As the title states, I'm looking for some recommendations for my first fiberglass build. It's all a bit overwhelming, to be honest, so hoping some of you might be able to point me in the right direction. I'd like to be in the 300ish range for the build. I've read a lot of reviews about the Epic glass, but it seems like they only have a 476. I feel like I'd like something in the 380 range. Rod would be for smaller Maine rivers but need some versatility between dries/nymphs/double nymphs.

Looking forward to some ideas. Thank you!

I think I'm leaning toward a 7'6" or 8' as opposed to a 7'. My concern with a 7' is losing a bit more versatility with a 7' that I might want should I go toward slightly larger (i.e. from a small mountain stream to a smaller/medium local stream). I'm also currently leaning toward building, rather than just purchasing.

If you are willing to stretch your budget to $400 you can get a nice steffen glass blank $280+/- as well as good quality components to build a terrific 3wt or 4wt. rod. If not, the Lamiglas honey blanks are a less expensive, quality option-- $150 -$160. I'd go for the 7'6" 4wt; my favorite of the lami honey series. You'll need to check the lamiglas web site to see if they are available though. They were sold out last time I checked. Also, the Proof blanks from Matt are popular but I have never handled one.

Whichever blank you decide on, I'd go 4wt versus 3wt. It will offer greater versatility yet fish well on the water you describe.

A couple of solid options would be:
Matt Draft of Proof. Excellent products that are budget friendly. He can put together a kit for you for a one-stop shopping experience. He’s got tutorial videos on his site that I have found to be really helpful.

Shane Gray of Graywolf fly rods. A little pricier but rolled in house, highly praised and time-tested tapers. He will put together a build kit as well, not sure if he sells thread or epoxy. The Steffen tapers are sweet. I don’t have experience with his Troutsmith rods but have heard good things.

Both of these gentlemen are members here, so you can reach out via PM. Good luck and enjoy your building experience!

For a first rod build, consider finishing the wraps with spar varnish rather than epoxy. Spar takes several very thin coats to get a nice finish. Otherwise, the process is relatively easy. If you want to change the guides around in a season or two, spar is easy to remove.


Tom

Lots of good suggestions so far. My first few builds did not turn out great. I'd recommend going with less expensive blanks for the first build and then once you have some practice step up to more expensive.

And again , talk to Shane , see if he will/can craft you something in a Steffen 7’-9” 3/4wt variety , he may have the original mandrels and it’d be nice to get some of those early tapers back in production , or just go with the 3pc -8’-0” , you can’t go wrong with a Steffen , however , as stated by others , if it’s your first build , and you’d rather start off a little slower with things , Matt Draft of Proof fly Fishing has some great offerings , and he is just first rate to deal with in all respects , as well as the others mentioned , have fun with whatever you do …

Agree with above.

“talk to Shane , see if he will/can craft you something in a Steffen 7’-9” 3/4wt variety”