I am looking for suggestions for a blank for a 3wt 2pc rod to use in the freestone and limestone streams of PA. I would like to make it 8' or longer. Any suggestions

Look at the Batson line of blanks (Sponsor on left), many options and price points. You also are not limited to 2 pcs, if you travel you will find multi piece a real boon.

Jeff, I just built a Batson 9 foot 3wt, 2 peice. Just love it! First time out I landed a 4 lb largemouth so it will handle a good fish. The blank was just alittle over $50.00. I got it at the show last year. Don't think you would go wrong with a Batson.

Lots of options, my main vote would go to CTS, bit expensive, but well worth the money. You might also want to look into Fiberglass, The CTS Quartz Glass blanks are very sweet, smooth loading rods. I fish glass quite a bit in NY on streams similar to your stuff in PA. If you choose a glass blank, I would recommend that you get an 8ft 4wt, use DT3 line on it, with the full flexing blank it will feel like a 3 wt, but have the ability to cast larger flies much easier and even a small trout will bend it into the grip. I think they handle very light tippets, 7x, much better than graphite.

The Angler's Workshop Chalkstream Light blanks make beautiful rods.

Jeff,
Of course I second Bill's choice of the CTS blank. Since CTS will produce any length, weight, # of pieces, and action you desire you have many choices. Since Bill is much more familiar with the type of fishing you will be doing I would defer to his suggestions.
Regards,
Herb
Distrib. CTS Fly Rod Blanks

The real question is how much do you want to pay?

You can do everything from a Sage to a remaindered blank.

For almost no money, you can get a Pacific Bay Rainforest II which makes a fine rod and is a perfectly good blank for $49. It's 4 peice, nice action, looks good.

All the Batson blanks are nice, but the Rx8 would be too fast for a 3 weight.

On the other end of the scale is Sage or St Croix, who could set you up with any number of awesome blanks for $250-$300.

Drew

It also depends on how far you want to cast
Also how you like to cast i like a fast action tip flex but usually have to go one weight up so it casts the way I like it

If you like the Slow Type casting action a Mid or maybe a Mod action may be what you are looking for

The St Croix in a 9' SC IV would be nice

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/24/2013 09:35PM by bill boettcher.

How and where you will fish it should factor into your decision. I have an 11ft 3 wt that I built for euro Nymphing that has become my go to rod for small streams. A close friend has a 7 ft 3 wt that he uses as a finesse rod for dry flys.

I had a Scott S4 until it was stolen. Great rod, I would like to build something comparable.

While I was in AZ on assignment my house was robbed and I lost Scott S4 3wt, St Croix Bank Robber 7wt, Redington RS4 5wt, TFO Professional 5wt, LLBean 10wt, 2 Ugly Stik saltwater boat rods, 2 Ugly Stik surf bait rods, custom Rainshadow conventional surf rod (I built), AFAW Esturary, and a Tsunami Airwave. I am going to slowly replace these with rods that I build. I am going to start with 2 piece and work my way to 4 piece fly rods. I'm not confident enough finding and keeping the spline to make my 3wt a 4 piece rod. I figure my 5wt will be the first of those.

Spline or - Spine
means nothing

Build on the Streightest Axces
Roll the blank on a flat surface If the tip or end goes up Mark that as the top of the blank When in the up possition

Bill - willierods.com

Jeff,
I you can find the specs for the Scott S4 you might find a close replacement.
Key dimensions are length, butt dia, tip dia, weight and material.
Pour through the advertised specs to find the closest match.
Length, butt dia and weight are the biggies.

Good luck,
Gene