So……
I have two. For lines, right now, I like the high viz Flipp the best. The 8wt head is +1 heavy with a thin running line. The rod will chuck some line. I tried a 9+ on it, but I think the running line weight was too much and it fell apart past 50 For me. Most of my casting is site fishing marsh reds, so no long casts are needed. I wanted it to load quick for those 20 footers.

Now for the heresy part. One blank was for a friend who didn’t like casting the first one I completed. He is a graphite guy and couldn’t get past “noodle”. The 8-6” has a pretty high swing weight and it was bothering my shoulder (typical old broken dude parts, need a shoulder replacement), so in wth fashion and a 75 dollar blank, I cut a foot off the butt section giving it a short Banty butt. I like the shorter version much more. I’m not sure how much lifting power I lost, but the blank has a ton. For fishing, the swing weight isn’t noticeable, but practicing with it, absolutely.

I liked the shorter one so much, I bought one of Shane’s 7-6” Trout Brute blanks in a 7wt. I haven’t wrapped it yet, so no comparison.

I have one in the bright green that I plan to build this winter for bass in my home lake. Looks and feels like a nice blank.
Mike B

Think it will be great for bass

Man! Sounds like just about everyone here has one to build. Hopefully they all turn out great.

You’ve probably seen my posts on this blank, but my conclusion is I like it for saltwater, but not so much for bass bugging.

I finished one over the winter. Built it with salt safe components with the intention of using it primarily for Northern Pike, and hopefully saltwater use.
I've fished it once and generally liked it. Right now I have a SA Frequency Magnum 7wt line on it, which is a 200gr line. It seemed to turn over the wire leader and pike fly pretty well.

Hi Guys! I finally got all of the guides wrapped today and got to do some test casting. I only cast it with a 250gr type 6 sink tip today. With that line, it casts well. It is a quick and powerful rod, not exactly light but not as heavy as my FF85-5. It shoots awesome, I didnt have a tape or anything, but it was picking up the 20ft head and easily shooting to 50ft +. I think it will be a pretty ideal rod for fishing big streamers in fast water. Once the thread epoxy dries Ill try it out with a DT7, DT8 an "8wt" type 6 full sink, and a mastery bass bug 8. I think the right line would turn it into a great rod for big bass bugs, mousing, or even hopper fishing possibly.

Edit:
I went out today and did some more casting with floating lines. A DT7 peach is a little too light weight. A DT8 peach is a good fit and would be a top choice for situations where mending and maintaining a good drift in moving water matters. The rod is quick with a DT8, a DT9 might be equally appropriate but I dont have one to try. The mastery bass bug WF8 really made the rod sing, and shoots extremely well. With minimal effort (and casting skill) a 65' cast with a leader as straight as yard stick was easy. This rod really shoots with the right line, and seems to like heavy headed WF lines. Excellent for kayak fishing where false casting with lots of line out is a pain.

The rod balances well with a 1495.5, but its worth noting that I made an aluminum stent to fit the fighting butt. The aluminum stent weighs 0.6 oz, so a slightly heavier reel might be better otherwise.

I agree completely. This is my second Iconoglass, and I doubt it will be the last. I think they are an excellent value for a quick and light glass rod.

I christened the 8wt yesterday by catching a whole school of schoolies in the river. Im not super sharp on identifying wipers from stripers, but they were all bunched up together on the sandbar where a little creek comes into the river.






The rod did great on the water, and the 250gr sink tip was just right. The bangtail ta was the fly of choice. Id say this set up us good for about 60ft with some practice. Its going to get a lot of use. From the shore a little more range wouldnt hurt, but from a boat it will be dandy.