New Fly Rod blank - first post, I think.

I am looking to have a new fly rod wrapped, but still questioning which blank to build it on. I like slower action rods, stupid lite for nymph fishing from a float tube on a lake. I have to tell you that I am interest in the Sage "99" but have yet to decide on a 4 wt or 5 wt. My custom wrapper (Lanny) recommendation a 5 wt and my buddy (Mark) recommendation a 4 wt. Not taking a poll, but want your recommendations. I simply do not like fast action rods and I am brand new to fly fishing.. Last thing, 4 strokes later, I am weak on my casting arm, but I refuse to give on this new addiction to me me.. oh yea, someday I will be thinking of the new Sage One blank, but not today!
Thanks all for your suggestions.
Nacho

For float tubing, you might want to consider a 9 or even 10 foot rod. I think the best all around weight is a five weight. Take a look at the Tiger Eye blanks. Beautiful color and reasonably priced. Schneider Rod Shop in Mountain Home,AR sells them.


Dave

NachoOne,

First, welcome to FAOL. You could not have found a better site.

I will only make one recommendation and I am sincere about it. If your custom rod builder is who I think, I would listen to whatever he said and know that he is being sincere and has your best interest in mind.

Just my .02 cents worth....

Wow, those Tiger Eye blanks are at a great price, I did not think anyone could beat a Rainshadow price. I may have to re-think that 99 blank.
Thanks Dave for your input..

Thanks Warren, I will listen to him, great rod builder too.

I would go with the 5 weight, I usually recommend a six weight for a beginner if bass (big or small mouth) are a possibility. keep in mind that the reel to balance out the outfit has a lot to do with how heavy it feels.

Eric

Hi NachoOne Welcome to FAOL. I agree with the five weight recommendation but I want to address what you said about arm fatigue. Unless you have some physical problem with your arm it should not happen that quickly. Try to get a good caster to watch what you are doing. If that isn't possible try watching the Mel Kreiger videos linked in this thread:

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/s...-wrong-casting

Well you all sure make feel welcome to this board for sure! 1) 63 years young 2) 4 strokes and really weak on right side of body 3) Switching from Tuna to Trout fishing 4) love fishing 5) never give up trying 60 just want to catch and release trout. Wow, I talk too much, and now going to watch that video, Thanks Eric and Rainbowchaser. This is in-creditable board with a really nice bunch of fisher-persons (being PC here).
Thanks all. Oh yea, the guy that is really helping me allot is Lanny, a great guy. He also suggested a 5 wt Sage 99 and he tells me that they come in Blue.. Just wow!
Great Board and thanks for all your input.

Great wealth of information! Also, Jerry was the first guy I met on this board. Prey all is well with him and his wife.

Do you have more strength on the left side? You could learn to cast left handed before you are too wedded to the right hand. .

Whichever side you decide to use, make sure the grip fits your hand. It has been my experience that the "standard" fly rod grip is too small for most people. 99% of the rods I build get grips that are about .125" larger in diameter than what is found on most factory rods. The properly sized grip allows a more relaxed hold on the rod and will reduce fatigue a bunch.

Nope, not much strength in this body anywhere, But I refuse to give up on my various interest, it just take me allot longer to get whatever done. But I will give my left side a try.

NachoOne,

Have a look at the 10' Xi rods from Hook and Hackle - I have one in 4 wt and I recently bought a 5 wt kit that will be my winter project. Great rods for float tubing and nymphing, the blanks and kits are on sale right now and it's a good opportunioty to support a FAOL sponsor.

Cliff

Will do, ten feet! Not sure I will not roll on my back when I load that rod up... Just joking. Thanks!

Ok, I have decided to start my 1st fly rod built on a Rainshadow RX7 IF903 9' 2 PC 3WT for building practice, but already have that Sage on order. I just love my Salt Water Rainshadow rods, but also looking forward to casting a Sage rod. The Rainshadow is going to be all black. black reel seat, black guides, black foregrip, black thread, and the rods name is going to be the "Trout Grim Reaper", but for sure I will not kill any trout. I have the reel seat and foregrip already and it looks awesome. Going to pick up Black Guides today, single foot, with the big inner rings and YES, I am following the Batson Guide placement for this rod.. Wish me luck! Not an traditional fly rod, but I am looking forward to fly fishing with it..Here is a question, what type of fly fishing do you all recommend for this rod, flies, nyphms, streamer? Love building rods and I will post pics when I am done. Just looking to have FUN, Not a serious fly fisher yet...

Help! I now remember why I give up wrapping my own rods, How do I keep the small guides in place till I get the wrap going over the foot of the guide. I have no feelings in my fingers, bad eye slight, and using small guides and size A thread. Oh, and everything is in black which they makes it harder to do. I have the reel seat, fore grip, tip, and the stripper guide in place, but I can not figure how to get those small guides to stay, it is all going to Lanny to complete my new project.. Lanny, where are you??
Ok, I already got new super duper eye glasses so now I can the guide falling and find them, but now I need help on how to keep that tiny guides in place.
Thank all.

Thin slices of surgical tubing can be used as well as thin strips of masking tape. I use the goodies below made from children's hair ties and metal beads. They are quick, reusable, and inexpensive.

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/78505fa6.jpg

Hey thanks for your suggestion, I have use those girlie things in the past and yes they do work, now have buy some. I forget allot.

Just to be clear, I have the fingers of an elephant and five fingers hardy work.

Where is Lanny, I give up, just can not get it done. Two blanks going his way. Thanks guy for all your help, but I just have no feel in my fingers.. I just need to live within my physical limitations.

Sorry you have to give up - maybe a dab of super glue before you send them off? But I can understand if it just isn't any fun.

Me too, but no reason to fret, I will be fine and enjoy what I can.. Thanks, but it was worth a try.