Where to Start ?

[Andrew P]

hi,

i have read and seen some of the stuff that goes on here ;)and i have been inspired to try to make my own rod !

but where do i start ? with a kit ? how much does this cost? do i need to buy any special gadgets or gizmos??

regards

Andrew P

[MickeyP]

Hi,

Don't do it! It is addictive and demands strong will power to keep under control once you start.

If however this does not disuade you check out hook and Hackle as a great place to start without spending too much wonga, I built my first rod a #3 6'6" sweet little brook rod that I love to fish for less than £100 including glues guides and everything (even a rod turner).

Cheers

Mick

[Andrew P]

a 9ft 7wt would cost £128.95 plus maybe another £10.00 to get it up here. But in the shops probably more

How easy is it to ruin your rod in the making process ? if it is easily ruined then i might be slightly less inspired !!!

thanks;

Andrew P

[MickeyP]

Hi Andrew,

Now I'm no expert in this just a couple of steps further along this path than yourself but I really think it would be difficult to ruin the blank. Ok you may end up with something that is not cosmetically as great as a professionally built rod on your first go but it will cast and fish just aswell. There really is not too much too it, glue reel seat together, file inside of handle to size and glue in place, whip on rings (if you can tie a fly you can whip on rings) and stick on the tip ring. The really difficult bit I've found is finishing the whippings, get this right and your rod will look a million dollars, mess this up and it will not look quite as good but should still cast and fish ok. As this is your first rod I'm pretty sure that you will want it to fish with and not sell it so who really cares if cosmetically it is not the best. I've just finished my second rod and cosmetically it is 10 times better than my first, so if my next is 10 times better then it will be not far off a professional quality finish.

Cheers

Mick

[sandfly2]

Start with a kit , they do not have to be expensive . No you do not need any special gizmos , just a bit of patience and common sense .

www.mailordercentral.com/hookhack/departments.asp?dept=728

Davy .

[John Gray]

The following thread may be of some help:

flyforums.proboards53.com/index.cgi?board=rodbuilding&action=display&thread=1124976974

[jan]

andrew,

i have all the tools that you might need, although i dont use them very often - if you want a loan or some practical advice and tips call me. the difficult bit is getting the epoxy/whipping coating smooth and bubble/dust free - for me anyway. The actual assembly is quick and simple in most cases - i have turners, rod stands and cork clamps

cheers jan

[Andrew P]

thanks for the tips, i'll raise the funds and give it a try. Thanks for the offer jan.

imagine....................catching a fish on a fly that you tied........... fished with a rod that you made......... ;D

thanks again

Andrew P

[RodKneeTrouter]

Hi Andrew -

Glad to see you are taking your addiction to the next level.

As everyone has said, its not too hard until finishing the wraps.

I would recommend getting a turner for finishing the wraps. You can build a turner for about £5. Get a battery powered disco light from a toy store. They spin at about 5 rpm which is perfect. Take it apart so that just the spindle is left. You should get about 12 hours of constant turning speed on 2 new aa batteries. A turner works wonders for the finishing process.

Good luck!

Mike

[Andrew P]

i will hopefully buy my kit before the end of April

thanks;

Andrew

[John Gray]

andy42 said:

thanks for the tips, i'll raise the funds and give it a try. Thanks for the offer jan.

imagine....................catching a fish on a fly that you tied........... fished with a rod that you made......... ;D

thanks again

Andrew P

.... some even make their own reels..... now that's what I call accomplished......