What size blank and brand?

[Capt-D]

I wanna build a flyrod for saltwater use. targeting schoolie rockfish, pickerel and blues. I already asked this question to Sikorski but was wondering others input.

This is what I already own and my experience.

6wt
3or 4 wt

I have used the 3/4 and 6 wt for trout and also used the 6wt on small perch, but really want to jump into bigger quarry.

I have 3 separate unused reels, all STH with the interchangeable cassettes that I would like to start with. sizes 2 and 3.

What size and and type of blank and how many pieces do you all suggest? I have built rods before but this will be the first fly rod. I will be building it at a buddies shop that has templates for different grip shapes so any suggestions there would also be helpful. Any other pointers. I assume that I want a rounded but cap? Single foot, snake, or single foot nanolite guides?

Which blank:

St Croix
Temple Fork Outfitters
Sage
Orvis
Loomis
Lamiglass
RL WInston
Thomas and Thomas

Since it will be my first fly build i dont want to break the bank so the last two choices may be out

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

-D

[OneMoreCast]

I wanna build a flyrod for saltwater use. targeting schoolie rockfish, pickerel and blues. I already asked this question to Sikorski but was wondering others input.

This is what I already own and my experience.

6wt
3or 4 wt

I have used the 3/4 and 6 wt for trout and also used the 6wt on small perch, but really want to jump into bigger quarry.

I have 3 separate unused reels, all STH with the interchangeable cassettes that I would like to start with. sizes 2 and 3.

What size and and type of blank and how many pieces do you all suggest? I have built rods before but this will be the first fly rod. I will be building it at a buddies shop that has templates for different grip shapes so any suggestions there would also be helpful. Any other pointers. I assume that I want a rounded but cap? Single foot, snake, or single foot nanolite guides?

Which blank:

St Croix
Temple Fork Outfitters
Sage
Orvis
Loomis
Lamiglass
RL WInston
Thomas and Thomas

Since it will be my first fly build i dont want to break the bank so the last two choices may be out

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

-D

Capt...
I have a few suggestions. Just tied up at work right now.
I'll reply back later on in the day.
I can tell you that you should attend TieFest at Kent Island Yacht Club on the 14th. You can cast the St Croix, TFO, and Sage blanks all in the same day.
The decision on the blank will be yours alone.

Also note that the placement of the guides will substantianlly change the action of the blank.

I will say that some... lesser blanks don't have the greatest quality control. That is.. 2 of the same 8wts will vary greatly at that stage of production.
Just a brief .02.. St Croix, Loomis, and Sage tend to have the best quality control for the size rod you are looking for.

[Dave Sikorski]

Dennis-

I have two different 8wt St. Croix blanks done by Shore Tackle that you can cast anytime you want.

-D

[OneMoreCast]

Capt...
I've never found winston or T&T to be that great for saltwater. Just one guy's opinion.
St Croix, Sage, and Loomis are the ones I would select.

I'd swing by Shore Custom Tackle in Grasonville. Tell Billy (owner) that Tony sent you over.. He'll go over the right components, guide placement etc.. When he builds a fly rod, the first places the guides on the rod with tiny rubber bands. HE can make slight adjustments while the person is practice casting. When it feels right, he marks the rod and starts the work.
If you are looking for a pickerel, blue, schoolie rod for our area, I'd go with a 7wt. Anything else is over kill. You can still throw sinking line and decent sized flies in the wind and you will actually feel the fish!!
I use my 6wt more and more in the bay. It can handle stripers up to 40 inches fairly easily.. you know we aren't talking about tuna... Most stripers you catch in the bay will be around 16 to 24 inches anyway.
If I'm going to the flats I break out a 9 and 10. Just because the size of the flies I'm throwing... not so much for the fish. You can beat a big striper real quick with a 7wt.. under 3 minutes with an 8wt..

Make sure to get a saltwater reel seat.

Also, single foot guides are the way to go. Double foot will actually make the rod more stiff.

Also.. oversize the first two guides. It will allow for less friction. The line will shoot out more freely.

[Capt-D]

Thanks Dave and Tony!

I think I am leaning toward the St Croix mostly based on value reasons. I think that I might swing by the TieFest at a minimum to look around and talk to y'all more in person about this. Of course i need to swing by the Pasadena Sportfishing flea market first. ()

Dave are you bringing those rods? I definitely would like to give them a go and maybe get some casting tips from ya in the process.

[paul708]

if you are looking for value, the batson may be worth a look
they have some pretty nice blanks, and Value priced.
the IF907, 967,1008,968 they weigh a little over 2oz.
2pcs nice easy build,
also the F 908-2, 968-2

some of their reelseats are nice, they have a new tri seat for fly rods.

[Capt-D]

Do you know anywhere I can cast a completed rod around Annapolis?

-D

[Dave Sikorski]

Dennis-

I will have both of my St. Croix customs w/ me.

One is an Elite....the other is an Avid. Both 8wt and made by Shore Tackle.

-D