I know this is subjective, but I'm going to throw it out there any way. I really miss the high end St. Croix ultra-light blanks my favorite being the 6' two piece SCV (green), I believe the factory rod was in the legend elite series. I've made numerous rods using NFC 601 IM, Phenix Elixer 601 and NFC Delta 602 and they all make great rods, but they are just not the St. Croix. Rod Geeks have a great blank line up, but the ultra-light selection is meager to say the least. Any really great 6" ultra-light blanks I'm missing.

Yup - the CTS Air Neg Rig blank.
6'10" one piece. 4'10# 1/16-5/16.
Also - AIR 602 3 piece. 1/16 - 1/4
Herb
CTS

I really like the NFC P700 X-ray, however it’s 7’ and I haven’t cut one down yet.

Mine is the Fenglas FS 741F 6 ft. 2 pc., the slower reaction time has served me better than the sensitivity of a carbon blank over the last 50 years. I own many 1 piece carbon rods I like very much, but I think overall they are a disadvantage to a multi-piece rod for ultralight angling.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/12/2024 02:58PM by Spencer Phipps.

I don't know why ultra light anglers look for rods so short. I used to have one, short casting capability, floppy feel, very hard to set a hook, not very sensitive. Modern ultra lights in 7 foot lengths are so superior. Just my opinion. I understand the "small brushy stream" argument, but the interest in short ultra-lights goes way beyond that. I just don't think that most anglers have used a good ultra-light. OK, unload.

Michael Danek Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't know why ultra light anglers look for rods
> so short. I used to have one, short casting
> capability, floppy feel, very hard to set a hook,
> not very sensitive. Modern ultra lights in 7 foot
> lengths are so superior. Just my opinion. I
> understand the "small brushy stream" argument, but
> the interest in short ultra-lights goes way beyond
> that. I just don't think that most anglers have
> used a good ultra-light. OK, unload.


CTS makes longer also.
Didn't mention because thought wanted to duplicate 6' rod
Herb

Like other rods, casting distance on UL rods usually exceeds a distance you effectively fish it. NFC makes a 9 ft. UL that gets the job done if you are so inclined.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/12/2024 07:07PM by Spencer Phipps.

I agree that a longer rod offers advantages, and use the P700 for blue gills, crappies and trout on big water. However, most of my fishing is on small spring fed trout streams where at times a six-foot rod can be a challenge. The St. Croix was a great blend of castability and fish fighting ability with enough power in the butt to keep a larger fish out of the roots of an undercut tree (sometimes). The NFC P700 is a fantastic blank and cutting one might be an option. I started trout fishing with a 5' Garcia Conolon (buggy whip) about 50 years ago. First build was a Fenglas 4 1/2' (too short) then a bunch of Fenwick rods. For me the St. Croix was the sweet spot. I appreciate everyone's feedback plenty to think about.

I'd reach out to Voodoorods.com and inquire about their Matagi T-Russell blanks. I haven't fished them but I've read very positive things about them and they're offered in very light ratings. All the other Matagi products I've used are top-notch, and I'd expect their blanks to be the same.

[voodoorods.com]

Nothing will ever replace the Shikari blanks ultra lights except maybe some JDM offerings. The Batson Rainshadow 721 and 720 are respectable if you can still find them.

If the shorter rod is important, take a look at the Batson Revelation REVS62UL.
It is 6" 2" long, UL Power, Fast action.
We show them to be in stock.
Here is a link;
[www.schneidersrods.com]

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

NFC FW701 or FW702 are on my radar right now. I've built on the Rod Geeks Carbon 4 7' light. Fast action blank that makes a great crappie rod. Not an 'ultra light' - but I can throw a 1/32 jig a long ways with it!

Hello All.

I like my Phenix E lixer 601.


Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

The FW 702 is a nice crisp blank The FW 701 is more of a buggy whip. Mine were the 2-pc versions so they might be a bit different. (So I guess FW 741-2)

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Two I don't think have been mentioned, especially if you want a bit of butt power with your UL would be the Rainshadow REVIP70UL-SB and the IMMP70UL-TC. Sweet rods for BFS also.

Great choice.
I did not mention because I thought we were looking at a shorter blank.
That whole REVIP series is my personal go to blanks.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Agree on the REVS62UL. Love it.

From the suggestions above we can see that like other rod uses, there is not one perfect choice.

Michael Danek Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't know why ultra light anglers look for rods
> so short. I used to have one, short casting
> capability, floppy feel, very hard to set a hook,
> not very sensitive. Modern ultra lights in 7 foot
> lengths are so superior. Just my opinion. I
> understand the "small brushy stream" argument, but
> the interest in short ultra-lights goes way beyond
> that. I just don't think that most anglers have
> used a good ultra-light. OK, unload.

Other than being lighter, shorter rods are an advantage to the fish… but that’s what adds to the fun.

I have cut 6" off the butt of a REVCB66M and absolutely love this rod.
It has a 10" Texalium Tennessee handle and Pflueger TRI20.
I fish a Neg, Slider and Damiki rigs.

I know 6' is short by today's standards but this is blessing to fish all day.