Rod builing- anybody do it?

I’m thinking of building some rods for myself, but I’m not sure where to start. I know Thorne Bros sell kits and blanks, but I’m curious to hear if anyone builds their own and where they buy their material. Thanks!

I do you have a PM

You will find several people on this website that do so. I have just started building a few myself. I bought some basic rod building supplies from Cabela’s (due to a Cabelas credit card) for about $100. The sky is the limit on what you can spend. There are a few good video tapes on how to buld a rod. You mentioned Thorne Bros. If I remember correctly they have rod bulding classes periodically where you can build a rod using their tools. You have to be a little careful believing you will save money on building your own. I built one with a St. Croix blank. I snapped it this past summer and St. Croix replaced it (thanks to Dean at Everts), but I had to pay shipping and rebuy the handle parts again so in the end on that rod I didn’t really save much. Finding high end blanks are a bit difficult, but can be done. If you are doing it to sell you will find a lot of competition out there. But if you are doing it for the reason most of us do, mixing and matching parts to get a better quality rod and customized to your likes it is well worth it.

Midwest Rod and Reel in Prior lake is a great place. They run a rod building class several times a year. I took a class from them and for about $100.00 I learned a lot and ended up with a really nice rod. Both Bill and Al are great guys. I would contact them if you have any ?’s or are interested in a Rod building class. http://www.midwestrodandreel.com

I’m building a fly rod right now. In this case I bought a kit from an outfit in Idaho. There are a few companies out there that sell components and kits. Fot example look up Angler’s Edge, Mud Hole, Jann’s Netcraft.

It’s a fun way to spend a cold afternoon, and it’s very satisfying to catch a fish on a rod you made yurself. Have fun!

Rootski

First of all, thanks for the replies so far guys! I’ve been kicking around the idea for a few years now, just haven’t pulled the trigger yet. I have no intention of selling anything, just thought it would be a fun hobby. I also think it would be neat to use my “own” rods. Thanks for the replies, keep em coming!

I think it is a fun hobby as well. Also since you are on this website if you check the internet out you will find more places than yu can shake a stick at.

PM sent

I started building rods myself this fall. The supplier that I have come to count on is Mudhole.com they are a good bunch of guys that build rods all the time. They also put on a great 2 day introductory rod building class. They are more than willing to walk you through putting together all the supplies and components you will need. Check out their web site.

PM sent

I rebuild fly rods into spinning rods because no one builds a spinning rod that feels like that. It has been very successful and satisfying. There is not a lot to it and a rod with a missing guide at a cheap price from the Bargain Barn is just the ticket. Replace a few guides and I’m in business. I think you will really enjoy it no matter what type rod you decide to buy. Supplies are available at Cabela’s and a lot of other places.

Don’t expect to save a lot of money depending on what you do.

Brian,

My Father and I built a bunch of rods at Thorne (fly angler) about 10-15 years ago. We must have built about 30 or so total. You can save quite a lot of money bu building. At least you could than. I would not recommend trying it at home. They have all of the necessary equipment and we were never charged to just use it. As long as we bought there, we used everything. I know appointments were never necessary either. I still have all of the St. Croix’s and Gloomis rods. It was a great experience and most people are more than willing to lend a hand.

I am thinking about getting into reel building. Anyone doing that?

I have kicked it around in my head too, building my own rod or two. I just haven’t got the time right now to do it. I know my nephew built one in school and it is a pretty nice rod.

Good information people!