Thinking of wrapping up a 7-wt. fly rod for streamer fishing for large trout, steelies or some salt water. Should I go 9-foot or go for a 9'3" to10-footer? I want to spend $200 or less on the blank. How are the NFC x-ray fly blanks? For wade fishing.

For casting I see no reason to go longer than 9 feet, but there could be a line management issue that would be better handled by a longer rod. In a big river, long should not present any problems. I like Rainshadow Eternity 2's.

A 9ft 7wt is plenty satisfactory for the fishing you describe. If your salt water is in the surf, you may want a longer rod.\. The NFC are excellent blanks, fish them myself.

David,
Please unhide your email - or email me at hladen@hotmail.com to discuss a #7 CTS Affinity-X blank.
Herb
CTS Rep

I have two CTS Affinity X blanks on order through Herb; 10ft 7wt. These are specifically for fishing Ohio's Steelhead Alley - Chagrin, Grand, Ashtabula Rivers and Conneaut Creek, but will also be suited to larger river bass (when steelhead season is out). 10 foot for a bit better mending and a bit more distance. Plus, I don't have a rod like this yet, so an excuse to build myself another toy! I strongly recommend CTS blanks. Talk to Herb!

I am ignorant of how the "weight" of a fly rod or fly rod blank is determined. Is it the total deflection caused by a specific weight, or the shape of the arc caused by this weight, or the best weight for the first 25 feet of line for a fly caster who can't cast 40 feet? Of course poor consumer choices stimulate fly-line imports, sales, and profits.

If sinktip, or full sink lines are in the mix, 10 ft. rods become less fun, the length and line weight will take it's toll on your shoulder. The a NFC blanks are very nice indeed. Spent 4 days fishing a 9 ft 9 in 8 wt, after that I bought my first spey rod.

Double post.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/15/2021 02:47PM by Spencer Phipps.

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