[Bajema]

I'm planning on taking a shot at building my first rod, probably a 3wt for small streams. From what I've read, I don't think I should spend much on my first rod, so I'm looking for recommendations on a cheap kit that will still be a nice rod to fish, provided the build turns out well. I've been looking at Hook and Hackle and Mud Hole, what should I be considering other than just looking for the cheapest kit?

I've also got "Fly Rod Building made Easy" by Art Schneck on request from the library and I think I've got all the required tools thanks to my WFF Secret Santa.

 

[sroffe]

How cheap do you want to go? I like the Forecast RX6 blanks, and you can find a kit with everything you need at a couple different stores. They're not the cheapest blank, but, they are reasonable blank for a first time builder. Local vendor is Utmost Enterprises, they're just down the street from Rainshadow (distributers of Forecast). Tell them what you're looking for and how much you want to spend, and they'll set you up.

 

[Bajema]

Thanks for the input. I'm looking to keep it under $100 if possible. I'll talk to Utmost Enterprises and see what they can do.

 

[Flyguy65]

Hook & Hackle's Rainshadow 7'6" 3 wt looks like a great starter kit. I'll send you a pm.

 

[Old406Kid]

I'm planning on taking a shot at building my first rod, probably a 3wt for small streams. From what I've read, I don't think I should spend much on my first rod, so I'm looking for recommendations on a cheap kit that will still be a nice rod to fish, provided the build turns out well. I've been looking at Hook and Hackle and Mud Hole, what should I be considering other than just looking for the cheapest kit?

I've also got "Fly Rod Building made Easy" by Art Schneck on request from the library and I think I've got all the required tools thanks to my WFF Secret Santa.

Just consider the rod building kit as the gift that keeps on getting.

 

[veilside180sx]

The Forecast/Rainshadow RX6 blanks are great, Pac Bay Rainforest 2, MHX, American Tackle Matrix, etc are all great.

Most builders really like the 7'9" 3 wt 4 piece Matrix . I have a 7'9" 3 wt 2 piece Pac Bay that I like well too.

 

[Bajema]

Now for a much more important question. I've talked to Utmost about a Forecast RX6 blank (anyone have an opinion on the difference between the 763 and the 793) and they've got some black hardware on closeout. The Forecast blank is a dark blue. So now the real question, what color thread should I use?

 

[veilside180sx]

The 7'9" tends to be a little faster action for most manufacturers. I think that length makes a sweetheart of a stick personally, and tends to be my go to for 3 weights.

The black reel seat is WAY to big for a 3 wt. If you want a quick one and done then get one of the Forecast Y reel seats. They are cost effective and pretty nice machining.

Carol is good people.

 

[Bajema]

The U3SKC-B is the reel seat that Carol quoted me.

 

[Roger Nott]

Blue is a bit tough but I like deep red on just about anything but a red or brown blank. Attached is a RX6 I did with candy apple and no color preserver. There are gun metal trim bands but they don't show up in the picture very well. Never under estimate black on a colored blank (green, blue, reds).

 

[sroffe]

I think I used dark blue on the blue blanks I did.

Although, the Candy Apple Red looks real nice there Roger.

 

[veilside180sx]

The black U3 will be a fine insert as well.

I looked through the pics on my phone & couldn't find any RX6 wraps. Reds, greens, browns, greys, & blues all look good on it depending on version chosen

If you're not careful. Your dining room table will look like this lol

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[veilside180sx]

If your'e looking at Pro Wrap colors I have a good portion of the options & can snap a pic next to an RX6. (Handle installed but not wrapped)


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[Bajema]

If you're not careful. Your dining room table will look like this lol

I'll have to move my fly tying stuff first.

 

[veilside180sx]

I'll have to move my fly tying stuff first.

This addiction will supplant that like it did for most of us...or you just wind up with double the stuff & a doubly frustrated spouse. (Provided you have one of those)

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[Lue Taylor]

IM6, 4 PC, 3 WT, 10 FT NYMPHING FLY ROD KIT, Dull matte black, 1 Tip, by Roger on ebay $30

 

[Old406Kid]

IM6, 4 PC, 3 WT, 10 FT NYMPHING FLY ROD KIT, Dull matte black, 1 Tip, by Roger on ebay $30

Great choice for a first build.
My nephew, who also has a lot of more expensive rods for comparison, has one and really likes it.

 

[Bajema]

The price is certainly right, and it's not a big loss if I really mess things up.

 

[Bajema]

I guess now I just need a reason to own a 10' 3wt.

 

[Old406Kid]

The price is certainly right, and it's not a big loss if I really mess things up.

Yup, if you mess that one up it's an "oh shit" instead of an "OH SHIT"

A scrap blank or an old garage sale "fishing pole" is good to practice on.
I even have some in various colors that I can try different thread and finishes on before going to the real thing.