Dave,

Depending on your target species (size fish), there are a limited number of sufficient blanks out there currently availible to get the job done, West Coast style. I have built five pin rods in the last two months and out of all of them I would say the 11'6" 4 pc. Forecast spey blank is a top choice for build up, with the 12'6" of the same make a close second.

The primary problem with our style of pinning is there is not one company meeting our needs for the "perfect rod", yet. (Which in my opinion would be a 12' 2 pc., with a line rating of 8#-12#.) The Great Lakes region seems to continue having the stronghold on what is being factory built, I.E. 4#-10# range rods, which cut it for hatchery fish but definitely not larger natives. Lami makes the 2 pc. 8#-15# which is a great rod for big fish but not so forgiving on the all day casting front, and not much fun on smaller fish.

Stay 2 or 4 pc. as 3 pc. rods are more of a pain to break down when bushwhacking/hiking.

CP reels are like old school fly reels, a line holder with a clicker and zero drag. Two critical elements in selecting a reel are handle placement and ease of takedown streamside. You don't want the handles to be too close to the outer rim or your fingers will interfere when casting and feeding line. Also worthy of mention is if there is too much open space on the spool/handle side, fingers have a tendency to find their way off the handles and into the "twist zone" at the most inopportune times... Like when your hands are wet and have a fish on.

Islander and Ross are both good reels but so are brands costing half as much. I have a Raven and two Okumas, both brands under $200. One of the Okumas is bearing the other bushing. I prefer bushing models to bearing as they break in nicely, afford a little extra edge in the overrun minimization department and are less hassle to clear when debris are encountered. Another thing to consider is minimal porting, like closed back styles, which further aid in keeping debris entry to a minimum. (In other words for a couple hundred extra bucks by a Milner!)

Line choice is pretty basic, use whatever you like. I have used pretty much all monos on the CP and am currently running 15# Raven floating. Floating mono is great at first but after less than ten outings it has become the "super sinker"... Guess it's time to break out the parafin or fly line foatant again.

Good luck in your selections and have fun with your new method of hookup.