Spey

[Meskel]

Has anyone have anything good to say about a spey blank that they have wrapped and fished and were excited about?

At this time I am “just thinking” about building one.

Thanks
Meskel

[Lymanator]

I built a Batson Forecast 12'6" 7/8 spey a while ago not having even spey casted before. It's pretty inexpensive and of pretty good quality. Since I've built it I've had two casting lessons from two different instructors and both liked the feel of the rod. I've only got about 10 rod builds under my belt so getting this "starter" spey was a no brainer. But as I am getting better I am liking this rod more and more. So much so, that I sold my 8/9 Loomis GLX. That freed up some money to build a 6wt 10'8" Batson Rainshadow switch rod. Fairly inexpensive too, but very sweet!

[CRD4Liberty]

R.B. Meiser is a great start to get a spey blank. I have an older RX8 Batson 13 ft. 8/9 I like very much. I've also fished some of the new Beulah designs that are very nice.

[santiamflyguy]

The Forecast 12'6" 7/8 is a nice blank to learn on. They're about $100 and are quite fishable. Mine seems to like about 600 grains in a 50-60' head.

There's nothing particularly complicated about building a spey rod versus a normal rod. The grip is longer so you might have to get creative with your techniques for reaming. I usually form the upper grip on the lathe, cut it in half, and ream the two halves out to fit. Then I glue them back together as I am positioning them on the rod. I'm sure there are other techniques out there but this has worked for me.