Hi everyone, I’ve decided that I want to take a stab at building my own fly rod. After doing a little research it seems that people really like the hook and hackle blanks. I’m thinking about getting their most inexpensive, Forecast rod building kit that comes with everything i need including a video.
My questions are these…
knowing nothing about building a rod can i realistcally build one with this kit and the information i can find on that video and the various websites?
I’m thinking about getting the 6’6 2 wt. I want something small for brookie streams and panfish. My question is, do you think i should get the 2 peice or 4 peice for a few dollars more? what would be easier to work with?
I built the 6’6" two piece and LOVE IT! It is a great casting rod.
I also purchased the Hook & Hackle 2 wt line and a 1492 Medalist to go with it. The outfit stays in the trunk of my car for the local pond panfish.
As for building the rod the kit will have most of what you need to get it done. Most important take your time. If you are not happy with a wrap cut it off and do it again. The finish is the real trick. It would help if you can get a system to turn the rod as the finish is applied and dries. An old rotisserie motor is perfect if you can locate one somewhere.
Good luck and if you need any advice feel free to contact me via the message center.
1 yes you will be able to build a rod Use foal and you wont even need the video. Get it if you want, I would use the money for tools IMO.
Also if you have any questions ask them on the BB and we can answer you.
2 If you want the 4pc get it. All my rods I built are 4pc their is no different except 2 female feruel wraps which are easy.
building rods is fun and easy
Have fun and post some pictures when your done
I have built 5 of the 6’6"2#!! Three for friends and one each for Cary and me. They are fantastic little brookie rods, and wonderful in tight locations.
Save your money on the video, read FAOL, ask questions on here. Take your time, and practice the wrapping on a piece of dowel till you’re comfortable with it. Know your first rod will not be perfect, but will forever be incredible fun.
I don’t however, know what these guys mean about rod building being addictive. I’ve built only 23 or so, and I can quit any time I want!! :shock:
LOL!!! Any of the rods I’ve built, I’ve built multiples of!! Usually at least 5 of each size and weight!! 754, 755, 86, 662, 54, and others. They’re fun to build, and it keeps me off the streets!!
I would love to have a small rod, but am concerned just how well they would cast and mind.
Can you get a 40’ cast without working up a sweet?
Can you mind your line with only a 6’6" rod?
Can a 2 wt cast at all with a breeze?
Ripper, I built my first rod this winter and it was a 9’ 5 wt Forcast. While I made more than my share of mistakes and I dought that it would impress anyone on this board I am still proud of it. It casts very well and I would compare it to my Sage RPL. My wife signed a friends name on it and we gave it to him for Christmas and he thinks it worth a million bucks.
I think they’re wonderful. In answer to your questions;
Maybe close to 40 ft, but usually with the lighter rod you’re in a smaller area.
Mend the line? You betcha! Easily.
Breeze or gale forced winds? Breeze … like a breeze! Gale force … nah! You’ll need a 3# for that!!
I hesitated on the 6’6" 2wt for quite awhile. All the talk about the one weights made me think. So I looked at the 2wt at H&H and gave it a try.
Normally I might say 2wt is too light like you’d think. But after casting this H&H Forecast 6’6" 2wt the rod is a dream. It casts very well and yes I can get 40’ easily. It throws a tight loop and handles quite well.
For the local ponds it is the ONLY rod I use any more.
Ripper;
I also have built the H&H 2 wt. along with several other wt. and length Forecast rods. You’ll get enough epoxies and thread with the kit to do several rods. One thing you won’t get is cork sealer.
I build 4 pc rods as shorter pieces seem to make them easier to build, my first build was a 2 pc. 9’ and swinging a 4 1/2’ blank around can be a pain.
A tip on the cork grip reamer (its a tapered hole). Find an old rod, spinning, bait caster, etc. and remove the guides (good practice). Cut the rod into 15" sections. Pick up an 18" strip of 3M adhesive back stair tread non-skid. Cut a strip about a 1/4" wide and spiral it down the piece of rod that best fits the cork leaving an 1/8" gap to catch the cork dust. This reamer(s) will last forever just take it easy as it will cut quickly.
Have fun and welcome to the Dark Side.
that I just received from H&H to build my first rod. I plan on waiting until after a rodbuilders show in February before I get started so if you start building it before then post back with some updates. I’d really like to hear how your doing with it.
I built that rod, too, and have really enjoyed it, but wonder if I couldn’t find a line that would let it load at shorter distances - I can cast a long way, but not short. I can’t remember now which line I put on it, but I think it was a dt3.
I have built the 2 pc 662 and actually fish it with a WF4F since I fish out of a kayak and mostly make casts in the 25 to 40’ range. THis little rod is a GEM and can easily handle 2, 3, and 4wt lines depending on your fishing needs. The Forecast blanks are my mainstays as they are all I need in a good quality blank…and dirt cheap to boot.
The H&H IM6 blanks are also great and the 2wt in that line is even crisper and definitely requires a 3 or 4wt line to load in close.
I havent posted anything in quite awhile. So I figured I’d see if I’m still able to and chime in here.
#1. Take your time
2. Read the articles on Rod building here.
3. Practice your wraps on an old rod or pained dowel stick before you venture to the new rod.
4. Keep in mind your thread color will change after you apply the finish epoxy. (refer to #3.)
5. I cant tell you how many forecast blanks I’ve made into beautiful fishable rods. They are good blanks.
6. Like jack said .welcome to the dark side and god forgive you for the addiction you are about to enter into.
7. Enjoy the building process,and ask questions as you proceed.
8.When your finished ,go fish that rod and when you catch the 1st fish on it, think back and be proud of your accomplishment. Best of luck!
Everyone had good advise! There are some real experts here!
I would just like to add that you never have to live with your first effort. When I made my 6’6" 2wt I decided to upgrade the guides on my 5wt, using two colors instead of one for the thread wraps. It now casts better and looks much better!
Also, to do the wrapping I made a couple of wooden blank holders, little more than 2 boards nailed together in an “L” shape with a “V” cut in one end to hold the blank. I glued felt to the “V” to protect the blank. (I found that I could control the wraps better by lifting the blank off the holder and wrapping with the blank in my hands. But the holders were convenient to hold the blank to pull the thread end under the wraps.)
I applied the rod finish to the wraps using the holders to hold the blank and putting a rubber-band around the blank and then around my electric drill. It took a little fiddling around to level everything to spin the blank without the band travelling on the blank or coming off the drill1 But not much. It actually worked great even though it sounds crazy!
It is MUCH easier to apply a finish to the wraps with a faster spinning blank. When the finish was applied I cut the rubber band and slipped a slow turning rod finisher motor to the end. (Couldn’t find a used rotisserie.)
I got a little more long winded than I planned!
The point is, just have fun making your first rod. It is a real hoot to catch that first fish on a rod YOU made! In two years, maybe four, you might want to spruce up that ‘old’ rod! You can remake that rod and have twice the fun!!
at this point I have put the reel seat together, mounted it onto the blank,and also glued the cork grip on, so the whole handle is put together and on the blank. Next step is to place the guides! Its pretty exciting watching it come together litle by little.
