Hey guys, been a few months since I've wrapped any rods and have a buddy that's wants me to build him a float rod.never built one and nver even handled a true float rod . It's gotta be a budget rod so I was thinking and anglers roost spey blank as I really like the spey I built on it.but I'm unsure as how to figure out what blank would work for and 8-12lb line rating since there only rated for spey lines. Also what would be a good guide set for them? Im thinking the guides would need to be super light since its such a long rod as to not affect action.ill google how most handles are setup and likely just turn my own handle. Also what are preferred actions / characteristics of a float rod.
Thanks for any advice.

I would think that about a 7 Wt. would work well. What length are you thinking about and are you making it for a centerpin reel or spinning reel?

Randolph Ruwe Wrote:
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> I would think that about a 7 Wt. would work well.
> What length are you thinking about and are you
> making it for a centerpin reel or spinning reel?

im unsure on what length he'd like probably 12-13ft and i think he wants to go with a spin reel but what would be the difference if he went with a pin reel?

thanks

You don't need as large a ring size for the guides for a centerpin, and you can use a lower frame guide.

a few MTH. back there was an artical on bukding a float rod if I remember correctly it was covered from tip to handle I think

William Sidney
AK

A 6wt or 7 wt will work. depending on whether he wishes to fish chinnoks. I presume you are talking small flows of water in the great lakes area.

Are you using a reel seat or sliding rings as this will determine rear grip lenght.

You say he is going to use a spining reel . I would use the American tackle A frame guides starting with a 25,16,12,10, and then either 7's or 8's to the tip.

Spey blanks are noted for being tip heavy.

Most rear grips are measured from the bent elbow to the reel seat. . Hold the blank as if you were holding on to the spining reel. Place the butt of the rod even with your bent elbow. . measure this and adjust for the lenght of the reel seat. Hope this helps.

If you google float rod grips under images you will find a number of pictures.

Rolly Beenen
Rovic Custom Rods

Thanks guys , sorry its taken so long to reply, took a swim with my phone which is my only means of internet for another week . This rod will actually be used on Oregon coastal rivers / streams. For winter steel.I have actually never seen anyone around here use acenterpinrod , just standard 9' rods with spinning reels.but my buddy knows a guy who I guess does very well with a pin rod.
The info about measuring rear grip length is awesome I was wondering what standard was. Very nerve racking to me trying to build a rod I have no experience with but there's only one way to learn. Any other comments on float rods? Other recommended budget blanks or reel seats if he decides he wants to use a pin reel?
Thanks again