Hi Again,

Y es I am the newbie and will try to listen and read more than I post. I have a Matrix 8 wt 5 pc 9 foot Rod Building Blank AMF 908-5 WF 8. ICan I make a spinning rod out o f this blank for panfish or small bass? Any suggestions?

Thanks

Yes, by all means. A blank is just a tubular shaft. The important thing is whether or not it meets the criteria for what you're wanting to do. Now you may find another blank better suited for what you want to do, or it may be that you've already chosen this blank for your specific need. Either way, make whatever you want, as long as you feel the blank meets your needs.

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Thanks Tom,
Sorry for such a basic question. Do you have any thoughts of how I may be able to learn the art of building? I am watching Youtube and it really helps. I would like to take a class but want to take the right one. I live in Wisconsin/ Illinois border.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

Dave

David,

One of the cheapest and most useful resources I have is a copy of Tom's book. It spells out what you need to do, encourages you to think about what you are trying to accomplish and WHY. You can read it in a day, and it makes a great quick reference for the basics. There are plenty of other sources for info, including advanced topics, but this book is where I started.

Joe

An 8wt may be a little heavy for what you say you want to fish for, and 9ft is a little long.

David,

If you proceed with building the 8 wt. 9' fly blank, I would recommend you read in the library about static loading of the blank to assist you with determine the number of guides and their placement.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

Thanks Everyone. What a great forum
Tom I will be purchasing your book!

As a beginner, you might want to look at a "kit."
Get Bit Outdoors offers a 3/16 to 3/8 spinning rod kit in 6.5 and 7ft. for less than $40.00.
I have built this rod and think you would find it perfect for Trout, Panfish and Bass.
Include is:
Batson 100% RX6 Graphite Blank – Full warranty
'Braid Safe' Guides (BVSLG) 25,16,12,10,8,7,6,6
'Flanged' Tip Top (BPLT) 06F4.5
2.5” Cork Fore grip (FG25-250)
9” Cork Rear grip (RG9-345)
Graphite Spin Seat (GS17-S)
Butt Cap (SBC20)
Winding Check (BWC)
Hook Keeper (HKL)...And a Free DVD!
The DVD will walk you through every step.

While I agree with what Tom says, I believe you would likely find that length rod a bit unwieldy for the application you mentioned. For a first build, the kit idea Garry mentioed is a great way to start.
Best case scenario would be finding someone in your immediate area that builds. I've yet to run into a rod builder that wasn't willing to help someone get started. If you have to go it alone, ask questions and post pictures.

If you're willing to travel into Chicago, Coren's Rod & Reel offers classes.

Matrix 7 1/2 foot 3 weight makes a great panfish spin rod for lures up to 1/8 oz, or a little more.

Dave. Look at the post just before this and go. Looks to be only about 8 miles from Dubuque. You should be there in no time.

Mac

Thanks a lot guys