18406ej

I am thinking of trying to build my own fly rod. Does anyone have any experience in this? I already have sources for the parts and the turner, I just want a realistic and experienced opinion on whether I should buy pre-made, or go it on my own.

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E.J.

"I am going where streams of whiskey are flowing"

Dichrofisher

Heck yeah! After catching two steelies yesterday on my first homemade rod I say go for it. You have all the help you need right here. I went to Glen Wicks in Creswell. Don't settle for masking tape fillers. They will take the time to fit the parts correctly if you ask. The important things(I'm only on my second rod) are to start simple and cheap. My steelie rod is awesome and it was only $70. I borrowed a stand from my neighbor and it is dirt simple. There is a cardboard box idea too. The only thing I would actually buy would be the turning thing to dry the varnish otherwise you are hand turning for an hour. (rotisserie motor from Jerry's and a pvc cap with tightening bolts can be made) If you are into $100 yourself to death than buy all the goodies, if you want a couple of great rods, the details you choose, the ability to have exactly what you want, and not pay an arm and a leg than build your own. Start simple. Don't get 3 colors of thread for the first one, the thread is the hardest part. Again...start simple is the key. You can build in steps so procrastinators delight! Let's start a rodbuilding section?? My friend was a great help for the details( so ask me anything if you want) and aslo google was willing to show me detailed pictures of closup fit and guide procedures, I was amazed) Here is also a link to a good site..
http://www.rodbuilding.org/list.php?2

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What's your angle?

royiii

If you build it let us know how it goes. I have replaced an eye here and there on my cheap rods, but that is it and I have always wanted to build a rod myself.

kalan

I don't know what sources you have, but this site has a lot of products. They will send you a free catalog too. Lots of neat stuff.
Home - Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc.
I haven't built one yet but am thinking about it.
Good luck!

royiii

When finding the spine on a 2pc rod some say it doesn't matter on the butt end while other say to do each one then connect them at the spin location. The problem is on the butt section it is hard to find the spine because there isn't very much flex. Does anyone know a trick to find it. I don't want to build my pole and then have a twist in it because it wasn't spined correct. Thank you for any help or comments.

buddah426

i tied my first rod a month ago (7' ul lamy 4-8 lb test) for trout and let me tell you!!! first off i used a card board box w/ 2 v's cut one at each end and the back cut all the way out. i ran my thread through a large phone book for tension. as for spinning the rod i took a couple scrap chunks of 2x6's and made a L shaped bracket and bolted the motor from my kids old disco ball (been collecting dust for years) up to it and just taped the rod to the shaft. i purchased all my stuff from fishermans workshop up in washougal and they were great to work with. first they talked me through the steps and even took time to awnser some q's over the phone. without the glue and others like that the rod was reasonable, roughly 60$ (rod, cork, reel seat, guides and thread) and i havent been able to find a store bought rod in comparison since. i strongly recommend that anyone thinking about tying up their own rod do it, you wont regret it. i am in the process of tying up a steelie rod now (8'6" 2 pc. fly rod 8-12 lb test) and then a short ul for my son which i fully intend to pass this knowledge to. the satisfaction of catching a fish on a rod that you built is indescribable and with the economy heading in the direction that it is our children could really benefit from this practice. in conclusion i say go for it!!! you wont regret it. good luck.

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Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.
Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

GraphiteZen

Now THAT is how you get it done! Nice job!

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When I die, screw some hooks into my spine and head for the deep water.