fuji micros.
This will be a 9', 7,8 or 9wt fast action (?) for inshore salt water. I am looking at one of the MHX blanks but might also consider a St Croix SCIII, either would be 2 piece. I own an Orvis 4 wt. and a St Croix 6 wt. factory rod to use for basic layout and guide setup but both were bought for fresh water so I anticipate some changes in materials. Are ferrels necessary assuming that 10-12 lb. Reds will be a target? What is a minimum quality reel seat to consider? What would be a basic handle system to use? Uplocking reel seat or down? Fighting butt? Mr Kirkman, in an earlier post, mentioned using a #4 guide then 3's to the end ( if I understood correctly). Ahhhhh..... so many questions. Thanks, Robbie

Might put the SCII/IV blend on the list. REC guides are worth a look. I'd want a fighting butt and IIRC that will determine the uplocking part.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Ferrules are integral to the rod.

You may not need guides as large as size 3 snakes on a rod like that. Size 2's might be fine. Always use the smallest size that will easily pass your required line and connections. That reduces weight and improves rod performance. Also, try not to use multiples of various guide sizes - this creates a less straight line path and adds unnecessary weight. Use a stripping guide, a single transition guide, and then the same size guides from there all the way to the tip.

..............

Since it's for salt water, I would use titanium guides. The REC snake running guides are excellent, and I have come to like the Fuji "K" guides for stripping guides. For the tip top, I'd use a Fuji titanium/SIC. It isn't traditional looking but will give better performance.

The seat is up to you, but the handle kits from Batson are very nice and work well for not a ton of $$.

Drew

8wt rod should be plenty especially if you are in shallow water. The REC guides are a nice option due to their light weight and corrosion resistance however they are 2.5x the cost of standard snakes. I've used the RECs and continue to do so because most of my saltwater rods get used for winter steelhead and the REC's are easier to clear ice out of but I have never had a corrosion problem with standard snake guides. Their tip tops are hideous looking so look at other options. I wash the rod and reel off after every outing. I normally use Am Tac Titans for the stripping guide(s).
Go with uplocking and a fighting butt. Check out the new Batson reel seats in their ALPs lineup. They are a little heavier than you basic aluminum reel seat but they look pretty cool.

Quinn