Rod build #4 - first for 2026 - first for a pal

[Ben O'Neill]

Hi, I've just finished my 4th rod build to date and the first I've done for a friend. This is an interesting blank from Taniwha via Fortitude Rod Co and Jason's usual hands-on help...

From the "intermediate modulus" range this is a 9' 3-4wt with a drop in section that makes it a 10" 3wt. I did get a chance to have a play with one Jason built but only really used it nymphing in 10' mode. I'm keen to cast a line with this one before my mate sees it.

The last two sections went off tonight and there was just enough light before I put it in its socks for some pics. When get a chance to play with it I'll let you know how that goes.

I tend to prefer more classic styling but Owain always admires those brightly coloured glass builds with bright wraps... however as euro-ish rods tend on minimal and business like I hope I got the balance right. I borrowed a bit from the Adams rods and a great acrylic insert from Jason at Fortitude. He wasn't consulted and hasn't seen it so hope he likes it... 

[Sandy Nelson]

Nice Job Ben 

It's a clever blank that one, Mark Williams started the design work on it before he passed away and Jason has completed it beautifully.
I've always thought it was a great concept and have always been surprised that only a couple of makers have tried them.

[James Laraway]

never been brave enough to try building a rod, i need another expensive fishing related pastime like a hole in the head 

[Ben O'Neill]

Thanks both, and thanks Sandy... you're obviously a rod building rock star in my eyes so I appreciate that very much. Jason has done a great job and tweaked the guide placement to make it work even harder, even if the slip in the rod sock for the extension is a squeeze now it has a guide 🤣

My pal is in the south of England and fishes a small local Stillwater but a trip to the Wye chasing grayling had him fall for the rivers, so I suggested this. I think it's a brilliant all-round river rod at 9' 4wt will do dries, duo and even light streamers. As a 10' 3wt it can obviously do euro-duties but likes a fly line too  ... it's a lovely, slim, light but medium-fast actioned blank...

Build #3 was for myself and was another multi-legnth Taniwha from Jason. This is the TNHX 9623+1... I built a 10' 2wt nymphing rod and learned that I loved fishing fly line through it but it was maybe a smidge long and a smidge light... I also learned on bigger rivers pushing hard that I wanted a longer nymphing rod not so much for range, but to have a larger radius and hopefully stretch out the drifts I could achieve in a single seam a bit.

This does a 9'6" 3wt and a 10'6" 2wt bug-chucked in one package... it's had a session on the Welsh Dee in December, obviously nymphing, but I'm really excited to fish it with fly line and it will hopefully be my go to river rod