[McGillicuddy]

Ash, Beech, cedar and elm all bend well - straight long grained species are preferable - cedar is kind of soft. White oak would probably work in the dimension you mentioned and had excellent anti decay properties. I used to use datngrizz's technique to bend the curves on my hockey stick blades - works like a champ. Let it cool gradually in clamp jig for 24 hrs. Got you tank picks by the way. Thanks. Good luck with your bending.