Hey guys so I have a customer that is wanting me to build him a fly rod for salmon and steelhead fishing. I know nothing about this kind of fishing. So what I know so far is that he wants a 8'5-9ft rod and he uses 10-12lb test line. Is this enough info to decide on a blank? What should I look into? thanks!

I like an 8 wt. for steelhead and a 10 wt. for salmon, so I guess a 9 wt. would be it. Well within his leader requirements. If he is using sinktip lines or heavy flies, I go for a stiffer tipped blank.

For casting fly's with sink tips I'd recommend a 9', 9 wt graphite, two stripping guides and oversized size snake guides (no single leg). Oversized guides and tip-top help with the large connections between the line and the sink tip. Light wt reels and handles can cause balance problems during the swing - it's helpful to have a little more weight in the butt of the rod if the customer agrees with the need.

You better ask him if he will be using a spinning reel with this fly blank Been there
8'5-9ft rod and he uses 10-12lb test line A spinning blank will be better priced then a fly blank

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/27/2015 12:48PM by bill boettcher.

Thanks for the advice guys. So I am looking at the different guides online offered and I feel over my head. When you say oversized, what sizes should I order?

Also I just talked to the customer, he is wanting to use both a fly reel and a spinning reel. Should I just use a spinning reel seat then?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/27/2015 01:09PM by Cameron Johnson.

I'd look at something like the Mudhole HKS-9 20 inch long Tennessee grip, let's him move the different reels where he wants.

I would recommend a two handed grip with an up locking reel seat on a 10' or longer blank . That way he can use it for spin or fly. A 9 or 10 wt. would be just right.

IMO switching from a spinning to a fly reel, he is going to run into problems with the stripper guide.... He would better off building two seperate Rods...

Rogers correct He will not be happy with that set up. Build 2 rods or decide which one to build.

I've seen that happen

Dave, East bay Custom Fly Rods

Where will the customer be fishing?
For what kind of Salmon?
There is a HUGE difference between a rod built for silver or pink salmon as opposed to Chinook.
If he is intending on fishing for Steelhead, pinks & Silvers, he might be ok with one rod, but not usually so if he intends to include Chinook. Chinook are in a class all their own.
Can you get more info?
I build several of these a year so I might be able of offer a pointer or two.