without looking like a klutz:
Assemble the bottom two pieces then the top two pieces then put the halves together. This may seem like a small deal but I’ve seen many folks drop the butt of the rod on the ground putting the final, tip section on and they really do look like they’re struggling to do so.
Th first time I heard this it was a light bulb going on - so simple, yet it kind of goes against instinct, I guess.
you are so right, I onnly own a 2 piece but two younger perons I know each got new 4 piece high end rods last year and seen that happen a few times don’t know how the rods didn’t snap
2, 3 or 4 piece…I always put the butt of the rod on my toe as Im sticking sections together
i’m not that much of a klutz, so i usually start with the butt end and work my way up to the top one section at a time. once i have two sections of the butt end together i will rest it in the back area of my rav4 and continue the assembly process.
i also use a db dun rod carrier. the top 2 section are together and the bottom 2 section are also together.
I have always assembled multi-piece rods starting from the tip down…never dropped one and it just seemed easier for me…;)…Rob
I also line my rod in “sections”. The butt and first section together and run the line through, pulling enough line to string the remainder. This goes into the back of the station wagon and not on the ground. Then put the last two sections together and run the line through those and finally the whole thing together and everything is done. Doing it this way I don’t have the butt/reel in the grass, mud, rocks, or whatever.
George
I generally mount the reel and pull out a bit of tippet so I can start rigging the rod when it is assembled. Then I start with the tip section and next lower section and work my way down to the butt section. That makes it easier for me to line up the guides than starting at the butt and working my way up to the tip.
I thread the entire leader and a foot or so of line through the stripper, then rest the butt end of the rod in a secure place, whether on the ground, the truck bed or seat, whatever. Then it is a matter of pulling enough line off the reel to thread through the remaining guides, staying clear of the blank and putting no pressure on it at any point.
some people also place the rod butt on their hat or a nice clump of grass when they have to.
I use mostly 4pc rods, so I attach the reel first … it makes it easier to line up the second section. I lay the butt on the tail gate or in my hat on the ground and work up the last two sections.
With my TFO rod (axiom), there are alignment dots, so I put it together then attach the reel.
Most of our rods are 10ft, so holding the rod butt on my toe isn’t an option for the last section.
4 peice rod i alway put the first two with reel on then the two top peices and connect in the middle of rod.
Less chance of breaking a rod.
i’m not tall and my arms aren’t long, so i build the rod from the top down, section by section. this way i’m not holding the heavier bottom half by the weaker top end, and nothing touches the ground. i put on the reel last, straighten the bottom section if it needs it, and string up with the reel on a clean surface.
I’m probably a Mr. Magoo … didn’t know there was a wrong way to assemble my rod and have been lucky I guess … I always; put the reel on the butt end first (give some weight to the process) and then work my way up to the top. I never worry too much about if the butt is in the grass, mud or otherwise, try to keep it someplace clean though and not get it too mucked up.
I always try to keep my line out of the muck to keep it clean and at least not scuffed up, their too darn expensive to be casual with.
I fish with 4 pc rods. I’ll try the 2X2 method putting them together for a change. Like the other poster sort of said, why didn’t I think of that?
But what the heck … I’m 70 I probably forgot.
Your right! just lay your hat down on the ground and place the butt within your hat, works great even if your standing in a parking lot putting together your rod 
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=2607&stc=1&d=1263152393
This one is good for rods up to eight feet…
You can even attach a lanyard so there is no chance of loosing it!
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/attachment.php?attachmentid=2607&stc=1&d=1263152393
This one is good for rods up to eight feet…
You can even attach a lanyard so there is no chance of loosing it!
I’ll have to try this 2+2 method on my 4-pc rods. Maybe line the final two halves before assembly.
Many of my rods are multi piece rods. (I travel a lot) and all I own have been built by myself. All have alignment indicators so it is a no brainer assembling a rod. (bamboo & Graphite)
I am new at the fly fishing game (65 years now) and still learning. When I started I was taught to start with the tip section first. Add to it as I work to the butt section. I then attach the reel. Throw my hat on the ground and then string my line. I am always very careful when pulling the leader and tippet out of the tip top guide. (the line can whip around the rod) and I have never broken a rod, yet.
Assembly is also the last thing I do when I am going fishing. Get dressed, pontoon if I am using one is at the waters edge, all ready to go. Then I do my rod and never need to lay it down where someone could step on it or have it knocked over.
The reverse is how I take things apart when done fishing. Rod first and placed in it’s tube. I know it is then safe.
This method has worked quite well for me for a long time. I can not even think of any other way to assemble my rod. What ever works for you.
I really am quite surprised at the many different ways listed here.
Denny
Hi,
I usually put it together tip first and work down to the but section. This means you’re always passing the completed sections “up” rather than down to the ground. I put the reel on after assembly, usually, I think, then string the rod. I have a short strip of cloth, that has a small magnet at each end. This is used to hold the rod upright against the vehicle, rather than laying it down, and ensures it won’t fall over. Works great for keeping it from falling down into an open car door, trunk, or just on the ground, all of which are disasters waiting to happen.
To assemble a fly rod, lay out the sections of the fly rod on a table or in a open area where nobody will knocked them off or step on them.
Two methods of assembly depending of ferrules.
Metal Ferrules: Insert the the male ferrule into the female ferrule align the guides on both sections of the fly rod. Then (and only then) with one hand on each section (just above the ferrule) push the two ferrules together.
Disassemble is the same, but this time place the fly rod close to your body, and holding the rear section stationary against your body, pull the front section straight out in front of you.
Non-Metal Ferrules: Insert the male ferrule into the female ferrule, this time the guide are 90 degree off alignment, as you push the two ferrules together, you twist one of the section until the guides are in alignment
Disassemble is the same as for the Metal Ferrules, with one difference, as your are separating the two section, you twist one section 90 degrees to unlock the connection.
~Parnelli
