During this slow fishing period I was thinking of trying my hand at building my own rod. Looking at the Lamiglas website I see the price of their blanks are very expensive and their blems are fairly inexpensive. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a blem and a blank? I thought it might just be the color isn't up to Lamiglas specs. Anyone know for sure?

My advice to you is to be careful. I am the son of a rod builder so I see and feel a lot of rods.

Lamiglas is one of only a couple rod companies that actually retail their #2 rods. I have seen and even built a few #2 Lamiglas rods, mostly for my son as Shad or river trout rods. They are great if you can hand pick them. If you can't hand pick them, be careful.

Color isn't the only thing to look for. Crown, strightness, action, taper, resin consistancy. You just need to hand pick #2 blanks.

I have received some #1 Gloomis blanks into our rod shop that we have sent back for a number of reasons. Straightness is probably the biggest concern. I hate to fish a crooked rod. Even though Gloomis rods are all #1 rods, they may have been sitting or leaning up with 100 other rods, and with temp. fluctuation and gravity, they warp. (Especially in a 1 piece rod) Gloomis will replace any blank no questions asked.

Let me know if you decide to build a Lamiglas#2. I live an hour and a half away from a #2 Lamiglas retailer and my be able to hand pick one for you. ??? My 5 year old son wants a new shad rod so I may build him a #2 Lamiglas.

Remember, a blem "can" is more than discoloration.