Admittedly I am partial to St Croix blanks, perhaps a bias of living in WI and of course the quality. I am looking to build a 7'6"-8' UL-L fast action spinning rod for bluegills. I am thinking on a no more than 2 pc fast fly blank. The St Croix's I've seen aren't tripping my trigger, partially because of the green or red color. I have enough green blanks, not partial to red and I won't paint one either.

Any brand recommendation is welcome. Non-china made is mandatory however. Figuring on something around $100.

Thanks!

I'm in WI too, over in the Fox Cities.

If you're not stuck on the length, you may want to consider the 6' Batson IS720 or SP720.

May want to look at the S841-MHX, that's a 7' UL. I just built out a S842 (rated Light) and it is a wonderful finesse rod for Winnebago walleye.

I have been happy with the Phenix Elixir series.

St Croix has excellent blanks. If you are looking for another US manufacturer, you might check Lamiglas as an option. They may not have a UL blank that you desire but they will have fly rod blanks to use for UL spinning rods in either glass or graphite. North fork composites also offers blanks made in the US.

Terry

I built an wonderful UL 7'-6" spinning rod on a Northfork HM blank with 4mm running guides. It will throw anything I tie on nearly as far as you can see. Super, super sensitive and has all the backbone to fight a 4 pound brownie in the current.
However you won't find it for $100. Call Karen at Bingham.
Bill

Thanks guys!