Tips are not sections
A second complete tip is a paid Variant choice and does not change the assembled piece count.
$209.00
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6wt | 9ft | 3pc | bamboo fly rod blank | F.E. Thomas Dirigo
Regular price
$209.00 USD
Regular price
$0.00 USD
Sale price
$209.00 USD
Unit price
per
6wt | 9ft | 3pc | bamboo fly rod blank | F.E. Thomas Dirigo
$209.00
TAPER PROFILE
The taper at a glance
Choose this 9', 3-piece profile for nymphing, wet-fly work, and light streamers on large rivers and stillwaters, with its practical window centered on 27-57 feet.
F. E. Thomas
F.E. Thomas DirigoSpecifications
- WT
- 6wt
- Length
- 9'
- Sections
- 3pc
Character
- Bend
- Mid
- Tempo
- Moderate
- Power
- Medium
Casting range
Effective 21-66 ft
Sweet spot 27-57 ft
- Water
- Techniques
- Conditions
This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.
P
I have built a number of Zhus blanks. The blanks are not perfect when you get them-I have had to do some minor straightening on all of them.
But, they all cast well.
I just finished the first tip section of the Payne 202. The other sections are done. I just had to cast it. Wow, it casts really-just like all the ones that I have built previously. This rod has some guts to it.
They also sent me a reel seat for free-very nice one and more appreciated.
I am so appreciative that this company makes blanks that the common man can afford. I highly recommend them.
Tight lines!
Hi Patrick, thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear you enjoy the Payne 202 blank and that it casts well for you. We appreciate your feedback on the minor straightening, and we're happy you liked the reel seat. Your support means a lot—tight lines and happy building!
G
This blank was beautifully constructed and finished and ready to add components. I built this for my friend who is an expert caster, and it was magical watching him present dry flies at distance with this rod. There were absolutely no compromises fishing bamboo as compared to graphite. The ability to protect fine tippets is exceptional, you will not break off your fly when fighting larger fish. I will definitely order from Zhusrod again!
Hi Gregory, we're thrilled to hear your friend enjoyed the rod and that it performed so well! Thank you for your kind words and for choosing ZHUSROD. We look forward to serving you again soon!
R
Product is excellent and just as advertised. Much thanks and will be purchasing more in the future. Highly recommend this source.
Hi Rodney, thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you're happy with your purchase and look forward to serving you again. Happy fishing!
J
Just received my blank and components today. Beautiful color, finish and workmanship. Absolutely love the bamboo reel seat as well. If this casts as well as it looks, I'll be back for more models.
Hi John, we're thrilled to hear you love the rod! We hope it casts beautifully and look forward to helping you with more models in the future. Thanks for your kind words!
T
This is really exciting. I can’t wait to take this rod fishing. All looks good 👍
Hi Thomas! We're thrilled to hear you're excited about your new Lee Wulff Midge rod. Wishing you fantastic fishing adventures! Thanks for your kind review.
C
Second blank bought, aside from a missing item the quality is again excellent, amazing value for such a well made bamboo rod. I look forward to fishing it, my late father built rods from bamboo blanks in the 1970’s in Scotland. It’s great to be able to do the same over 50 years later
Hi Charlie, thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying the rod and that it brings back cherished memories. We look forward to being part of your fishing adventures. If you need any assistance, just let us know!
D
The 6wt bamboo blank is perfect! I'm in the process of building the custom bamboo rod and will post pictures when completed. Thank you for the excellent service and support when needed.
Hi Daniel, we're thrilled to hear you're happy with the 6wt bamboo blank! Can't wait to see your finished rod. Thanks for choosing ZHUSROD and for your kind words!
J
Beautifully constructed blanks. Great finish, ferrule gluing nice and clean. Came well packed for shipping and ready to add components.
MOST LIKELY will purchase more in the near future. Highly recommend!
Hi James, thanks so much for your kind words! We're thrilled you’re happy with the blanks and look forward to helping you with more in the future. Happy building!
S
Well built rod, well packed for shipping, received as expected! Will buy again!
Hi Stan, thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled you’re happy with your rod and look forward to serving you again. Tight lines!
A
Very good craftmanship
Thank you for your kind words! We're glad you appreciate the craftsmanship of the Payne 100 rod. Enjoy your fishing adventures!
D
The rod was perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. I will be buying a 6 wt 8' 6" rod in the next week.
Hi Daniel, we're thrilled to hear your rod was just what you needed! Looking forward to helping with your next purchase. Thanks for choosing ZHUSROD!
L
This is my second rod build from a blank supplied by Zhu. On close inspection the blank is perfect - joints all aligned and no visible glue.
Hi Leo, we're thrilled to hear you're happy with your build! Thanks for choosing ZHUSROD for your rods. Happy fishing!
E
Overall good quality. The tips are not absolutely straight but all the glue seams are solid.
Hi Edward, thank you for your kind words! We're glad you're satisfied with the quality of the rod. If you need any assistance or have questions, feel free to reach out. Happy fishing!
A
Blank quality appears good, some initial questions about the ferrule to blank fit but so far is solid. Ferrules fit tight, really have make sure theyare clean. Have only fished it a couple times, roll casts ok with a dt5, will be trying as well w wf5 and dt4
Hi there, thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear the blank quality meets your expectations and that the ferrules are fitting well. Enjoy your fishing with the different lines, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Happy casting!
A
good solid rod
Thank you for your kind words! We're glad you love the rod. Happy fishing!
T
Well made, excellent blank
Hi Tim, thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you’re pleased with the quality of the Leonard Letort 40 blank. Happy fishing!
T
Great blank , well made
Hi Tim, thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled you're happy with the Leonard Baby Catskill blank. Happy fishing!
J
Great craftsmanship! I can’t wait to start building (and fishing!) this rod!! Perfect finish, ferrules are flawless. I couldn’t have asked for anything better - I’d give it 10 stars if I could!
Hi Jay, thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled you're excited to build and fish with your new rod. Enjoy every moment on the water!
A
The work and craftsmanship is top notch. The weeks to receive any shipping update at all and the fact it took over a month to receive leaves some to be desired in a world of quick deliveries. It’s the transparency, especially. I thought I was scammed for quite a long time because there was no updates other than “order received” explain the process on the site or something. really
Hi there, thanks for your kind words about the craftsmanship! We apologize for the shipping delays and lack of updates. We're working to improve our communication process. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
T
Nice job on this blank
Hi Tim, we're thrilled to hear you're happy with the blank! Thanks for sharing your positive feedback.
M
Components were good quality. Blank was better than expected
Hi Mike, thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you’re pleased with the quality of the components and the blank. Enjoy your fishing adventures with the rod!
T
Another great blank well made
Hi Tim, thanks so much for your kind words! We're glad you're happy with the blank. Happy fishing!
T
The rod blank is awesome!
Hi Thomas, we're thrilled to hear you love the Constable Wisp! Thanks for your kind words and for choosing ZHUSROD.
- Features the iconic F.E. Thomas Dirigo taper with progressive diameter increase (70-105") for optimized casting fluidity and fish-fighting backbone
- Precision-fit 18% nickel silver ferrules ensure seamless energy transfer and decades of reliable performance
- Crafted from premium six-strip Tonkin bamboo with water-based varnish finish (unvarnished option available)
- Moderate-fast action excels in delicate dry fly presentations and powerful streamer casts
- Engineered for medium rivers, lake margins, and structured shorelines targeting trout/bass/pike
This 9ft 3pc 6wt bamboo fly rod blank faithfully recreates the legendary F.E. Thomas Dirigo taper, handcrafted using six-strip Tonkin bamboo. The progressive diameter increase from mid-section (70") to butt (105") delivers controlled flex patterns, paired with 18% nickel silver ferrules that maintain energy transmission integrity. The moderate-fast action provides a smooth loading curve in the first 50" for presentation finesse, transitioning to accelerated power for obstacle-clearing hooksets.
Finished with durable water-based varnish (optional unfinished version available), the blank comes with pre-installed ferrules (custom installation-ready upon request). Ideal for technical dry fly work on medium rivers, long-distance streamer casts across windswept lakes, and structure-rich environments requiring precise fish control. Specifically designed for brown/rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike.
ROD BUILDING
Guide spacing
F.E. Thomas Dirigo
- WT
- 6wt
- Length
- 9'
- Sections
- 3pc
All measurements are from the center of the tip top.
| Guide | Distance from tip | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 in | Snake guide |
| 2 | 10.5 in | Snake guide |
| 3 | 17 in | Snake guide |
| 4 | 24.5 in | Snake guide |
| 5 | 32 in | Snake guide |
| 6 | 40.5 in | Snake guide |
| 7 | 50 in | Snake guide |
| 8 | 60 in | Snake guide |
| 9 | 70.5 in | Stripping guide |
| 10 | 82 in | Stripping guide |
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Ferrule setup changes responsibility
Choose Ferruled only when fitted ferrules are included; Unferruled leaves that work to the builder.
Build-critical facts
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BLANK-BUILDING PATH
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01
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02
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03
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04
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