I haven't built that fly rod I was asking about several months ago, but I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger. Wanted some opinions on these blanks from anyone that's used them. I'm open to other suggestions as well, but I'm considering these for right now. This would be mainly for redfish on the upper Texas coast.

Rainshadow Eternity ETEF908-4CB
St. Croix SCV 5FS908.4

I'm not familiar with the St Croix, but the Eternity is an excellent choice, IMHO.

Seth, we'd definitely recommend the ETEF908 model - first thing we thought of when we saw the Redfish Fly.

James Taylor
Batson Enterprises
BatsonEnterprises.com | RainShadowRodBlanks.com | ALPSForeCast.com | Build2Fish.com

I've used the saltwater St. Croix for reds and bones, it's a very nice stick with an excellent history for durability. Should be plenty of reviews of the factory rod. 5FS908-4 if I remember right.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/13/2018 11:48AM by Spencer Phipps.

I have built the ETEF 908 specifically for a customer's use with Redfish, he loves it and recently landed a 34lb'r with it.

E2.....great blank for reds and outstanding customer service

Seth,
I really don't want to be the Grinch here - but - the answers to the question you're asking here will get you no closer to a meaningful answer to your quest.
I have no idea of your level of casting skill - but if you are somewhat progressed you may know if you prefer an X-fast, fast, moderate or slow blank. That is only a measure of where the blank "locks-up".
Of course what is fast to one caster may be moderate to another.
Also - depending on your target species - Red Fish in your case - you may want a shorter and more moderate blank for sight fishing. In my experience with Reds - you don't have to reach far out. But you do have to be accurate and fast to get a cast off. So you need a blank that will load quickly with a limited amount of line out of the tip.
You may even need an over-lines #7.
Bottom line - you have to cast as many rods as you can - under the fishing conditions you will encounter - grass is also O.K. You can do that at a good fly shop - or have demo rods shipped to you.
Regards,
Herb
U.S. Distributer CTS Rod blanks

Herb, I disagree with you! He asked for opinions from those who used them, and got them. There was no reference to casting, merely opinions from experience.

There are three co-dependent factors in presenting a fly to fish: the fly line/leader, the rod, and the caster. To cast and fish efficiently the line must be matched to the rod and the rod must be matched to the caster. I agree with Herb that the more you know about each of these three elements the more useful advice you can suggest.

The St. Croix Saltwater rod I used had a Tibor Everglades reel, SA Mastery untextured Bonefish line in 8 wt., and we also used T-200 and 300 Teeny line a little bit. The rod tbrew these lines any distance we needed well, close, or far the rod performed well. The rod also rollcasts well, if a rod won't rollcast well I lose interest fast, I gotta have that for steelhead and trout fishing.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2018 02:44PM by Spencer Phipps.

All above,
Please describe the flavor of brussel sprouts to me.
Herb
CTS Distrib.

Just a quick experience note about redfishing in LA, the guide carried a 9 wt Orvis Helios 2 in the boat. That's what he thought was the right rod for that fishing.

The reds are exceptionally large in that water - 25-30# - some bigger.
Herb

Let’s start with the caster. He knows zero about casting a fly rod, but wants to build this rod and take lessons with it. Let of a long term plan to start fly fishing. Also, the caster is me if that wasn’t clear.

The rod. From trolling the local fishing forums for about a year, the consesus I’ve gathered is that I want a 9’ 8 weight rod.

Line/leader. The plan is to go to the FTU in Houston where I’m planning to take lessons and have them suggest a line, leader, and flys. I believe I’m going to put a Kraken 3 on there.

This is a learning experience for me to build a fly rod and a learning experience to learn to fly fish.

Herb, not to mention a 52 pound black drum. Seth, go with it and welcome to the club. You are going to have a ball.

Seth,
IMO - you will want a reel that will provide a faster rate of retrieval than the #3. At a diameter of 3.81 you will be cranking like crazy to retrieve line.
I like reels to have a diameter of OVER 4". Yes - they will be heavier unless you spring for bigger bucks - but there is nothing more frustrating when a big fish rushes you and you can't take in the line fast enough. 4.25" is my minimum.
Also - don't get boxed in to a reel that you can't load with a line that would up-line your rod. And don't take as gospel what the reel manufacturers say you can put as backing and line weights.

Email me if you want some ideas re the complete outfit.
Regards,
Herb

Agree on the reel. There are a number of very good sealed drag big reels for about $250-$300 now.

Orvis Hydros SL is what I would use. Check it out!

Roman Chamine Wrote:
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> Orvis Hydros SL is what I would use. Check it out!


The IV I assume? I was looking at the Galvan Torque 8 but at $400+ it will be even longer for me to get into this. What are some of your favorite lower priced reels?

G Loomis needs to bring back that champagne colored $100 reel, it punched way above class.