I was just interested in how many folks build their own rods and how they compare. A friend built a couple of fly rods for me and I love them, but I'm wanting to build a couple of rods for my baitcast reels. A medium and a heavy.

How much equipment does it take to build a rod? I assume you need at least some kind of stand.

Is it really any cheaper than going out and buying a factory built rod?

Is it best to just buy a kit or to mix and match. I'm assuming that most kits are based off of popular rods that the industry has worked out guide placement, stress points and all kinds of important stuff that I would just be guessing at if I built my own.

Thanks for any suggestions.

How would you build a blank? Aren't these spun out of a machine or something? It seems laying down the carbon or whatever they are made of is a science. Or are you just talking about eyes and cork? Curious.

I just built a medium heavy baitcaster with an IM7 blank and a split grip. I turned out fine. Bought the components from Mud Hole Custom Tackle. I'd recommend starting with an inexpensive kit to get some experience. If you decide you enjoy it, talk next with a tech sales rep at the component supplier to get help on specific selections.

You don't need any fancy equipment (I actually used the horizontal slats on chair backs to support the rod while wrapping or applying the coating). You don't really save anything but you end up with a nice rod that meets your specs (including thread color), and it's cool to catch something on a rod you designed and built.

AthensWes,

Many years ago (30+) I built several rods. The first few I built from kits. The next several I ordered separate components so I could adapt them to my own needs. I built two fly rods, two surf-casting rods, one combination spinning/fly rod for backpacking, and one bass casting rod. Although I still own all of those rods I have retired all but the fly rods.

Building your own rod does not require a huge investment in equipment. I used a cardboard box with slots to hold the blank. Shaping the cork handles just requires normal woodworking tools.

Rod building technology has changed a lot since then. Availability of different types of rods has improved. When I was building rods part of the reason was to get exactly the rod I wanted (because it wasn't available). Thirty years ago I could also save money by building my own rod.

Today, rod manufacturers have responded to the needs of fishermen by building MANY more different rods. You can buy "off the rack" a rod specifically designed for ANY fishing situation (e.g. a rod for fishing Carolina rigged worms with 3/8oz weight or a rod for fishing Carolina rigged worms with 1/2oz weight).

There is some satisfaction to be gained by catching fish on a rod that you built (I'd be glad to tell you the story of my 14# redfish on the heavy surf rod I built) but unless you want to get into building rods as a hobby there is no good reason to build your own rods.

Cheers,
Kelly McCoy
West Texas

p.s. The reason that I've retired all the rods I built is that factory rods are now better than anything I could produce.

To build a custom rod you will need a rod windin stand. A tensioner for your thread. I recomend using a class C or D sie thread from gudebrod. You will also need a slow spinning motor to apply the finish to your guides.

To do a handle you will need cork or eva foam and a real seat that has the rigt diameter to fit in the right spot on the blank you wish to use. If your cork or foam is not the right diameter you will need special drill bits made to bore out rod handles. To place the handle and real seat on you will need some kind of quick drying epoxy. I use 5 min epoxy but if this is your first time i would suggest using something that takes a little longer to set up.

As far as the blank goes you can buy them from almost any of the major rod manufacturers out there. There are several websites tht sell them.

As far as cost it is cheaper to build your own if you do it often. But if you are only going to build one or two i would suggest looking into custom rod builders because they will be able to do a better job usually and you wont have to buy all the equipment.

Hendrix Rods are one such custom rod and they are just as good as G Loomis and the cost is lower.