who makes rods

[Hillbilly270]

is there anyone on here that makes rods.....for sale?

[coonhound]

Why don't you do it yourself?  It really isn't all that tough to do and it's pretty rewarding to use a rod you built yourself.  What type of rod are you wanting built?  I'm sure there's several of us that would be willing to give you some tips.

Coon

[huntnphool]

If you are looking for quality work this guy has built me a few that have turned out beautifully.

http://www.andersoncustomrods.com/

[Hillbilly270]

I would like to make one myself but have never done it and i didn't want to buy a bunch of stuff and not have it work right.
I want to make a 6 or 6.5' casting rod, medium light action for summer steelies, Jack fishing, and trolling for trout.  who makes a good blank?
what size guides do i need and how do i figure spacing?
Do i really have to get a motor to spin the rod?
what am i missing?

thanks for the help.

[jackelope]

talk to jim at fethastyx.
http://www.fethastyx.com/

he's in woodinville...good people.

[jackelope]

you might also want to think about something a couple feet longer too for doing what you are wanting to do with it. at least 8'
 

[Hillbilly270]

thanks jakelope... i already have a bunch of casting rods for steelhead and salmon, but i think a 6.5' or 7' for an occasional summer run trip would work just fine.  If it breaks i guess that is my bad.  anyway, i will definately look into this link you gave out. 

[jackelope]

 i don't worry about it breaking, i'd worry about not being able to feel much with a short rod.
i use a 10' ultralight for summer runs with 6lb test if i'm not using my fly rod.

[popeshawnpaul]

I do it all the time, but not for money or sale.  I've probably made about 30 rods.  There are some tricks to it. 

[NRA4LIFE]

Has anyone tried to use Black bamboo?  I got a ton of this stuff that's going to meet the business end of the backhoe pretty soon.

[huntnphool]

I'm with Jackelope, I would go 8' min.

[Happy Gilmore]

Buy a blank from the guy in Port Angeles/Sequim. They are sweet. They make blanks for a major line but, are not allowed to say who. I have a 8-9 I haven't built yet that cost me $125. I have heard rumor they are G-Loomis but, I don't really know the truth. Really good folks with all the hardware you need to build one. Don't be shy about building one. It is pretty easy. I built my Sage RPL 4 weight. Took a few weeks of doing an hour or two here and there...it is something to be proud of later and you can pass on to your family....Hap

[M_ray]

For what you want to do I use 3 different rods! It won't be hard to make one that will cover all you mention there just tough to have one that does it all well! 8ft for steelies and then that's a tad too big for jacks and way too big for trout, If you go in between and get the rod you are mentioning then you are good for trout too light for jacks and way too small & light for steelies  . The minimum I have used for Summer run Steelhead is an Sage 7ft 4" casting wich is closer to covering all your bases you mention. I also use that rod for bass but it's a tad to big for trout but handles jacks well and steelies ok.

Talk to Don Payne @ 253-833-0767 ... he lives in Auburn and he will make you anything you want ! he is an excellent teacher and will help however you want even if it's just to do part of the rod and he finishes it ... doesn't matter. He does custom work for people all over the world or he'll make it plain!

The size of guides is a little dependant on the length and action of your rod. There is also a formula for guide spacing based on the length and type of rod (spinning vs casting for instance) and yes you do need a rod turner to finish the epoxy unless you would like to turn it by hand for about 2-3 hrs. A rod jig is nice for doing the guides but not neccassary, you could do it the old fashioned way with a box and a big heavy book to hold your thread.
Personally I use Sage rods and don't want my guides to look like I used a box and a book but I did make my niece her first trout rod that way once back in the day just for fun, but I still used a rod turner to finish the epoxy. I hope this answers some of your qustions, good luck!

[Hillbilly270]

thanks guys.
i guess i am really looking for more of a trout rod being that i already have several steelhead rods.  I will try giving Don a call one of these days. 
thanks,

[FrankDown]

You dont need a motor or a wrapper if you dont want to.  Ive built and rebuilt a lot of rods.  Im not sure how many Ive made over the years, or how many Ive recycled.

A phone book and some wood blocks will work for the thread tension if you want to try a rod that way to see if you like it.  Ive wrapped several rods without using anything to tension the line.  You will have to keep turning it though when its drying to keep the epoxt smooth and round or it will want to drip off. 

I ahve found a couple good damaged rods and stripped them down and re guided them.  You usualy dont have to put another grip on tehm but Ive dont that before.  Its not all that difficult.  It may take a little gettingused to, but I had to get used to my Sully wrapper when I got it too though.