McFarland GTX 8’6” 6 wt. would do nicely.

Thanks for the feedback so far. I should say that the biggest area I need to work on is distance. McFarland's description of the gtx on his website seems to hit the boxes of what I'm looking for. I've noticed others talk about parabolic being good for distance. Any additional thoughts on that? The intricacies of rod tapers fascinates me, and I'm just beginning to understand it all.

Mebbe so, but JShenk noted that the max was 9' 7 wt.

Casting is mostly about casting.....

Getting back to the certification exam:

A relatively long rod with a relatively heavy line will make life easier for you. As suggested I would look at least at 8'6" and 6wt (length will be particularly helpful roll casting). I also recommend a medium fast to fast progressive action. Parabolic action is good for achieving distance with relatively little effort but requires a fair bit of practice to find accuracy if you don't have experience with this sort of taper. 80' is not a big distance and you should be able to achieve it with just about any six weight that has some backbone without much trouble. As suggested above I would talk to Mc Farland or any other rod maker who has a reputation for being a very good caster as they will be able to point you towards the ideal tool in their line up. (A good FF857 lined with a long belly six weight will fit the bill too.)

By the way, I strongly suggest you take a look at Gary Borger's three point grip:

http://www.garyborger.com/category/casting-and-line-handling/the-grip/

It gives you the necessary control to quickly adapt your cast to any rod/line combination and will get you up the learning curve much more efficiently and consistently than the more conventional thumb on top (I still often convert to thumb on top for a roll cast or off shoulder cast).

Good luck!

Thanks, giogio, that Gary Borger article is helpful. That's also a helpful comparison between progressive and parabolic. I only have one semi-parabolic rod anyway. I'm most familiar with progressive, so I might as well just stick with that.

ibrookje, Maybe they changed from back in the day, but I do know that they currently, allow up to a 9'7wt rod.

I've been asking around about the certification a couple different places. I got one piece of feedback that recommended using graphite because there may be a negative bias within FFI toward what they call "legacy" gear. If you show up with a bamboo or glass rod, they tend to look for mistakes that they think is inherently common with those kinds of rods. Anyone else find this to be true?

I took mine with a Flylogic FLO+ in 20degree windy weather in Edison NJ. I have liked all the Fly Logic rods I've cast (and have a stash of blanks). I never new who was involved with FlyLogic, so the comments about Tom White are very informative.

Jshenk, if you are well prepared, the rod isn't going to make the difference, but I am a firm believer of giving yourself every advantage (both in the CI test and with the fish).

JShenk,

I was just going back over your original post. Reread the exam. Accuracy is only out to 45ft and the distance cast is 75ft. You might have been looking at the MCI test.

My advice on rods for this still stands, relatively fast action 9' 6wt or 9' 7wt. graphite makes your life easier. Keeping loops under 4ft for every cast and avoiding tailing loops gets more difficult on long casts with glass.

I hope the studying is going well.

When I took the exam, rods were provided and they appeared to be all the same.

Mel Krieger and Chico Fernandez we’re my test examiners, Mel just handed me a rod from a rack and started giving directions.

Make sure you are able to cast a tailing loop on command, the inability to accomplish that task got the two candidates in front of me a failing test.

Good luck and remember, we fish for fun.

Unfortunately, life keeps getting in the way and I have not taken the test yet. I have finished the rod I want to use. I decided to go with a 9' 6wt steffen graphite. I'm still practicing and working through the various requirements. Maybe by next summer I'll be ready.