A friend wants me to build a spinning rod for him. He will use it for flipping lightweight jigs around/under docks for springtime crappie. Does anyone have a recommendation for a little 5 footer that would fit this application (prefer made in USA but not mandatory)?

This is a pretty general category of ultralight to light blanks and there are really too many good ones to list. I would find your favorite distributor from the list on the left, give them a call and let them know what you need. They should have many choices available for both imported and US made blanks.

Terry

Hello Kurt.

For something light like that (I mostly do salt water stuff in the 20-30# range.) I like the Phenix Elixir FX561-1-B a 5'6" 1-4#, Lure Wt:1/32-1/4oz., Fast Action, with a .299 Butt, 4 Tip, and a Blank Wt. of .56 all for about $50.00 (MudHole sells them.)

Well let us know what you pick & how well it works out for you.

Tight Wraps.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Yeah, Terry. I was thinking the same thing.

Robert - I will give the Phenix serious consideration. Trying to learn whether to go with a slower, more parabolic or a fast action with a softer tip to get that nice whip into the light jig.

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

I will toss my two cents into the mix.

The Phenix is tough blank to beat, although made overseas.

St. Croix has a few shorty blanks.

But I've been looking into the Talon Graphite blanks.

Lamiglas has large selection as well in mudhole.

As for the blank itself, I'd pick the slower/parabolic action. Just a bit softer for the papermouths a little funner IMO with 2lb mono.

A short Forecast glass blank, forget about the fancy high-tech stuff. That and a Zebco reel will do the trick. Use it like a slingshot. The glass blank not only gives you the right tool for the technique, but it is enjoyable and highly durable.