I'm really digging these Forecast blanks on sale; they make EXCELLENT affordable practice rods for a new builder. Jim is out of town at the time of posting this and he doesn't even know I built him this rod....so SHHH. I suspect he'll learn about this rod before I get a chance to tell him! Well, I was looking for practice, & Jim didn't have a light trout rod (that one is his wifes) so I figured this would be a great rod to build for my buddy.

So I had to come back to add the story of how Jim ended up getting this rod. I brought it to Bass Pro Fly Tying; Jim and FAT where there. I hand the rod to Rich and kinda just say "Hey, here's my latest creation..." Rich looks it over and compliments the work. I then hand the rod to Jim...he gives it a thorough look and goes "I really LIKE this rod!". He then goes to hand it back to me. I tell him to take a closer look...it's only THEN that he reads the inscription and we all bust out laughing. I hope I never lose the enjoyment of giving.

The Gray & Silver combination looks really good on the navy blue Forecast blank. I mean REALLY good; the pictures don't do it justice at all!