I'm looking for a short 5'6" blank that can be used for throwing buzzbaits (1/4 to 1/2 oz) on braided line and in tight quarters. Need a moderate or moderate fast action in graphite (carbon fiber), limber but not too limber. Was looking at NFC but all of their blanks of this length are Fast. Would it be possible to take one of their 6' blanks and cut a full 6" off of it? Would that butcher the action too much? Any suggestions on blanks for this? I absolutely can't go longer than 5'6".

Taking 6 inches off a 6 foot long blank is going to make the rod considerably slower in action. You'll have to find out how fast, is fast, before you'll have some idea where you're going to end up.

You may have to look at some of the super or extra fast blanks that might allow you to remove that much or more and still come in with a fast action rod. I can't stay up to date with all the different models out there but I know that St. Croix and lately Pacific Bay have introduced some extra fast action models that might allow you to do what you need to do. I'm sure other companies have similar models as well.

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Maybe the Forecast SB723. It is RX6 material, inexpensive and should end up where you want, in respect to action, after whacking 6". The lure rating is right and it will be durable since it is RX6 material.
[www.batsonenterprises.com]

Greg,

You should be able to cut 6 inches from a 2C60MF or a 3C60MF and have what you are looking for. Just make sure you cut from the south boud end of the stick.

Yes ... definitely the butt end of the stick IF you didn't know that already.

Take a look at the Batson spg782 or the batson spg 783.

Both of these have actions and power in the range that you are looking for. Trim the length from the butt of the rod to get the length that you want.

Both of these blanks are tough enough to hold up to heavy duty use in tight quarters.

Roger

Hi Greg,
If you get deperate and don't want to cut the blank there is an Aussie blank that would fit the bill nicely. An Excel Composities Stealth DCX 664 is rated 8-12lb, length 5ft 6 and would throw those sized lures. It's a baitcaster blank but I have used several to make up short boat rods and they're a very nice blank. The other big issue would be cost by the time you get it shipped to the States and the price has gone up since the last time I got one, also the Aussie dollar is strong against the US dollar at the moment. The Rodworks on the left has got them and I'm sure Ross would oblige if needed.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

St. Croix SC4C68MXF. This blank is SO fast, that you can easily trim it from the butt to get 5'6" and still have a very fast rod capable of throwing the lure weights you list.