Under $200...that's easy...
I have to agree with everybody cdpaul...I don't know if it's the best, but the kit I'm getting from H&H (sponsor here) was around $72 for a 7wt. two piece American made blank, thread, guides including two stripppers, tip top, winding check and wrap finish. I could have spent another $20 or so for a grip and a bit more still for a fighting butt, then another $20 to $40 for a reel seet but I make my own grips and had a Struble reel seat especially for this build. You might take a look at the H&H site if you haven't already and if you like green, have a look at the 'American Tackle' brand blanks, call them up and Ron or Russ will set you up.
About blank costs and castability, well...I got this blank for only three reasons, it's green, it's US made (maybe all blanks are US made that are green, I don't know) and finally because it had been recommended to me by another builder that used to frequent this site. How will it cast...I don't know and don't really care all that much...I wanted a certain kind of green and I wanted to be certain that it was American made.
The reel for this outfit will be my Fly Logic 456 in the mottled green...yep, I like green...and I already have the backing, a 7wt line and leader on it and it fits just right because I chose a short 82 ft. line. The reel seat is also green, a newer model from Struble called HG something or other...it was a gift. So you see, there are more than just kits as a way to get under $200 for a nice looking fly rod. If it casts well out of the gate, fine, if not I'll play with lines and leaders until it does.
Take the plunge cdpaul...it's easier than you think to build your own rod and as mentioned, you surely don't have to spend a ton on the blank alone.
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
Appreciate the advise, but....
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TampaJim
I am not a proponent of paraffin wax. However, I do use and recommend U40's Ferrule Lube. It is inexpensive and does a great job.
As far as multi-piece rods staying together - 99.5% of the time, I find the issue to be the method used to assemble the sections. Each section should be joined at a 90 degrees, gently pushed to the stopping point, turned 90 degrees to proper alignment and THEN snugged up. Reverse the process for disassembly. Every 2-3 hours during the day, check the sections to ensure they are snug.
BTW, there is a HUGE difference between snug and tight ... learn it and the issues related to disassembly will also lessen.
TJ -
Sure, I can do all that stuff to keep a 4 piece rod from coming apart or just use a 2 piece rod and not do anything.