Author Topic: Building new fishing rods (Read 8689 times)

Coasthunterjay · « **on:** August 29, 2007, 02:48:56 PM »

So i would like to start building fly rods ( i like building stuff) and know absolutely nothing about it. searched around a little but am overloaded with extra info that i probably dont need.

Has anyone else made any rods or have any advice for me? Got any pointers and suggestions of what not to do or what not to forget to do? thanks guys all the help is great............

jackelope · « **Reply #1 on:** August 29, 2007, 02:58:14 PM »

i know nothing, but these guys do.
http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=14

Coasthunterjay · « **Reply #2 on:** August 29, 2007, 03:10:36 PM »

tlbradford · « **Reply #3 on:** August 29, 2007, 03:46:15 PM »

A good jig with a motor makes life a lot easier. For wrapping, a motor isn't needed. Where it makes a huge difference is in the finishing. Apply finish very lightly and slowly build up your coats.

If you are anywhere close to Woodland, visit the Lamiglass factory and look through their barrel of "seconds". These are rod blanks with very slight imperfections. You get them at around 80% off and most of them you would be hard pressed to see what is wrong.

I think building a nice rod is one of the most rewarding things you can do.

ICEMAN · « **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2007, 05:44:25 PM »

As a kid I used to build rods. Some were nice. Others a bit ugly. On one in particular, I thought, "I know, I will skip the thread rod finish, and instead use fiberglass resin!" "Man am I smart!!!" No more re-wrappng guides for this guy! This was a special river rod for sure. Custom lathed cork, grooved to fit my hand, weighted handle to offset weight, so I can drift eggs with little wrist fatigue..., lure holder, custom wrap job...the whole magilla.

First cast from the dock cracked the rod at guide number one, sending three quaters of the rod out to the lure. I think I crapped my pants. Apparently, fiberglass resin shrinks rod wrapping thread enough to crush your rod blank. And sure enough, every single guide wrap crushed the blank. Even the elaborate wrap design near the reel seat had crushed the blank a bit. What a shame! (What a dufus!)

Have fun building rods!

ICEMAN · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2007, 05:57:50 PM »

Yeah. A trout rod, a couple steelhead rods, and one flyrod. I grew up on a lake near our county fairgrounds, and I would have a booth at the craft section for a couple of years, showing off my hand tied flies, and custom rods I made. Pretty fun hobbies for a 15/16 year old. If I ever get my new house built, and have the room, I would like to tackle both again.

Coasthunterjay · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:09:21 PM »

where did you get your blankes and what type of blankes did you use?

jackelope · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:12:02 PM »

what price range do you want to be in for your blanks?

jackelope · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:16:32 PM »

look at dan craft blanks...the price is right and the quality is good..
http://www.dancraftent.com/category/index.cfm?cid=9&lvl=1

Coasthunterjay · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:26:09 PM »

maybe i should learn on some less expensive blanks before i get up there on the million dollar range. Thanks though. I put that site on my favorites for later..............

jackelope · « **Reply #10 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:50:14 PM »

I googled inexpensive rod blanks...try it, there's a ton of them.
http://ajrodsandtackle.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_58_59&products_id=513

Coasthunterjay · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:51:57 PM »

Dude thats my name.......AJ=AJ

It must have been destiny..........lol

jackelope · « **Reply #12 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:53:31 PM »

WHOA....

you'd better get to shopping.

Coasthunterjay · « **Reply #13 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:55:04 PM »

slow down man i can only type the credit card numbers so fast....................

jackelope · « **Reply #14 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:56:13 PM »

make sure you post some pics of the finished product.

Coasthunterjay · « **Reply #15 on:** August 31, 2007, 04:58:01 PM »

I promise............... I might even do a step by step topic on building one to. Ill take plenty of pics.

mossback91 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 22, 2007, 10:38:07 PM »

I have built two a small one piece 5 footer and then a nice steelhead pole. Steelhead rod turned out way better as it was my second one. I think I will start a 6 footer soon.

popeshawnpaul · « **Reply #17 on:** December 26, 2007, 03:30:09 PM »

It's not that hard. I bought a book about tying and took my time with some "seconds" I got off ebay. I've made some really nice rods over the years. I got most of my materials at Cabelas, including a drying motor. It spins the rod for finishing and drying and was only about 40 dollars. I made my own wrapping stand. Basically a few pieces of plywood cut with soft felt so as to not hurt the rod. It's a good present to give to someone, you can put their name on it and stuff.

tlbradford · « **Reply #18 on:** December 27, 2007, 12:10:54 PM »

Just to add a little personal experience to Pope's post on writing on the blank. Make sure you use an ink or paint that won't react with the finish you use for the rod. I have had the writing disappear over time because of this.

popeshawnpaul · « **Reply #19 on:** December 27, 2007, 12:22:45 PM »

I use some sort of paint pen. I then clear coat over it so that it does not rub off. The only issues I ever have with my rods are matching the right guides to the pole. Definitely fun to do though. I encourage people to try it if you are a bit crafty.

shawn

Fishhunt223 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 05, 2008, 11:14:57 PM »

I know this is an old post but I just found it. I have built quite a few rods and I order everything from mudhole.com. They have the seconds and kits and everything. I like the forecast rod blanks if you can still find them. You must be the same Jay from Taxi.net? If you are ever over here in the wenatchee area and want to learn a couple tricks for rod building, let me know.
Travis

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Author Topic: Building new fishing rods (Read 8689 times)

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