Hello, I purchased a fly rod blank years ago and I am trying to determine the specifics for this rod. It is a 8'3"- 2 piece and what appears to be fiberglass. There is a piece of masking tape that reads CF-865-2. The blank is a dark maroon/brown color. The butt measures 8.30mm (0.327") and the tip is 2.15mm(0.083"). I normally don't build fly rods, but I am going to give this one a try. Any information, if available, would be appreciated. Thanks

I would be hesitant to invest much money for components or time in building a fly rod on this blank unless it is intended to be used for display purposes only. Modern fly rod blanks, even "inexpensive" ones, are so far superior in performance and weight to their e-glass ancestors that even a short-range 5 wt. fiberglass blank is far outclassed.

What color is the inside of the blank? Can you see inside the butt area?

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The blank appears to be a matte black finish on the inside and the butt end is a material of some sort. The two sections are of equal lengths, 52". Thanks for the responses.

If the interior is black or charcoal, it's likely a graphite blank.

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Scrap the butt end and see what color it is

Bill - willierods.com

Ill take a stab at it,, It sounds like an orvis blank 5wt.
You could verify by calling them,just a thought.

That's what I am thinking too, just can't find anything definite. I'll try contacting Orvis next. Since I am really not that familiar with fly rods, if it is an Orvis would it be worth building? I would like to thank everybody who responded.

If you like the way it looks and feels, then it's worth building. You already have the blank and the seat, guides and grip needn't cost very much. Why not build it out and give it a try?

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I have built casting and spinning rods, this would be my first fly rod build. Thanks again

It's much the same except the order in which the seat and grip go on the blank. You certainly have the skills to do it. Set the stripping guide about 31 to 32 inches from the butt of the rod. That's about the only tip you need to get underway.

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I would like to add when you cast the rod Check the stripper or butt guide and see if it is needed to addjust
So it will be nicer to grab the line when needed to strip line Make it feel good to you

Bill - willierods.com

It would be worth it!
These fellas here wont steer you wrong.

I have not been on this site for awhile, but when I am everybody on here is very helpful. Thanks again, Juan