Hello,

Looking for a fly rod blank recommendation. A short #4 for stream trout in the MO/AR Ozark region. Would like to stay under $150 for this one. Bennett springs, White river, Meramac, etc.... These are a little smaller streams and rivers.

I am building a few fly rods soon on some inexpensive blanks just to go through the motions of a fly rod build. I Haven't built a fly rod yet. After that, I want to build one for someone who will be testing it for me and would like for it to be somewhat decent. Don't want to spend the big bucks until I get a few under my belt and I know they are right.

Getting ready for any good Memorial Day sales.

Thanks

Hard to beat the Batson and MHX selections, Batson has a number of actions and price pints available from suppliers on the left. How will you be fishing? Drys, Nymphing or a combination?

TFO, RainShadow, MHX come to mind at or below your price point.

If you want a "no name" glass blank there are a bunch out there less than $100.

You can spend more but I've been hooked on Batson Rainshadow products for three years. Great product at a great price. Good people to deal with. I'm building two of them right now.

If you are going to fish smaller streams, look at the Batson Forecast F804 blanks.
However, for White River most like the extra reach of at least a 9', and maybe a 5 wt
Forecast blanks are hard to beat if a moderate price and action are wanted.
Here is a link;
[www.schneidersrods.com]

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Stanley,
I fish the mentioned streams quite often.
I prefer an 8 foot blank and carry 2 in different line weights.
The smaller is an 8 foot 4 weight for low clear water on windless days.
The larger is an 8 foot 8 weight for those days when the wind is gusting to 20 MPH.
I don't enjoy fighting the wind with a 4 weight and the 8 gives me at least a knife in the gunfight.
You can delicately land a small fly with a heavier fly line, but you can't cast a light line against the wind.
For heavier rigs , strike indicator with jig head , the 4 is the lightest I'd go and the turnover is easy with the 8.


Gene

Thanks for the great responses, I have enough to go on now. Will research a little more but think i'm ready.

Even thought I grew up in MO and spent most of my life there, for some reason, trout fishing was something I haven't done.

Thanks again!

If you want to try glass I can recommend the Proof Havana, 4/5wt, 7'5". Sweet little rod when built up.