Don't know where to start

[chad austin]

I am very interested in building custom built rods but don't know where to start. Are you guys self taught or did you have someone to show you? Where do they sell the materials and tools at? Sorry for all the questions but have never done this before. I also have an interest in building lures and decoys but one thing at a time.

One more question, is this an expensive hobby to get into? I have the know how to build jigs and things like that.

[upnorth]

I got a few tips from friends when I first started, but other than that I learned on my own. Not everyone learns well that way tho. There are a few places that offer beginners classes on rod building and if you do some searches out there on youtube you may find a few videos on how too. There is at least one thread in this forum dealing with the "tools of the trade" but you can start out with some very simple tools/jigs to at least see if this is a hobby/craft you would like to pursue. Supplies? There a a lot of different vendors out there from mudhole to cabelas and many in between.

A few people just ordered up the supplies to make their first rod and just started asking questions as they went. If you learn that way, I am sure you will get plenty of help here.

[Gary_l]

Self taught, watched a u-tube video, talked to the boss to buy some supplies and away I went. I am still learning alot by reading, asking questions but most importantly doing it. I personally order from mudhole w/ some stops for thread or guides at Throne Bros. Learned butt wraps from reading the Rod Builder Guild and Custom Thread book. Weaves from James Upton (aka Dragon Master) begining weaving. 2 neighbors want to try and build a rod so this fall winter will be helping them (except w/ difficult wraps or weaves). Mudhole is coming to the convention center and doing a rod building class, you can find info on their web site

[Gary_l]

btw I see your in Isanti.....I would be willing to help you out, you get the rod,guides,handle kit (can get a kit w/ everything needed at mudhole) and e-mail me ([email protected]) and I'll bring the rest.

[rushing]

I learned on my own. Its really not tough to build yourself a serviceable rod.

[straydog]

ive been thinking about giving it a try also, there are a bunch of youtube videos to help get you started

[Brad B]

I am planning on taking a class on December 10th. If you want info on it email me at the address in my signature line.

as for supplies : +1 for mudhole but also check out Jann's Netcraft, cabela's( they have limited stuff in their tackle craft catalog), and Midwest Rod & Reel in Prior Lake, MN.

[Carpenter]

I started March 2011 and have 6 rods under my belt. I took a class from Kris at lakeladyrods at GM in Baxter. I learn better from hands on/visual, so that worked better for me. Kris has helped me on the other rods, as well as the FMers here and I look at all the pics on the various websites.

mudhole, acidrod, and Kris are where I get my parts. rodguild is a rod building club that you might be interested in as well. another forum that's strictly rod building. we had a regional get together this fall at St. Croix in WI. it was really neat to see how the blanks are built and to build one ourselves. they also had a garage sale that was tough to beat! i have enough blanks for the winter!

[chad austin]

Thanks for all the info folks, I look forward to get started this winter in my down time form work and when I am not on the lake. Keep the info coming as I am documenting it all and watching all the video I can find in the web.

Thanks again to all of you and I look forward to posting pics of my first build.