I want to give a rod to a friend that fishes for Steelhead in a closed in stream environment.

A Glass Blank would be preferred (he tends to be hard on equipment) , 7 to 8 feet, 7/8 weight. One or 2 pieces.

Many of the dedicated glass fly rods no longer are available as blanks, it seems.

I found a Batson 7' spinning blank SPG842, which might work, 1/8 to 1/2 oz which translates to a nominal 8 weight rating.
Has anyone already done this?

Does anyone have other suggestions?

As this is my very first fly rod build, any component suggestions, bearing in mind I am trying to control costs?

Thanks in advance.

Doug

I have rebuilt several glass fly rods from old rods bought at yard sales or other used places. The prices are resonable and it is no job to strip the blank down and completely rebuild. If you want to you can even replace the old reel seat and handle. You can pick up some of the old classics very cheap and they still have years of service left in them. I find some people still prefer the glass actions and the durability is great. I usually build these rods for people I know are rough on gear. I just finished a build on a Shakespeare Wonder Rod and one on a Carcia Conlon blank.

If you can't find what you're looking for among the sponsors, you might call Rick's Rods in Denver. He has a bunch of NOS fiberglass blanks. However, his prices are not cheap.
If you use a spinning blank, keep in mind that it is likely to have a much faster action than a fly blank, which may require that your friend adapt his casting style/timing.
If your friend fishes in the winter, don't use single foot guides, as they ice-up quicker than snake guides. You might want to go with larger guides (say size 4) to also help slow down ice formation. Snake guides are very inexpensive, unless you step up to titanium.
For that rod, I would include a permanent (less hassle and less pricey than removeable) fighting butt. It'll keep the reel out of the dirt, and it is a useful thing to have when fighting something as powerful as steelhead.
If your friend keeps some of his catch, you might want to add measuring marks (thread wraps), at specified distances from the butt or the winding check.
Reel seats can be had for not too much money. Anything that hold the reel foot will work. Shop around, some of the sponsor have great deals right now.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

Thanks.

I ordered a Batson Fiberglass blank and will bend it and see if I think the dog will hunt.

I will report back.

Doug