Any rod builders here want to take on a project?

I have an older favorite rod that I’d like to have rebuilt. It’s an older St. Croix tourney series. This has been my go to rod for probably close to 20 years now. Would like to have it taken down to the blank and have new split handle, reel seat, and eyes put on it. Just something about this rod that feels great in my hands. I don’t even want to guess the # of Bass and Walleyes I’ve caught on this rod over the years.last year I smashed the cork butt and all the eye wraps are starting to crack rather bad. So basically looking for a build where I supply the blank. If interested feel free to reply or send me a message.

Actually after looking at it all I probably really need is a new butt piece and new eyes. The grips and real seat are still good

Out of curiosity, what is the rod model?
Sorry I don’t have time to help you with this one. Hopefully someone else can reach out.

Rodwork wrote:

Out of curiosity, what is the rod model?
Sorry I don’t have time to help you with this one. Hopefully someone else can reach out.

Its a older St Croix tourney series spinning rod. Probably close to 20 years old. I may just replace the crushed butt cap and fish it as is unless I can find someone to update the eye’s for me. Just a rod I’ve thought about having redone for a few years now. Not real sure why I’m attached to it. Just been my go to rod for a lot of years.

A standard spinning guide set for a 7′ rod will run about $25-$30 Upgrade to Titanium $100-$130. Labor to remove old guides depends on how hard they are to get off and clean up the blank with out nicking it. Wrapping and epoxy new guides is easy. Replacing the Butt end not to hard. Replacing the whole handle would require basically stripping the whole rod down to the blank, at that point it would cost less to just have a new rod built.

The model number should be printed on the rod. I was wondering if I could find a blank that would be similar since like Big Crappie said redoing this rod would cost more than starting over.

not sure if they still do but St Croix used to refurb rods. They typically would only do it off peak season but may be worth at call.

wormdunker wrote:

not sure if they still do but St Croix used to refurb rods. They typically would only do it off peak season but may be worth at call.

That’s interesting – Never knew that was a option. Will have to reach out to them.

bigcrappie wrote:

A standard spinning guide set for a 7′ rod will run about $25-$30 Upgrade to Titanium $100-$130. Labor to remove old guides depends on how hard they are to get off and clean up the blank with out nicking it. Wrapping and epoxy new guides is easy. Replacing the Butt end not to hard. Replacing the whole handle would require basically stripping the whole rod down to the blank, at that point it would cost less to just have a new rod built.

Ya I kind of figured the cost to totally redo the rod would be as much as a new rod. The cracked butt end is a easy self do. May just have the Eyes re-wrapped and call it good.

Can you post photos of the rod?

I’ve been building rods for about three years now just as a hobby, probably about 50 rods built so far. I love the challenge of problem solving and learning with this process. I have just started looking into rebuilding rods as you are describing but I don’t want to claim to be a professional. I too would like to see the photos of this. I’m interested in this sort of stuff more for sentimental value as I am a hobby builder, not out to make money. PM me if you’re willing to give me a shot with this project, sounds like fun. I agree, cost of a new rod to build from scratch is likely cheaper but where’s the fun in that???

I’ve had a rod or two rebuilt by Thorne Brothers. If it’s a butt cap that is easier I think as it’s on the end. Real seats probably more time and money. They did re-wrap and re-epoxy a few guides on mine and the price wasn’t too bad.

I have had some rod work done by Thorne Bros on both my musky rods and 2 St Croix legend tournament walleye rods. They have done great work every time. Reasonable prices to my memory

Paulski