Hi All,

I'm fairly new to fly fishing and was looking to buy a decent rod that will suit most fishing, but I was struggling to find a rod that ticked all of the boxes so to speak so I'm building my first rod and can't decide on what blank to use.

The rod will be a 9' 6wt and I was planning on using a Sage TCX blank, but then I came across the David Norwich website and and now can't decided on which blank to use. Would anyone recommend either blank over the other? I have cast the Sage TCX and got on well with it, but have never got my hands on a Norwich rod. Are there any other blanks worth considering?

I cannot answer you, I do not have the experience. Your question is very vague which is probably why you are not getting an answer. For me it sounds like you are going in at the deep end. A similar question was asked on this US board which might help you:

first rod help. - Rod Building

Thanks vgb. That link was useful. Your right in saying that I'm throwing myself in at the deep end, but rather annoyingly I'm a bit of a perfectionist and want the best blank I can get my hands on really and that will perform for years to come.

Sorry if I wasn't clear in my initial post. I was asking for advice on whether to go for the Sage TCX blank or a Norwich EV2 blank with a similar action to the TCX and if one had any advantages over, or out performed the other? Or should I consider a different blank with similar characteristics?

Jax

This is a very subjective area - best can only be best for your preferences in your fishing circumstances. Unless you have tried a range of rods and can explain what you like (action, length) and why, how and where you fish and what for ... you won't get a useful answer.

TCX blanks are pretty stiff I gather, casting machines but maybe not so nice for actually fishing. David Norwich offers a wide range and could doubtless advise you on the most suitable

If you are new to the sport and willing to splash top end money, I would suggest four options towards finding 'the one'

- spend a day with a casting instructor who has a good range of rods, get a deeper understanding of your own casting mechanics and expert advice on what could suit you

- buy or better still borrow a few good quality second hand rods, try them out, move them on if they don't suit. Chances are you'll recoup your money if you buy sensibly.

- approach a custom builder/manufacturer for advice, ideally one you can visit for test casting and advice. There are several on the forum including David Norwich, Steve Parkes (Atomsix), and Mick Bell (Bloke)

-If you can wait till summer, go to the game fair and test cast everything tackle tarty!

All I would add would be "try before you buy". I have built a couple of rods and moved them on because I didnt get on with them.

I am also a bit confused, since you cant find a rod that ticks all the boxes so need to build one, but one your thinking of building is already in production, and you dont know any thing about the other one, so how will that do what any others wont
Are you sure you dont just like the idea of building a rod rather than it being from necessity
Graeme

Jax,

I've cast examples of both of these rods you mention - the EV2 and TCX and they are miles apart.

The TCX is a powerful stick and wouldn't be my choice as a fishing rod. If you wanted to enter distance casting competitions and were prepared to put in the hours to become a distance caster then it might suit.

The EV2 I tried was an excellent all round fishing rod.

Other good quality blanks you might want to try are made by Harrison who make at least two different ranges. A lot of rod makers like Steve Parton, Chas Burns and Stan at Alba Rods use these blanks.

Hi All,

Thanks for the advice and detailed replies. Iv'e now arranged to visit my local tackle shop to try a few different rods as this seems to be the only way to ensure I buy that right blank to suit me.

Re the above, I'm mainly looking to build my own rod to save money. Seems I could build a rod for around half the RRP and to my exact spec. I also like the idea of catching on a rod I made myself and the challenge of buiding a rod as well though if I'm honest. As with my Carp and Pike fishing I find it more rewarding to catch on rigs etc I've made and developed myself and I can fine tune to my liking then.

Build because you want to or to get it your way, but don't expect to save money! Resale value of home made rods tends to be much lower than factory spec as well.

If you are fairly new to the fly you will find out quite quickly that there isn't a rod for all reasons and seasons.

I can identify with you about wanting to get things right for yourself and also enjoy building up rod to suit me.

As you progress with your casting your style and requirements will change. Line slingers like like the Sage XPL will not be what you want in 12 months time that's a promise.

Stick to a bog standard off the shelf good quality forgiving rod for now and spend your money and interest learning to tie flies ...... that's where the real satisfaction lies for most of us on here.

The big price ticket on Sage and similar brands is swallowed by the very comprehensive warranties and back up service which you fore go building your own.

Search for and read Steve Parton's excellent post from a little while ago that explains the real cost of a fishing rod. Then is you must give him or Harrison a ring and buy genuine British ...... every bit as good.

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Hi All.

Thanks for all the advice so far. I'm just waiting for a few rods to come into my local shop so I can see which I like best and will go from there. In the meantime I will no doubt have a few more questions re guides, whippings and fly tying. Ive already started saving partridge/pheasant etc skins and stoat tails.