I've been asked to make a 6'6", two piece, 3-4 wt rod with a medium-fast to fast taper.  Since I am new to this work I am not yet confident in reading the stress curves to deduce a type of action.

Can anyone offer suggestions and or  comments re: stress values Vs action. My understanding is that the higher the stress value, the "softer" the feel. Yes/No?.  If this is true can one say that a 6'6" rod with a maximum stress of say 180,000 in the tip section will feel the same as an 8'6'' rod with the same maximum stress and the same shape curve?  (Al Baldauski)

You will get some whether it will feel the same or do the same but choosing a rod by viewing those graphs strictly is still guess work. those are general indicators used mainly as comparison. that said, how about the Payne 96.  (Timothy Troester)

Dickerson 6611  (Kyle Druey)

I built a 6'6" 3 wt from Wayne's book a few years ago.  It's a great small stream rod.  I have been very pleased with it.  I don't have the taper here at work, but could post it tomorrow if you don't have Wayne's book.

My finish work was terrible  as I was in a hurry to take it on a trip.  But the fish don't seem to mind that my wraps are ugly.  (Eric Koehler)