I am a new rod builder and want to build a slow action, 5 weight, 2 piece fly rod. I was wondering if anyone could recommend rod blanks for under 200 bucks and perhaps even hardware sources.

Are you in the US or UK? given the screen name and your using 'bucks', that implies to me US. If so, you have lots of choices of sources and blanks. If that is the case, I would advise you pick up an 8' 4 wt Forecast IM6 and fish it with a 5 wt line. Providing you're looking at normal trout distances (out to 40' of line) it fishes great with a WF5 (I use a rio classic trout on mine). Mine is the 3 pc, but I think they only offer 2 and 4 now. Inexpensive blank and should do all you want.

If you want to spend more, I've always ben intrigued by the Anglers workshop chalkstream light blanks. Slow to moderate action, but higher modulus graphite and responsive (so I'm told). They have an 8' 10" 3/4 that holds my eye. I think they also have an 8'2" 4/5 that sounds up your alley. Blanks were around $160 last I checked.

If you're in the UK, then you're more limited and I'll let everyone else chime in.

Thanks,
Rick

I live in the US, Colorado. I want to build the rod to fish the Arkansas river near its headwaters. It is a small river that runs about 300 cfm to 1100 cfm when it is fishing best. It has a hard rock bottom and is only about 50 feet wide or so. Most casts are short 15-30 feet and require finess. It can become gin clear and fish get pretty skitish.
I had an old Fenwick fiberglass rod FF805 that I want to emulate. It was a very slow action, light weight rod. I loved the rod because it really slowed down a day and I could really feel the line load up behind it.
At any rate, that is what I will be fishing and what I am looking to emulate.
Websites for recommendation are really appreciated.
Thanks all.

The type of fishing your describing reads like a perfect candidate for bamboo

Plenty of blanks makers on your side of the pond ask on Clarks forum.


Gary

Hi bojonjovi,

You are so lucky you are in the States, check out the Dorber company they have an amazing line up of different models and most of them are slow rods/blanks..

Jerry

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If glass is what you loved why not go that route?
You could find another fenwick by asking here fiberglassflyrodders Forums
though the FF805 is rare and sought after.

Or you could try one of teh many fine modern glass blanks or rods on offer your side of the pond. How about a Steffen, s-glass blanks rolled in Flagstaff Az at $135. Many variants available to the spec on their website

POLL: best blank for your buck in Glass Tech Forum

Steffen Brothers Fly Rods

Talked to Mark Steffen last night and mailed him a check for a 4-5 wt, 8 foot, fiberglass blank. I think I might make another rod 1st. I am thinking of ordering a Zhus cane blank off ebay. I am also leaning toward buying a Lamiglass blank. I can't decide.
It might be wise to build the Lamiglass 1st as it might be easier for a beginner.

The lami (if yellow glass?) will be sloooow and buttery smooth, the steffen medium and great all round. pls post pics and your comments on the rods in use when built

I'd agree with Gary (Bbamboo) and try a cane blank. The build should be no harder than a glass blank (modern cane blanks don't require intermediate whips) and a cane rod looks so much nicer than a carbon or glass blank.

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