Hi all,

I’m looking for some input on a new warmwater blank to build. Basically, a tough, versatile rod for smallmouth and northerns. I plan to take this rod on canoe trips in WI, MN and Canada. There will be some bushwhack portages, so breaking down to not stick too far out of a Duluth pack is a definite plus. 4 pieces would be ideal, 3 pieces should work. I think an ideal rod would be comfortable casting Size 1-2 Clousers and weighted crayfish, and lightly weighted streamers up to about 6-7 inches long. Most flies will be smaller streamers and poppers though. The average fish will probably be 12-18-inch smallmouths, and northerns to about 25-inches, so I’d like it to bend with these. But there is the legitimate possibility of an occasional 35-inch northern (or musky!), so it can’t be too wimpy. Average casts probably in the 30-50-foot range. I think a powerful 7 or versatile 8 weight will be a good compromise for the average fishing vs. the upper end of what I’ll ask of it. Also, canoe trips can be tough on rods, and it will end up shoved in the bottom of a canoe on occasion and possibly end its life by taking a swim (there will be whitewater on some trips). So, lowish-price is a positive, but I do try to care for my equipment, and would prioritize performance, enjoyment and durability over price.

Here is a list of rods I’ve found, and I’m wondering if people have experience/recommendations with any of them given my criteria, or others to check out. I haven’t found much info out there about many of these blanks.

- McFarland GTX 786, 886 or Big Game 8710
- Tom Morgan Unity with the Universe 4 piece
- Proof Tandoor 8' 7 wt or Fulcrum 8'4" 8 wt
- ********* 789

Thanks.

P.S. I suppose I’d be open to built rods if someone feels those options meet my criteria better, but I’d prefer to build it myself if possible.

There were some TL Johnson 4 pc 8 weight glass blanks on e-bay (I bought the last 7 wt, and love it), if still available this would most certainly meet your criteria and you would have a high end (at one time, no longer made) rod at a great price.

Just checked and they are still for sale, and if you go into their e-bay store you will find blanks built (except cork and seat) even cheaper. I have the 7 wt ES and it is the nicest/smoothest 7 wt I own.

My apologies on the TL Johnson blanks, somehow I got it in my head they were glass.

Ditto. If you can find one, the Steffen 8’6” 7/8 is a magic rod. But honestly you probably can’t go wrong with anything that’s been mentioned.

The only negative thing I can think of about any of the rods mentioned, is that I found the Epic 888, while really powerful, just too heavy to be lots of fun.

If you dont want to spend a lot and will go vintage, there’s not much an FF807 cant handle with the right line. Might be able to find the unbuilt blank version as well.

I used a Fenwick Voyageur SF75-5 on a Boundary Waters trip, packs up neatly into the portage pack. It's only 6wt but it is glass so can handle pretty much anything..
Orvis Access 6wt saltwater line, much the same profile as a bass line, was able to throw a 5" Half-and-Half with lead eyes, quite happily.

Did not fly fish much unfortunately, but it caught the range of SM and pike you mention (except for the big pike) with no problems, though my companions were impressed by the deep bends I put into it..

I haven't built the Tandoor, but I've built a handful of other Proof rods and I'm impressed by the bang for the buck.

The Steffen 8’3” 7/8 or 8’6”7/8 3pc with 7wt line is as good as it gets for Smallies. Tough as nails, fishes beautifully, and casts Smallmouth weight flies with aplomb. Keep going til you find one because they aren’t made anymore. A tic better than the 6/7’s for Smallmouth fishing.

I would talk to Dusty , I’m sure he could fix you up with a nice option , possibly a couple ?