New Smallie Rod

[Hooligan]

I'm looking for suggestions for a rod blank for smallie fishing. I mainly throw size 4 and 6 streamers (especially sparkleminnows), wiggle minnows and skipping minnows- flies that shouldn?t be too much for a 6 wt. I?m leaning toward a lighter fast action 6 wt. rod that will handle the streamers but still have some power in reserve if I have to throw bigger poppers (with the realization that I won?t be chucking them as far as the streamers. For information, I would maily be using it on the Delaware River, where long casts are usually needed. I'd like your opinions on the best "cost-be-d@mned," as well as the best "bang-for-the-buck? blanks (knowing I'll probably be more swayed by the bang-for-buck opinions).

I'm presently using a 7 wt. Orvis Trident TLS TipFlex 9.5 that I picked up around 1999 (give or take a year or so), and it feels kind of soft when I use it for longer casts. I know I won't get any awards for casting, but I'm accomplished enough to know what I'm doing (easy to say with no witnesses!). As an afterthought, does anyone have any experience, knowledge, or opinions on this rod?

Thanks.

John

[matt26]

best bang for your buck
Temple fork TICR X
125.00 for the blank in a four piece

[dunfly]

For the cost be damned category, I would recommend a Batson Rainshadow RX8+ blank. This is a new generation of fast action rods with more feel than in the past. It would run about $240.

For the best bang for the buck, I would recommend 2 blanks. A St. Croix SCII and the American Tackle Matrix blanks. Both run about $70.00.

[Hooligan]

Batson Rainshadow RX8+ blank.

I've noticed an RX8 and an RX8+ at significantly different prices- what's the difference? The RX8 (no"+") looks to be a "fast" rod. Any experiences, knowledge?

John

[dunfly]

The RX-8 is an imported blank that is fast action similar to other fast action blanks on the market. It is a very good blank. In fact, I have a 6wt on the RX-8 blank. The RX-8+ is made in America and is a more advanced design. It is lighter and has a smoother feel. I have am RX-8+ 8wt I built and was very suprised the first time I cast it. It felt like a medium action rod, but the recovery rate and power was fast action all the way. It is a joy to cast and will throw a ton of line when needed. The closest comparison I can thing off is a Sage XP compared to a Sage Z-axis.

[waynep]

What did you decide on ? ? ?

-wayne

I'm looking for suggestions for a rod blank for smallie fishing. I mainly throw size 4 and 6 streamers (especially sparkleminnows), wiggle minnows and skipping minnows- flies that shouldn?t be too much for a 6 wt. I?m leaning toward a lighter fast action 6 wt. rod that will handle the streamers but still have some power in reserve if I have to throw bigger poppers (with the realization that I won?t be chucking them as far as the streamers. For information, I would maily be using it on the Delaware River, where long casts are usually needed. I'd like your opinions on the best "cost-be-d@mned," as well as the best "bang-for-the-buck? blanks (knowing I'll probably be more swayed by the bang-for-buck opinions).

I'm presently using a 7 wt. Orvis Trident TLS TipFlex 9.5 that I picked up around 1999 (give or take a year or so), and it feels kind of soft when I use it for longer casts. I know I won't get any awards for casting, but I'm accomplished enough to know what I'm doing (easy to say with no witnesses!). As an afterthought, does anyone have any experience, knowledge, or opinions on this rod?

Thanks.

John

[Hooligan]

I went with the Dan Craft FT609. It's extremely fast (from info I've received). I'm waiting on a birch bark grip and seat to be made for me, and then it's go-time! I can't wait.

John

[waynep]

Did you get it built? Any pictures?

-wayne

[Hooligan]

http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/inde...howtopic=19547

The pics don't do the wraps justice. The person who sculpted the grip, insert, and butt is a real craftsman and a good guy- he did a great job.

The rod IS fast and it throws a 6 wt Clouser line a LONG way with little effort (I've heard of people overlining this blank, but what I'm using woks well for me). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this blank to anyone.

John