Forecast Blank question

[Ivan]

I have a couple of rod projects on the bench. Both are small stream rods.
One is that 6'6" redington 4 wt that I have yet to build and the is other is the Rainshadow import Forcast 7'9" 3 wt.

I beleived it is the same blank the BPS used for their limited edition SC3 rods that they once offered. I have a 6 wt that stays in my trunk as well as a 4 an 8 wt that have never seen water.


Has anyone had any experience building and fishing a forecast rod?

[GUTHOOKED]

I've built one of the new blue ones, a 9' 5wt 5pc. I haven't fished it, but it casts great in the yard. Its got a very smooth, moderate action. Its just a hair on the heavy side, but then so are some of the Sage and Winston blanks, and this one is 1/10 the price. I also built a few of the old green ones, but they weren't near as nice. They're pretty smooth, but quite heavy and slow, comparable to a 1970's glass rod. The 7 1/2' 4wt 4pc makes a great little spinning rod for trout though, if you leave the butt section off.

[GonetoSeed]

I'm just completing my 3rd Forecast 7'9" 3wt. I think they are a "sweet spot" in the Forecast line. I built two for some anglers who wanted to keep the price of the finished rod down. They turned out to be such nice rods, I built one for myself. A lot of people comment that they are good for the price. I think they are just good blanks, period. imo and for my style of casting, some of the things that make some blank brands more expensive, such as lower nominal weight and faster action, are not quite as important in the lighter line weight rods.

I use mine a lot on Smiths, Talluhah, Chattooga and other small streams in NE Ga throwing nymphs with weight and occasionally drys. I also enjoy it chasing Redeye bass tossing smaller poppers. Casts and fishes great. And, I don't have much in the rod in case I have an encounter with a Rhodie or slide head first down the bank. (I will say that all 3 have been more than durable enough for hard use).

btw, all of these have been 2003s in the tealish blue color. I'm not fond of that color so I re-colored mine. I've also recently built on a 2004 8' 4 wt. The 04 finish is more of a true darker blue and I think a just tad better.

[Ivan]

Thanks Dan and Seed. Thanks for the input!

Seed: I am glad to hear your comments about the lighter blanks. I feel the same way. Ad that they are not really going to be real technical tools on small streams and ponds that I building it for.

I intend to purchase at least one more blank at that size. It is cheaper and less time consuming than sending a tip back when I fall down the bank and break it.

Thanks again

See you guys soon

Ivan