[Rob Brownfield]

Iain,
I could sort you out with one oo the rods I am building for the Pike Fly Fishing Association Just introduced a 9 weight, slightly faster action version..made a couple for SWFF only using saltwater proof fittings and the chaps are very happy with them And you wont need steroids for it..incredably light for a saltwater blank

I currently use a 9 weight Orvis Powermatrix or a 10 weight Greys Esox...purely because thats what i have for the Pike. I will be ordering myself one of these new 9 weight blanks and making it up strictly for SWFF

I have heard of folk using 6 or 8 weight rods off the UK coast, which is fine for Bass or Mullet of a sandy beach, but 90% of the fly fishing up here is over rough ground and you need to swing the fish up the rocks so need something a bit stronger in my opinion.

As for reels..cant go wrong with an Okuma Airframe as they have a sealed drag and are made of a composite so never go rusty. I use an Orvis Mach IV, but its already getting damaged on the rocks, so going back to the Airframe or Integrity as they are only £30 instead of £200..lol

[Iain Goolager]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the info. what sort of 'folding', 'lucre', 'bunce' are you looking at for the rod?

Iain

[Rob Brownfield]

Ahhhh..that horrible question!!! Well...I am doing them at a discount of £160 for members of the PFFA..normal price is £200. Since its you..I will match the PFFA price.

Going to blow my own trumpet now..lol..here is the PM I got from Tim Matks, Vice President of the Specialist Anglers Alliance....

"Rob,

I had 10 minutes grass casting with 'the' rod last evening -  it is outstanding.

I started with a full 11 line (just testing !!) and it happily threw 25+ yards of that without going sloppy at all. I was pleasantly surprised.

Then I put a full 9 on it expecting it to be harder work -  but it was a delight. Even fairly short, accurate casts were no problem. Then  if you aerialise 12 or 15 yards of line, it will really fly.

I like the build, I like the rings, the handle and reel fitting do what they are designed to do. It is a cracker. Many thanks. I wll even take it saltwater fishing as it is so versatile.

Can I have another one please ?

Same build but with ano colour whips -  what about a darkish emerald green?? I reckon that would also look good against the carbon colour.

Shall I send you ano cheque for £160 ?

Would you like me to write a mini review for the PFFA website ??

Regards and thanks again.

Tim"

and another custome..

"Interestingly I also have an old  Steve Parton 9 - 11 and I was expecting your blank to be similar to that seeing as it came out of the same factory. They are chalk and cheese -  yours is responsive and has that illusive 'feel'. Yours seems a totally reworked taper which explains the versatility. "

  Really chuffed at the reports i am getting back as it took a while to get the blank right

[Iain Goolager]

Rob,

pm sent

Iain