I have never built a fly rod a friend wants me to build one for saltwater fishing for bluefish, mahi-mahi would like 9 ft, 2 or 3 pieces any recommendations of blank and reel seat and guides thanks for any and all help in advance.

Contact Herb Ladenhelm, he represents CTS out of New Zeland.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2022 06:41AM by Mark Hahn.

Most fly blanks today come in 4 piece versions which travel much better than 2 piece or even 3 piece. . Their actions are excellent even though 4 piece. Doubt if you could find any deficiencies.

Mark,
Thank you.

David,
CTS has many designs that are available but not noted on their site. Some may be 2 or 3 piece.
I'll check with the factory and get back to you.

Does your customer favor a Fast / Extra Fast action - or one more Moderate? All that means is that the Faster blank will stop flexing more toward the tip. The more Moderate blank will flex farther into the blank. Neither is better or worse - depends on customers prefefences.

If your customer is talking about Bull Mahi-Mahi - he should consider at least a #9.
But CTS blanks have such a low swing-weight that a #10 should also be considered.

As far as components: my go-to company is REC. I like their Nickel/Titanium alloy single foot guides that will never discolor or rust in saltwater. Their ceramic Cerecoil guides for the Stripper are also excellent - and resonably priced.
To me the REC RSLL is a no nonense reel seat that holds any reel very securely.

Be back to you later with more info.
Regards,
Herb
CTS Rep

I'll be

Mudhole's Traditional Series MHX make 2 piece fly blanks. F910-2 would be their 10 wt., they start around 3 wt. I believe and go up from there.

I would recommend snake guides, which pass line snarls and "wind knots" more easily than ring guides. A #30 Dorado on a #20 leader with a "wind knot" in your line could easily take the tip section of your rod with him before he broke off . . .

Phil, how many times hae you seen a wind knot in a fly "line"?

thanks herb i will ask him these questions

Phil, you beat me to it..I was going to ask him the same thing..lol. I can,t remember the last 30# Dorado I hooked in Maryland..lol.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/18/2022 06:40PM by ben belote.

David,
CTS has the following blanks to chose from in 2 or 3 pieces;

Affinity-X 9'0" #9 3 piece

Affinity-MX 9'0" #9 2 piece
Affinity-MX 9'0" #9 3 piece

Afinity-X 9'0" #10 2piece
Affinity X 9'0" #10 3 piece

Affinity-MX 9'0" #10 2 piece

The Affinity-X and the Affinity-MX have the same tip.
The Affinity-X has a stiffer mid and butt section.
The Affinity-MX has a more moderate mid and butt section.

Both have very light swing weights.

Let me know if any of these interest you and I will forward my RB.Org special pricing.
Herb

Phil: how many times have you seen wind knots in a fly line leader? How often have you casted weight flies?

Wind knots? Not as often in the leader as in the line, especially if I do any roll casting. I have been casting weighted flies off and on since around 1956. I dislike casting weighted flies. I would rather cast a sinking line and use a short leader. And you?