I built this rod from a 10’ 6” 7 weight single handed blank I got from Utmost on closeout. I think it is a Pac-Bay blank but not sure. This was my first rod build and I probably got a little ambitious with it. I know I made some cosmetic mistakes, but after reading on the rodbuilding forum, I think they are correctable and I will give that a go later this summer. For now, I am too busy using it to start a project that will restrict its use. It is a great throwing rod.
I added a reel seat that would allow a removable butt for this rod. I now have three different butts, although I mainly stick with the 4 inch one shown installed. The rod is a plum color and I got some purple and some fuscia thread to use, but did not like either so I settle for some black. Guides are single foot, ceramic insert guides from Angler’s roost.
After finishing this rod and doing the weight test, it came out to be between 6 and 7 weight. I started out trying a bunch of 7 weight spey line, but they were too heavy, or at least for me. I have finally settled on a Rio AFS 5/6 scandi line and a 325 grain Skagit short line for this rod. They both work beautifully. 80 foot casts are not a problem and if I push, 100 foot are relatively easy.
I have since updated to Airflo Compact Scandi 390 grains at 31 feet and a Rio Northwest Skagit 450 grains at 27 feet. They both work really well on this rod. I still use the AFS 5/6 if I want a more delicate presentation, but eh 390 is my go to string for this stick.
I was using the 6 inch grip for 2 handed, but it just was not comfortable, so I built the 4 inch grip above and enjoy it more. View of other grips…
