Canefly, I think you’re right about more candidates for radically ultralight rod blanks being out there. I used another Ottoni Fujiyami telescoping rod to make a 6’3” 0-weight. It was originally a 2.70 meter rod. By using some guesswork and the CCS method, it seemed that cutting the tip back a few inches (I don’t remember how many) and removing the butt section would get me there. It worked out just fine. There’s another 1.80 meter rod stashed in the closet if I ever want to push the envelope below 34 grains.
Now, if you do a CCS test on that UL casting rod you have, it will give you some idea as to the line weight it should take. Or you can use the SWG (Scientific Wild-Asked Guess) method by just trying it with the lightest line you have on hand before committing to changing the grip and guides.
Regarding lines, some other alternatives include Dacron (Polyester) backing, Dyneema or Spectra (gel-spun polyester) for a high floating line, or polypropylene yarn, also for a floating line. There has been some discussion about all of them on this board.
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