I was on the water yesterday when, while casting, my line wrapped around the tip of my micro light and ripped it out of my hand and off the side of the boat in 40 ft of water. I about cried as I watched my favorite trout rod sink out of sight. It was a Quantam Micro-light. It cant be purchased any more. So I'm gonna build me a new one. I am wanting short <5' fast action. I found S661-MHX, NFC FW501-1 and St Croix 3S50ULF. The MHX is most economical. I have only built surf rods and never with MHX. How do they compare? Which of the 3 blanks would you use? It is for fishing streams and lakes throwing lures only. Joes flies up to small spoons. Thanks for responding.

I would add the Batson SP600cg to that list, might be the best bang for the buck but they are all very nice blanks.

I would not build an ultra-light shorter than 6-6, preferably 7-0 . Better hook sets and casting distance. I've fished both, and find the longer rods much better.

I agree. If the point is to magnify the fight, longer is better.

..............

On some of our lakes the timber is really thick and there are times when a shorter rod is required, same with shooting docks. Normally I will use a six or six and a half footer when not fighting the thick trees.

The need for a short rod for tight quaters work has been around for ages, yet in today's bass fishing, you'll not see rods used that length anymore.

Jeff,
Rather than give up, why not ask a diver friend to go down and get the rod back?

Good luck

roger wilson Wrote:
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> Jeff,
> Rather than give up, why not ask a diver friend to
> go down and get the rod back?
>
> Good luck

I dive, however in South Dakota where I currently reside there is one dive shop and it would cost more to rent gear than to build a new one. Besides the wife gave me the go ahead to build a new one

Terry Kirk Wrote:
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> I would add the Batson SP600cg to that list, might
> be the best bang for the buck but they are all
> very nice blanks.


This blank has a medium action, I am looking for more of a fast action. The NFC blank says "full" action Can anyone explain this?

Full action I think means moderate to slow action, with the rod bending the full length of the rod. The MHX blanks are very nice, have a faster action, and represent a very good buy. If you want something with an extra fast action try the MHX SJ720. Use the length you like. For an ultra light rod I like to use the PacBay Minima 4 match (M) as reduction guides and the Minima 4 fly (F) as running guides, set up using the Fuji KR concept. This gives a very light, sensitive, and responsive rod.
Norm

Batson REVS54UL. Far and away my favorite small stream trout rod for throwing everything from #2 panther Martin's or joes flies up to small crankbaits. It excells in a brush choked trout stream.