Parnelli, like you I usually build my rods, and it is usually bamboo. I have wandered off the path a few times and it has been a good venture every time. Recently, Rich Margiotta had a rod for sale that was built on a McFarlands blank, and that really got me looking at fiberglass. Then I posted a thread on Agate strippers and Gardenfish put a URL in there on the McFarlands Spruce Creek....so here I go.

I should have my 8' 3 pc. 5 wt. McFarlands Spruce Creek blank, reel seat and cigar cork this coming week and I can hardly wait to build it out and see if it is as sweet as what I hear. for Fishing the Caney, it should be fantastic. May have to look at a 6-6 for taking to the mountains.