I want to build my first rod and strangely enough decided I am going to start with a spinning rod. I haven't fished with a spinning rod in years but decided I want to dial in the fishing off the pier on Lake Michigan by tossing cleos for the salmon and trout. It is easier obviously covering a lot of water at various depths with a spinning set up and I figure I might as well figure out the fishing with a spinning rod first. At the same time it is a good oppurtunity to try my hand at building my first rod. For some reason I have always been hesitant to tackle a fly rod build but the thought of attempting a spinning rod that will see some limited action doesn't scare me. I am looking for a recommendations on a blank to build up for fishing off a pier with relatively light line. I imagine fishing 6-8 lb test line with 5/8 ounce cleos etc. I am visualizing a yellow lami spinning rod blank, with full cork real seat handle and sliding rings. Anybody know what blanks I should be looking at, know a good online retailer of them or have suggestions on my approach at all as far as this build goes. I will be potentially catching anything from large smallmouths to king salmon, steelhead, lake trout or browns. Let me know and thanks in advance.

Pearow built a great spinning rod for me on one of thee blanks. Its a great little rod!

Spencer,

What length are you looking for? What lures other than a 5/8 oz Cleo might you use?

There are some brown Lami glass blanks, black Lami glass blanks, and honey Lami glass blanks. I've linked to the Mudhole catalog pages, which has a large selection of rod building components.

Tom