Anyone here make their own rods?

[DILLIGAF]

I was thinking about making a few of my own and was wondering if anyone here has any ideas or input for a newbie.

[Double D]

There are a bunch of guys on the board, both pros and hobbyists.

I usuaslly make about 5-10 a year. Give us an idea what you are looking to do and you will get some help.

[paul708]

ask away..or fell free to give a call 6105917734 6am-230pm EST...i would more than happy to help you out in any way......if you were closer i give lessons.. and for the local guys who need someting to do this winter..we will be again running classes in Jan/feb

[BYRD]

I have made 12. Started last year. Would be happy to answer any questions.

[DILLIGAF]

I would like to start out with making some fast action bay rods. I also want to make some 30 and 50 class rods also. I have bought and started to read Dale Clemens book on custom rod building. So far it has been helping me get started. I will be heading up to Fishing Tackle Unlimited which has everything needed to get started. Post up some pics of your rods that you've built.

[Double D]

The 30 and 50 class rods will be easier to tie than the bay rods. The thicker diameter blank makes the wraps easier and it will not bend as you work.

I would start with them

I think Murph had a wrapping lathe for sale, looked pretty good

[paul708]

check mudhole for rodbuilding supplies aslo..i might have some stuff you can use just ask

[cape_fisherman]

Bay rods? I see you're in Matagorda. Are you talking about trout & reds? I like popping blanks for trout. Nice soft tip for their tender mouth and a good butt section. Casting rods or heavier popping blanks I like for reds as they have a MUCH tougher mouth.

Ask any questions you can think of.

My suggestion is don't buy any major building equipment. You can build a rod using a cardboard box for goodness sake! Also, don't go overboard on your first rod with super high quality components. Like Paul said, Mudhole is a good place to start. They have some great rod blank specials...dirt cheap.

I also suggest two publications to get you started. One is by Dale Clemmons "Advanced Custom Rod Building". The other is by Tom Kirkman "Rod-Building Guide". Both are indespensable and invaluable. Get them...you won't be sorry.

Start simple. You can go wild on your second rod...and you'll probably want to

Good luck...and have fun! Oh, and be forwarned of the impending addiction.

Jay

[DILLIGAF]

Thanks for the tips, guys. I did buy Dale Clemens book about a week ago and I'm almost done reading it. Thanks for the tip on the other book, I'll try and get it this up coming week. I'm not as much of a bay fisherman since I got my boat. But I have a lot of friends that fish in the bays and I think that it would be nice to make a few and give away.

[shoefish]

Be forewarned- if you think fishing is addictive, wait until you get into rod building! lol. I have to say, there isn't much that matches the thrill of fighting a big fish on a rod that you built yourself. Good luck, and post any questions as it looks like there are quite a few of us who have dabbled with rod building.