Good Blanks for Bluegill and Bass flyrod?

[Jay Fogle]

Hi all

 

I have already looked on the two main internet rod building forums -  but I thought I'd come hear and ask the actual fishing experts - not the rod experts.

 

I have a 3wt TFO Finesse rod that I love for bluegill.

I am wanting to build one similar to it for my 11 year old son.

Anyone else have one and have a good idea what would be a good blank to use?

I am considering a Tiger Eye but I am not sure what, if anything will approach the same soft taper of the Finesse rod.

 

Also, if anyone has built a 7 or 8 weight for Bass I'd be interested in hearing from you.

I was thinking of buying an 8 foot 8 weight Ross Flystik or a TFO Mini Mag. But again, I'd prefer to build my own. Of course again the question is can I find a suitable blank that can throw heavy wind resistant hair bugs like those can. Or even close would be fine. I see a lot of blanks available but they are all 9 footers. I'd rather have a 7'6 or 8 footer because I fish in creeks and a shorter rod would be more handy.

 

Any ideas?

Thanks

Jay