From 7 foot to 6 foot 9

Equipment Rod Building: Cane and Graphite
1

Hi,

I am going to build a 6 foot 9 inch 4 weight graphite rod. Anyone know of any blanks in that size? I can’t seem to find one. So, my thoughts were to buy a 7 foot 4 weight and cut 3 inches off the butt section. Has anyone done this? My thinking is that 3 inches shouldn’t change the dynamics that much. I have a 7 1/2 foot 4 weight and I want something smaller for tight quarters, teeny streams, and teeny fish.

Thanks,

Bill

2

I don’t know about cutting off the butt, why don’t you buy a 6’6" blank? I made two of them, and they are perfect for tight quarters.

3

herefishy,

Good point. What brand blank did you use? I haven’t found many blanks that are 6’6" in 4-weight.

Bill

4

Big whoops, bb, I forgot about the 4 wt - the ones I made were 2 wts. But I looked at the Hook and Hackle website and they carry a St Croix 6’6" 4 wt - kind of pricy, but I understand these are real nice rods.

5

Bbrothel,

If it makes any difference, the Forecast 6’6" 2wt in either 2pc or 4pc makes an excellent 4wt. I fish mine with a SA Air Cel Supreme WF4 and it really comes to life with that line. For close quarters, you probably want a more moderate action for short casts and this rod woould be a great choice. MAny anglers fish this rod as a 3 or 4wt. Also, Hook and Hackle always has these 2 blanks on sale for about $20. and kits for about $50.

HTH,

Lou

6

Lou,

Thanks, that’s good info. I may go that route. I might get a Loomis GL3 6’6" 3-weight and fish it with 4-weight line.

Bill

7

I think you have chosen wisely. You can probably compensate for the 3" difference with a slight change in where you grip the rod. Best not to cut the blank which is designed to work at a specific length.

I have had some success putting extending grips and cutting down blanks, but these were low $ rods.

8

Mike,

Thanks, that is a great idea.

Bill