Thanks for all of the solid recommendations guys. With multiple mentions of a Steffen 5/6, I decided to reach out to Shane to see if he is interested in producing the blank in a 4 piece configuration. He said that would be no problem and turn around times are quick. Id like to to a little more research before going that route but it seems like a likely winner. How does the Steffen do as a dry fly rod for flies 10-18? I didnt think to ask, but he might be willing to produce it as a 5 piece blank for a slight upcharge, and if it would cast as well as a 4.. Ive never had a pack rod with section lengths too short. I do want it to balance with the same reel I use for my FF70-4 so I might do well to keep it to 4 sections.
the Epic and Kenney rods are also great suggestions I hadnt thought of, perhaps mainly because I was thinking in terms of rods labeled as six weights.
as for an FF80-4 or FF806-4, I very may pick up another of either if the price is right, but that would likely be tangential to this endeavor. If I go the Steffen route, Ill actually be likely to sell some 6 weight rods to help the cause. There are several I haven't fished in quite a while, it may be time to move them on. especially in the name of picking up a more qualified generalist.
Bulldog - Im sure the added Ferrule in the top half of the FF80-4 is a contributing factor to how slow it is. I have heard people describe rods so soft they will load with any line by virtue of their own weight, but this is the first Ive had in my hands. Ive cast it with a DT4, and found it only slightly underloaded at short distances. at 30 ft, it was fine with a DT4. I normally like my Fenwicks lined on the heavy end of their range, or even overlined a size from their markings. I suspect this rod will find a permanent home with me as a small stream 5 weight for days when Im going to a stream I know well, where the extra length is a benefit, and I know what kind of fishing Ill do. all of that flexibility makes it a fun rod to catch fish on, but its robbed of the versatility I normally attribute to a 6wt rod.
Giogio - I suspect you are right, this particular FF80-4 is probably on the far end of the spectrum, not typical of most of its brothers and sisters.
Very relevant thread comparing Steffen 5/6 rods to each other as well as various Fenwicks but especially the FF806-4.
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