I've been looking at charts etc. And theres a million that give the authors opinion on which size is appropriate for what fish. But that's sorta subjective. Im looking for a fly rod blank to build a spinning rod out of that would be roughly equivalent to a 6-12# blank.
And while we are at it are there any of the "more economical" brands of blanks that don't suck? Definitely not made of money here, and i need some room left in the budget for decent guides.
Start looking around the neighborhood for bamboo and make your own stick !
Not sure if you are still interested in a fly rod to use as a spinning reel but this is a decent rod https://www.grizzlyjig.com/p-380-sam-heaton-super-sensitive-with-bottom-seat-and-touch-system.aspx
I was Lake Okeechobee Pier last week and a guy had this rod with and UL spinning reel and it was a nice set up. He said he usually uses it as a vertical jigging rod but he was casting it that night. The little finger cut out in the cork was a nice touch.
I have never understood the use of a fly rod for a spinning reel. Understand it will work but never as well in most all cases as a spinning reel attached to a spinning rod. A true fly rod is by design made to sling heavier line.
Personally I keep my distance from fly rod toting fisherdoodes ;D
Quote from: Rivverrat on February 09, 2021, 03:20:31 PM
I have never understood the use of a fly rod for a spinning reel. Understand it will work but never as well in most all cases as a spinning reel attached to a spinning rod. A true fly rod is by design made to sling heavier line.
Personally I keep my distance from fly rod toting fisherdoodes ;D
I don't think that rod is a typical fly rod however I could be wrong because I never used a fly rod. The advantage to this type of rod is being able to vertical jig for crappie from the bank when you need to get past the shoreline weeds.
OK, what I'm not understanding is how longer spinning blank wont work & work noticeably better than a fly rod with spinning reel. Long ago I remember my grandpa & his friend walking the banks of the river two fly rods with spinning reels mounted on them. Working jigs & or minnows as they walked along fishing vertically. It was & still is a very effective way to catch catfish & other river species.
However that was then this is now. Plenty of lite spinning rods from 9' - 12' length that will work much better for this... Jeff
MAN i am on the fence with this so i went 50/50
7 -8 of twitchy stick , i still have to guide it ...
I am so very confused by what I'm looking at here.
What's a matter with ya ? Nothing to be confused about at all.
O'l Joe jumped his neighbors fence & is catching Koi for bait. Problem was when he landed he broke his rod & had to stuff a twig / stick into the remaining part of his rod to carry on.
Jason,
just forget long light fly-blank spinners & real Noodles that are slower than Moderate Action
they are not casting tools, except for gently lobbing EXTRA-delicate snotty baits like raw oyster, mussel, urchin, etc.
IMO, SSH Mod-Fast seems like best middle ground for what you intend (shell-on shrimp & some lure/jig -- correct?)
maybe, go up to Fast for better accuracy & sensitivity working artificials
or, go down to Moderate for better shock absorption w/ zero-stretch & lightest mono
don't get stuck on 6-12#, either -- if your total terminal weight is 1/4 oz. ballpark, 4-10# might be better
if you mostly throw 1/2 oz. or more, some 8-15# Medium SSH tips are plenty light-enough for smaller fish
also, glass/comp. is more likely to have wider range -- 4-12#, 6-15#, 8-20#
I'm still kicking myself for not getting the old Howald Ugly 10' 4-20#
you could smack around bait-stealing gulls, territorial geese, rabid coons... and go right back to fishing
Quote from: philaroman on February 10, 2021, 06:27:35 AM
Jason,
I'm still kicking myself for not getting the old Howald Ugly 10' 4-20#
you could smack around bait-stealing gulls, territorial geese, rabid coons... and go right back to fishing
I've a story of a fella who attempted to steal my bike. A 6 oz. sinker with treble hooks above it were tossed over him as he attempted to ride away. After stopping him & with him wanting a fight I set about leaving permanent marks with my 7' United Composites Challenger Platinum.
you told it, before & I believe, but methinks the rod keeps changing ;) wasn't it a BPS CatMaxx, last time?
or, maybe you wished it were the CatMaxx, for an even better expression of righteous rage :o
Refitting a fly rod for use with a spinning reel was how Gary Loomis got his initial inspiration.
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewinterviewgaryloomis.html
Ya know, fishing isn't supposed to be violent. But I definitely beat someone's #### with an ugly stik with my old spheros FA attached (reel to the face, no damage to reel) when he decided that he owned a section of railing at a state park and pulled a knife on me and got super insistent. He never got to fish that day.
Just about all my rods are fast taper high mod graphite. I know the feel of such rods and in general strongly prefer that feel (which is why that category dominates my collection) And if I'm being perfectly logical, that's what I'll stick to. And odds are that's exactly what I'll do. I'm just intrigued by the idea of going the polar opposite direction just for kicks.
If I were a commercial fisherman and my livelihood depended on guarantees of hitting bag limits every day, then my fishing methodology would be guided by the need for success, not by random musings about what might be fun, and an ultralight wouldn't even be up for consideration. But that's not the case. I'm out here fishing for the joy of it. And there's a part of me that craves some variety. But realistically I'm a very logical person. And my next rod will most likely be fast taper graphite, and likely quite light.
Quote from: philaroman on February 10, 2021, 04:18:55 PM
you told it, before & I believe, but methinks the rod keeps changing ;) wasn't it a BPS CatMaxx, last time?
or, maybe you wished it were the CatMaxx, for an even better expression of righteous rage :o
I dont know that was me your referring to. Understand my memory at what it used to be
:) So you like a stick that has the sensitive to feel the shrimp raise his eyebrows just before he gets eating . ;)
Quote from: oldmanjoe on February 10, 2021, 06:58:11 PM
:) So you like a stick that has the sensitive to feel the shrimp raise his eyebrows just before he gets eating . ;)
On a good carbon rod with braid and calm water you can feel the difference between a shrimp's tail fanned out or not as you pull him along.
Quote from: JasonGotaPenn on February 10, 2021, 08:08:46 PM
Quote from: oldmanjoe on February 10, 2021, 06:58:11 PM
:) So you like a stick that has the sensitive to feel the shrimp raise his eyebrows just before he gets eating . ;)
On a good carbon rod with braid and calm water you can feel the difference between a shrimp's tail fanned out or not as you pull him along.
??? ::) I can do that with a broom stick and cake string .
A good carbon rod , you should feel him breathe !!! :)
@JasonGotaPenn , first off I hope you know I was joking with you. Here, understand this is only if I understand what you desire ... This is the best blank made for what your wanting.
https://www.blackholeusa.com/suzuki-special-surf
Now Lamiglass had some wonderful blanks in this category. I dont know they still make them.
Quote from: Rivverrat on February 10, 2021, 10:13:19 PM
@JasonGotaPenn , first off I hope you know I was joking with you. Here, understand this is only if I understand what you desire ... This is the best blank made for what your wanting.
https://www.blackholeusa.com/suzuki-special-surf
Now Lamiglass had some wonderful blanks in this category. I dont know they still make them.
A bit heavier than what I'm looking for, but looks like an excellent rod for my BG. I will certainly keep that on my radar.
Thankfully I'm fluent in sarcasm. I've just learned to second guess using it here after I accidentally made Bryan think he offended me.
Ok I may have missed it. What is your preferred length & line class ? ...Jeff EDIT: jUST SAW YOUR LOOKING FOR 6-12 LINE CLASS
I got to play with a 4wt fly rod blank today. Yes, it's very different. It's an intriguing feel. But I've lost my enthusiasm for making that the next project.
Same shop had an unmarked blank that I would estimate as either 4-10# or 6-12# mod fast. And because they label is gone, its actually a pretty reasonable price. In the price range of that CRB blank.
I remember reading of a similar situation that went awry. So I will certainly give it a few tests before it leaves the store. And a few more before I invest the effort to build it.
Quote from: Rivverrat on February 10, 2021, 10:13:19 PM
@JasonGotaPenn , first off I hope you know I was joking with you. Here, understand this is only if I understand what you desire ... This is the best blank made for what your wanting.
https://www.blackholeusa.com/suzuki-special-surf
Now Lamiglass had some wonderful blanks in this category. I dont know they still make them.
The Suzuki is my favorite,,,,,,,, ;) now I'm running 6lb test,,,,,it's rated for 10-20lb but it's a blast and I could just put my penn torque 5 on with 30lb no problem,,,,,,,,, ;D
Quote from: Benni3 on February 15, 2021, 09:15:50 PM
Quote from: Rivverrat on February 10, 2021, 10:13:19 PM
@JasonGotaPenn , first off I hope you know I was joking with you. Here, understand this is only if I understand what you desire ... This is the best blank made for what your wanting.
https://www.blackholeusa.com/suzuki-special-surf
Now Lamiglass had some wonderful blanks in this category. I dont know they still make them.
The Suzuki is my favorite,,,,,,,, ;) now I'm running 6lb test,,,,,it's rated for 10-20lb but it's a blast and I could just put my penn torque 5 on with 30lb no problem,,,,,,,,, ;D
Clearly there's a range of opinions. I tend to go lighter on rods than on line. Like I have a 10-20# teramar that i run 30# super slick on and I loooove it. Given the choice between too big a rod or too big a reel, I'd rather have too big a reel. But that's just me.
I had a g Loomis 4wt fly blank made into a spinner very fun,,,,, ;) if there's a black hole dealer down there grab a Suzuki off the shelf and check it out,,,,, ;D
Quote from: JasonGotaPenn on February 15, 2021, 09:48:53 PM
Quote from: Benni3 on February 15, 2021, 09:15:50 PM
Quote from: Rivverrat on February 10, 2021, 10:13:19 PM
@JasonGotaPenn , first off I hope you know I was joking with you. Here, understand this is only if I understand what you desire ... This is the best blank made for what your wanting.
https://www.blackholeusa.com/suzuki-special-surf
Now Lamiglass had some wonderful blanks in this category. I dont know they still make them.
The Suzuki is my favorite,,,,,,,, ;) now I'm running 6lb test,,,,,it's rated for 10-20lb but it's a blast and I could just put my penn torque 5 on with 30lb no problem,,,,,,,,, ;D
Clearly there's a range of opinions. I tend to go lighter on rods than on line. Like I have a 10-20# teramar that i run 30# super slick on and I loooove it. Given the choice between too big a rod or too big a reel, I'd rather have too big a reel. But that's just me.
Absolutely nothing wrong with this. This is exactly how a proper slow pitch combo is set up. I have two rod reel set ups for lake catfish the only requirement I have for the rod on these combos is that it cast / toss the weight of what ever I'm throwing. When I get hooked up the rod is pointed at the fish & the reel not the rod is used to fight the fish.
The two rods are rated for 25 & 30 line max. All graphite, both will shatter easily if one doesn't hold their tongue right. I have used both set ups to skull drag fish over 50 lbs. from their rock laden lair while running well over 25 lbs. of drag on the river. However they are primarily lake rods for cats.
I now completely, (I think) understand what your attempting here. It is a doable & very enjoyable endeavor... Jeff
Quote from: Rivverrat on February 16, 2021, 03:57:27 PM
Absolutely nothing wrong with this. This is exactly how a proper slow pitch combo is set up. I have two rod reel set ups for lake catfish the only requirement I have for the rod on these combos is that it cast / toss the weight of what ever I'm throwing. When I get hooked up the rod is pointed at the fish & the reel not the rod is used to fight the fish.
The two rods are rated for 25 & 30 line max. All graphite, both will shatter easily if one doesn't hold their tongue right. I have used both set ups to skull drag fish over 50 lbs. from their rock laden lair while running well over 25 lbs. of drag on the river. However they are primarily lake rods for cats.
I now completely, (I think) understand what your attempting here. It is a doable & very enjoyable endeavor... Jeff
Agreed there is nothing wrong with it. There are many different ways to catch a fish, and its only "wrong" if it never works.
For this build what I'm looking for is a rod that will be my daiwa SS700's new home. I'm running 10# braid on it and intend to use it for bass fishing but also to chase snook and redfish. Not because I think that's the appropriate size rig to chase bull reds, but because its deliberately undersized, with the intention of having a lively fight. Also considering that when you fish for snook and reds, you end up with a lot of sheepshead and mango snapper bycatch and those are super boring to catch on a rig sized for bull reds. They'd be fun on the rig I'm building.
If we fished together you would most likely find me some distance away ;D Just to make sure you had the room needed & we didn't cut each other off :D That being said seriously but with humor.
It's a hard endeavor to be dogmatic about fishing. I find politics a hard thing to work into the conversation. Politics or dogmatic ideas are not allowed in my small aluminum utility boat while on the river.
My friend who is a living, legendary BADASS in certain circles went on a political rant after a few drinks. My other friend is of a different mind set & world view. My ranting good friend.. Was tossed from my boat & was left
on the river bank until he apologized. I cut anchor, motored away from him twice as he attempted to swim & get back into the boat ;D
I have no room for fan boys or die hard ideas when it comes to fishing. I come here to learn & try new things & just maybe some can pick up a little of what ever it is I am laying down ... Jeff
I cannot find where you ever said what size bait/lure you will be using. That should be the starting point in rod selection if you plan to be casting.
Fishermen are not strong enough to break a rod that is made properly and transfers the load correctly.. Fish size is of little importance. Big fish are fought from low in the butt section. Small fish are fought from up closer to the tip.
There is little difference in a spinning blank and fly blank. It all comes down to the desired length and lure weight. However, fly rods top out at about a 12 wt. A 12 wt fly blank would be rated for 3/4 ounce lure weight in a spinning blank. If you are going to sling anything heavier, then you need to look at salmon/steelhead or surf blanks.
If you are trolling, dropping or vertical jigging then it's a different ball game all together.
Before reading this thread,,,, ;) I always wanted to build a fly rod out of the 10ft Suzuki blank,,,,,,, ;D
Quote from: oc1 on February 16, 2021, 07:09:33 PM
I cannot find where you ever said what size bait/lure you will be using. That should be the starting point in rod selection if you plan to be casting.
Fishermen are not strong enough to break a rod that is made properly and transfers the load correctly.. Fish size is of little importance. Big fish are fought from low in the butt section. Small fish are fought from up closer to the tip.
There is little difference in a spinning blank and fly blank. It all comes down to the desired length and lure weight. However, fly rods top out at about a 12 wt. A 12 wt fly blank would be rated for 3/4 ounce lure weight in a spinning blank. If you are going to sling anything heavier, then you need to look at salmon/steelhead or surf blanks.
If you are trolling, dropping or vertical jigging then it's a different ball game all together.
As usual youre not wrong. I've never broken a rod on a fish but have in car doors. I'd be throwing super light lures (rubber worm no added weight) or free line shrimp primarily with this one. Thats part of why I'm looking to go light on the rod.
I still wanna build a spinner on a fly rod just for the heck of it, but I'm gonna push that down a few spots on the to do list. If nothing else i want that black hole rod first for my BG4000.
DUH, stupid me -- didn't you mention that you know wood better than metal?
AND you're the guy that likes bad puns, so here's a little topic split :P
have 2 old, very light NON-FLY!!! split-cane rods:
10' Spinning 3/1 (zero set; definitely unused, cause ferrules don't fit ::) )
and 9' Knucklebuster 3/2 (one tip looks straight, other - slight set)
both, about as light at tip as boo gets, but beefier butts than fly
not sure if something like that is worth playing with (dunno ??? strip/re-impregnate :o )
am sure that I AM NOT THE ONE TO DO IT !!!
your challenge, should you choose to accept it...
Quote from: philaroman on February 16, 2021, 10:32:37 PM
DUH, stupid me -- didn't you mention that you know wood better than metal?
AND you're the guy that likes bad puns, so here's a little topic split :P
have 2 old, very light NON-FLY!!! split-cane rods:
10' Spinning 3/1 (zero set; definitely unused, cause ferrules don't fit ::) )
and 9' Knucklebuster 3/2 (one tip looks straight, other - slight set)
both, about as light at tip as boo gets, but beefier butts than fly
not sure if something like that is worth playing with (dunno ??? strip/re-impregnate :o )
am sure that I AM NOT THE ONE TO DO IT !!!
your challenge, should you choose to accept it...
Man, that's a toughie. When I get a house, hopefully with a garage, in the next few months something like that sounds awesome. My condo is tiny, so neither it nor my wife could bear a project of that size. That might end up the only thing I'll be re-impregnating.
Quote from: JasonGotaPenn on February 16, 2021, 08:21:39 PM
[I'd be throwing super light lures (rubber worm no added weight) or free line shrimp primarily with this one.
4 WT
My post got lost on the site upgrade, so trying again.
Jeff (Riverrrat) is correct. No need to use a fly rod blank as there are better choices.
This is why: A fly rod casting stroke is different than a spinner/conventional. Most of the stroke is horizontal, moving the rod in a straight line in order to straighten out the fly line, and then causing the rod to deeply load. At the end of the stroke, the rod is brought to a sudden halt, and only then is the rod pivoted, and only enough to form the desired loop diameter in the fly line.
So fly rods are designed to bend more deeply/ progressively and to dampen vibrations at tip more aggressively than a typical spinning rod. A fly rod blank will generally be less sensitive, and is more prone to breakage. If your primary concern is protecting light mono from breaking, it might still be a viable choice, but not too many people fish that way any more.
And for those of you who think that it is easy to avoid rod breakage, try dealing with a large hot saltwater fish on a fly rod next to the boat. You think you can just do a tiny bit of extra lift, the fish takes off under the boat. That tip section is bent into a U shape in less than a heartbeat, without any high sticking. I have seen this happen plenty, including to myself this guy I know. :)
If you still want to go this route, the rule of thumb for max casting weight is fly line size divided by 16. I agree with Steve on this. I built a (crappy) 12 wt fly rod using a spinning rod blank with a max lure size of 3/4 oz, and it came out about right.
-J
Quote from: oldmanjoe on February 09, 2021, 06:12:42 PM
MAN i am on the fence with this so i went 50/50
7 -8 of twitchy stick , i still have to guide it ...
I was doing some test casts , all was fine until i horsed 1/2 ounce with only tip top and a reel on the stick . Broke off 18 inches .
The first dozen cast with a spit shot on was great , now its a boat rod 6 foot long . I didn`t have snake guides to tape on .
I won`t make that mistake again .