I am getting ready to get things together to build a new float rod. I already know I will be using a Rainshadow blank.
Trying to decide bewtween 2 models.
IST1263F 10' 6" or IST1384F 11' 6"
Both are rated at 8-12# and Mod-Fast action

One of my fishing buddies has a 11' rod (not sure on the make) and the other has a 11'6" Lamaglass, it seems the 11'6" is a tad long for the rivers we fish. I would prefer an 11' as I have fished with both of their rods.
Question to guys out there is what would happen to the action of the rod if I were to cut 3" of each end of the 11" 6" blank? I am thinking it would make it a little stiffer. Would it just be better to go with the 10' 6" rod? I plan on calling a few custom rod builders to get their opinion but thought I would ask here also.

Thanks
Brock

My opinion is I wouldn't buy an 11'6" Rainshadow blank and cut it down. I'd go with the 10'-6" blank if it were me.

Thanks. I have decided o the 10' 6" blank.

From all the tips here and from my own experience now, I realized I need a longer rod for float fishing! So I went on Pro Bass shop website and ordered an ultralight steelhead and salmon rod 10' long! It's in the mail now! Then I did some research (after the fact, duuuuh!) and realized that it is a so called noodle rod and it sounds to me like it's way to light for steelhead and definitely for salmon! Didn't even know the term noodle rod. But the price was right and it said 10 feet and steelhead rod, so I went for it. I am going to turn around and and ship it back and exchange it for some with more spine.! According to what I read it takes forever to land a fish with one of these!

There are not that many rods above ten feet long in these catalogs! I don't want to spend more than 100 buck on the rod till I am sure I am in it to stay! (steelheding). I got several salmon rods in my garage!

Does anyone know of any good over ten feet rod that you would recomend? Under 100 bucks?

What is the line rating for the Bass Pro rod you bought. I wouldn't be so hasty to return it.