So since the season is so close (for me anyways), I’ve starting getting the bug to fish. So I built my 6’6" 2wt and finished it the other night. Learned a lot, more than I was hoping for, since I learned from mistakes hahaha. Since I have no faith whatsoever in this kit rod (Because of my learning experience) I need to build another. But, I have to build it outside of a kit, since I don’t want to order from H&H, because I don’t want to pay the shipping fee to Canada on a single kit. I’m placing an order with Cabelas for some new waders and a reel for this 2wt, so I want to order everything from there.
Which brings me to this post. What size guides I need and how many…I’ll be getting a 6’6" 2wt blank, can I just use the chart that came with my kit for guide sizes and placement? Or do I need to know for that specific blank?? And if so, could I email Cabelas for that information so I can order what I need at the same time?
So, when I put this rod together, I messed up a few times…Wrong size guides in the wrong spots, lost a guide (didn’t realize this until I measured up all the guide places 10 mins ago), I also took too long with the 5 min epoxy. So with that being said…is my rod going to break on me when I use it?
Much thanks, and good luck to all with this upcoming season:)
Shane
Why not get another kit with all the parts and instruction on building ??? Get Cabelas “Tackle Craft” catalog, there are four 6’-6 2 weight rods kits $105-$90 $79 and $69. I you just want the blank they list those also. As far as your number of guides usually one more than the 6’6 number—in other words 7 guides. Guides also come in sets–the catalog shows a number of sets for 6’6 depending on the type and money you wish to spend. Chrome snakes $2.99 a set You will have to order a tip top for the blank tip size. When you build your next rod the instructions that came with the rod should show the spacing, some put on the tip top and reel seat then tape on (masking tape)each guide until your satisfied with the spacing. BILL FITZ
My first rod was a kit, If I had to do it over I would select my components. Just my opinion, but kits don’t let you personalize, and your not guaranteed best bang for your buck. They have a place, but its not for all.
Here is a very nice little program which gives a pretty good starting point for guide placement and sizing. It is clean, no virri or malware, but as with all software you should check for yourself.
Probably not, unless you have large spaces without a guide. Try doing a static test and see how it looks. Run a line through the guides, and load your blank to various degrees. If you get a flat spot in your line, you might have them too far apart.
You have other options, too, BTW, rather than building an entirely new rod. You can always remove the guides, guide wraps and guide finish and then relocate them and refinish your guide wraps. If your guides are only off by a little bit, it will probably be OK. Fish it and see how you like it.
That should be enough to keep you busy. As was said before, once you tape the guides on, take any fly line, string it through the guides and tip top, pull enough to put an arc in the rod and look for flat spots that might need an extra guide or movement of a guide.
It ain’t rocket science, so don’t agonize over it. And most importantly, remember that we are all here to answer any questions if you’re unsure of something. You’re 1/2 day away from fishing that new rod.
Thanks a lot everyone for the replies and info. As for this rod I built, all the guides are in the right places, and set with epoxy. I’m missing a guide though, not sure of where it got lost or how I lost it.
About the kit again, I did think about going with another kit, and almost did, from Cabelas. But, what there were some items I would have changed with this kit. So I figured I’ll just buy all the components and put it together so it’s exactly what I want this time. Then I have no complaints.
Thanks again. When I get everything in and built I’ll post some pics. I won’t post pics of this one though hahaha. You all will just get a good laugh
Sounds like a few mistakes on the first build - no big deal. I have cut off and rebuilt many a mistake. The 6’6" rod should have a minimum of 7 guides - 8 might be preferred. If the “Wrong size guides in the wrong spots” isn’t too far off it may still be quite usable. If not cut off the guides (Razor Blade cut the threads over the guide feet as not to damage the blank) and rebuild.
That 6’6’ 2wt from H&H is actually an awesome rod. I have built two - one for me and my friend. It is my favorite over my more expensive.
Yeah, I really like the feel and the action of this little rod, I can’t wait to take it out. Today we had some tease weather, was quite nice. As for cutting and whatnot. How do I take off the dried epoxy? All the guides are in the right place, minus the guide I lost haha. I have another kit sitting here, but it’s a 5wt kit, was going to take a guide from that to put onto this one. But like I said, with one of the larger guides being closer to the middle, I just don’t know what to do.
I was just going to build another, and let my kid have this to practice with
I’m trying to understand your missing guide situation. Is there one that just wasn’t put on the rod? That shouldn’t be too tough to work out. If it is just wrong size in the wrong place, I would think that the worst part of it is driving you crazy because you know it is there. It is probably going to cast and fish like a champ. I still have my first rod. It makes me cringe with all of my mistakes, but I still fish with it because it casts nicely.
As far as cutting off guides, just use a razor blade, and cut through the finish and thread over the foot of the guide like PanFisher suggested so that you don’t cut into the blank. Once you get some of the thread cut, you should be able to unwrap the thread, peeling the finish with it. If you need to, you can clean up any remaining finish by scraping with a credit card or something similar. Just be careful not to use something sharp and cut the blank. Take your time and it will be fine.
Yeah, I totally just lost one of the guides, so it’s missing. And one of the larger guides are in the wrong place, so one of the smaller ones are closer to the stripping guide. I really don’t want strip this rod down to rebuild it. So if it’ll be fine, that would be great, but if it’s going to break or something, then I’ll tear it apart and rebuild it.
