Good afternoon,

Over the weekend I broke my trout rod about 16” from the tip. It was a RodGeeks C266MLF that handled 10-14” trout well. I’ve always been a St Croix fan and my last “factory” rod that I used for trout was a 7’ ML Premier. But now that it’s not repairable, I’m looking to build a new rod and considering NFC.

I mostly am fishing larger streams, about 125-150ft wide, with an average fish size of 10-12”. There is a very very small chance for a larger fish over 16”. Im typically using live bait (worms, minnows, salted minnows) and 1/8oz in-line spinners. Currently I’m using 6lb Berkley sensation and don’t see myself going above that unless I switch to 10lb braid with a 4lb floro leader.

Is there a specific NFC blank that any of you guys would recommend? I’m considering the FW702-1 (IM), FW662-1 (IM) but also open any suggestions. I’d like it to be “sensitive” enough to feel a smaller split shot on the bottom or very light takes with worms/minnows.

Thank you,

I built a rod out of the NFC FW702-1(IM). I have it rigged with #6 mono. I use it for a variety of fishing methods similar to what you are using it for. I would recommend it for you based on the descriptions provided. I think you'll have better sensitivity ro

The sj703 X-ray feels similar to my SCV 70mlf st croix rods in power and action. The FW702 based on charts appears quite a bit less powerful. That may be what you want, but unless c2 line from RodGeeks is significantly different than the higher end lines, it does not look like it would be comparable to the rod you are replacing.

Thank you guys for the feedback. The C2 felt like it had more power than similar St Croix SCII and SCIII blanks I’ve fished. But not by much.

My only concern with an XRay is our normal spot we fish usually involves some bushwacking to access and I’ve heard they aren’t the most durable rods out there. I’ve broke the tip off an XRay before the 4th time out with it. an SJ703 or SB682 Xray would be too options if the durability is there. Based on the CCS data base and Rodhouse comparator the IM702 looks like a true light to ultralight rod. the FW703 is may be more inline of what I’m used to. With the current sale, might grab an X-ray and the 703

Double Post.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/24/2023 06:03PM by Spencer Phipps.

It makes a difference in which category you are looking at as far as what is an ultralight. UL bass is not the same as a UL freshwater. Your FW 702 is a 2 power FW blank while a SB5100 spin bass blank is rated as a "0" power blank, they are virtually the same power. If you look at the Japanese trout rods, what we call BFS rods, you will see an NFC X Ray blank specifically designed for your needs, the P7000, blanks of this power present your offerings well and have taken much larger trout than you have available. This power blank puts the fun in your size fish.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/24/2023 05:59PM by Spencer Phipps.