Should I or shouldn't I? (Newbie interest)

[Utah David]

Given my current rod /reel dilemma (I really don't have one right now), and having always contemplated "building my own" rod, I'm curious as to what the general consensus among those that do build their rods would be. Not truly knowing what it would take talent wise, and what financial resources would be required beyond purchasing the rod blank, I'd like to know your feelings.

Should I jump into this "hobby" and do my first rod now?

Should I hold off and undertake it when I already have a serviceable rod to use?

Or should I push this ridiculous idea from my mind completely?

If you think I could/should undertake such a project, I'd like to know your thoughts on my jumping directly into a bamboo rod, or if I should "practice" with a fiberglass blank first.

To help understand my abilities, here's a little information on my aptitude for this... I'm a pretty accomplished woodworker, having built items ranging from a simple shelf of pine, to a black walnut grandfather clock. I've built a mahogany and plywood sabot sailboat, and I've done quite a bit of fiberglass and resin work (poly not epoxy). Not just on the sabot either. I'm a surfer that does his own ding repair, and I've built a couple of surfboards as well. I've restored a home (refinished floors, plaster, trim, paint, etc.) that was built in 1837, and owner-built 2 others. So I am pretty "handy" when it comes to working with my hands. As a profession, I own a small architectural design firm, so I also have the ability to visualize and think through projects, as well as pay attention to detail. I am a bit of a perfectionist, somewhat anal, and that is what scares me the most about undertaking a project like this. I know I likely won't be happy with a finished product that looks like... well... not good. To say nothing about how it might work.

On the other hand... I've never even tied a fly. So I'm not sure I could ever get thread to wrap around anything. Getting it to wrap evenly, may be asking the impossible.

You thoughts are most appreciated.


---David

[rainbowchaser]

Hi David wellcome to FAOL. if you go to the main page and click on features you will find a section on rod building that will give you a good idea what is involved in building a rod. If you don't fly fish now you might also want to read flyfishing 101 to help decide what kind of rod to build.

[Shaky Wadr]

David; It seems to me that you pretty well define what a rod builder is. A somewhat anal perfectionist who is handy. Seriously, based on the kinds of things you have already done you obviously enjoy a challenge. I say go for it.

With the help of all the articles on this site and a lot of folks willing to help, you will more than likely be very happy with the results of your first effort. You can build a great graphite rod for under a $100 in materials including the blank. I would start there.

[Midwest Custom Fly Rods]

Hi David, rod building can be a very enjoyable thing to do if you enjoy fly fishing and enjoy doing things yourself like it sounds you probably do.

Since you mentioned you don't have a rod/reel I guess I'll ask this first...are you just getting into fly fishing or have you been doing it and just currently don't have the rod&reel at the moment?

Reason I ask that is because if your just about to get into fly fishing then I wouldn't tell you "not" to get into building your own rod, but I would say to just wait a little bit until you've tried out fly fishing and see if you even like it and want to pursue it or not.

If you have been fly fishing for awhile and just don't have a rod&reel at the moment then just ignore what I said above

If your already a fly angler than I say go for it and start your first rod. If you want to make sure you are going to like rod building then you can find an old broken piece of a rod, or even an aluminum arrow shaft and try wrapping a section of it with thread and see if it seems like something your going to enjoy doing.

If you try doing that and like it, or just decide "yeah I'm gonna go for it" then let us know and I'm sure we'll all be more than happy to point you in the right direction for what you will need to get started, rod parts you will need and all that good stuff.

Steve

[Betty Hiner]

Before you get started, I think you must know ... it's far more of an addiction than a hobby. So, be afraid ... be very afraid!!

When I was first contemplating building ONE rod, I anguished long and hard as to whether or not I should get a dryer, or even a stand to use in wrapping. That was about 75 rods ago!! You build one, and it's all over with but the shouting!!

Start fairly basic, and remember, your first rod is just that ... your FIRST rod. Goofy wraps, uneven epoxy finish, what ever. It's YOURS. Don't be tempted to change anything on it! Fish it till the cows come home! Enjoy everyone of its' little imperfections totally. Make adjustments on the NEXT one ... and the one after that ... and the one after that.

It's a fun way to get something totally unique. I for one, feel you can do it! We're here to help in any way we can!!

[mr. blur]

go for it. assembling a plastic rod is actually rather easy. hone yer skills prior to working on a bamboo blank. yer skillset as described though suggests you won't have much problem.

don't settle for goofy wraps or sloppy finish though.

[jw healy]

I have to be the newest member of the rod building community since I am about 2/3 through my first one. Here is what I have found out so far.
1. It is much easier than I expected after reading a lot of articles on rod building. So far, the hardest part was reaming out the cork grip. However, I worked on it very slowly and it came out just fine.
2. Finding the spine took a bit of practice. I had to do it 4 times before I got the same spot two times in a row. Now that I know what the spine feels like it should be easier in the future.
3. If you file the front of guide feet to a knife edge, the thread will climb right up the foot with no problems; if you don't it wont. I had to cut the first two guides off because I didn't file the feet enough.
4. My first wrap came apart because I didn't use enough tension on the thread. I tightened the tension and was still able to adjust the guides as necessary for final alignment,
5. Building the wrapper and dryer were more difficult than I expected but that was because I wanted a 4 spindle dryer and had trouble finding drive belts. Building the wrapper would have been easier if I hadn't decided a 3 wheel rod holder was better than a felt V rod holder.
6. I haven't done any gluing or finishing yet so it is still easy to correct any mistakes.
7. There is a great 20 part video on fly rod building on You Tube. It cleared up a lot of stuff that wasn't covered in the articles I read.

I thought about buying a cheap kit to practice on but eventually decided to get what I wanted. I'm glad I did because the cheap kit would have been a waste of money.

Go for it! You won't save any money but you will have a lot of fun. Just be sure to take it real slow.