Forecast 6'6" 2 wt. Four Piece Rod

[Ivan]

Anybody know anything about these rods. I just noticed that Hook and Hackle is displaying them on their site.

Ivan

[GUTHOOKED]

This is the first I've heard of it. I'm gonna have to check that out.

[Chuck Morris]

If these rods are RX6 blanks, which I think they are, then here are the specs.33 million modulus , Moderate fast action, dark blue gloss finish. Butt 0.280, tip 3.5, blank weight .80 ounce. Recommended price $22.66. This info comes from the Baston Enterprises, Inc. catalog and price list that I picked up at Charlotte over the weekend. I also bought two RX6 blanks, an 8'0" 4 weight and an 8'6'' 5 weight , both are 3 piece blanks. I'm almost finished with the 4 weight. In loading and casting tests it performed quite well for me. I've got about $40 tied up in the rod. Pictures to follow.

Here's a picture of the butt section. I wish I was a better photographer, as the rod looks better live than on film. My first feather inlay, a simple one, of course.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/sirrom/MVC-895S.jpg

[The Ole Man]

Like to never found that blank Ivan. Looked under Forecast blanks--no 6'6" 2wt, 4 pc. Had to go to Special Offers and click on Forecast blanks there in order to find it. $20 right--maybe $16 with the discount. I've built two of the Forecast blanks--have 3 more in the closet (good price for practice) :) --and they make a very acceptable rod. My grandsons will prob get those-- as they are not known for exactly taking care of stuff. Blanks are an import. I've found a considerable variance in action. Some rather fast--others slower. All faster than the PacBay "Traditional" blanks. Mine are the older teal/blue blanks--I think maybe they are darker blue now. I never found a thread I liked for the old teal except black. Other than that, they are straight blanks and btw, they don't (didn't) come with ferrule plugs. Have to inject a little silicone and make your own.

[Ivan]

TOM I just took out the 7'9" forecast blank I have and noticed that it did not have a ferrule plug. I also checked it to see if was straight. I has a slight curve in the top six inches. I've had it on the enclosed sundeck for about a year. I wonder if the elements could have cause this or was it there when I got it. It is now officially a practice rod.

My finished forcasts are all straight! 8' 4wt, 9' 6wt and 9' 8wt





'

[GUTHOOKED]

Ivan, that curve won't hurt anything. Most blanks I've seen have got a little curvature in them somewhere, usually in the tip. As far as I can tell, unless the curve is severe, it won't affect the rod's performance.

Jack, you need to check out the new Forecast blanks. They redesigned the tapers when they changed the color. Those old ones you have, while they are nice blanks, aren't even in the same class with the new ones.

Chuck, the rod's looking great! Please post more pics when you get it finished.

[Ivan]

Thanks Danny. The curve is barely noticeable. The actions on my forecast rods seem to be moderate to moderate fast, not fast. Thats suits me I prefer rods that are moderate to moderate fast action rods like the St. Croix SC II and III.
In another post I talk about the 8 wt forecast. I was pleasantly suprised with its action.
(Perfect for those stripers where going catch)

[reviveourhomes]

In what situation would you use a 2w, and can you get the distance with the 6'6, ive casted a 7' and i was worried i was going to hook my self on the draw back because the pole was so short :D , is a 6'6 harder to cast and stay hook free?

[GUTHOOKED]

I like short, light rods for small mountain streams - the ones that most people think are unfishable with a fly rod. They are also tons of fun when the bream are spawning. A 6 1/2 footer isn't much different than casting a 7 footer, you just have six fewer inches to catch on the rhododendrons.

[Ivan]

Nice work again!

[GonetoSeed]

Chuck - really nice. How did you do the inscription?

[Chuck Morris]

I used a product called Dazzle Mark gold transfer sheet. It was put out by American Greetings (Forget Me Not) several years ago. I don't know if they make or market it any longer. It can be a real bear to work with on curved surfaces, but I feel the results are worth it. If you can find it and need help using it e-mail me and I will give you some tips on using it. Just did a search and I couldn't find anything like it, except for gold leaf.
Chuck