Rod building

[harvey lee]

Is there any of you that are looking to learn to build your own rods?

A great way to customize the rod you always wanted.

[mrfish1991]

yup im hopefully going to try that in my spare time this summer...money is a little tight right now (prom) and the gf would not be happy if i skipped it

[LakeDocktor]

Tom, I am very interested in learning how to build rods. I have been watching and looking this this section for quite some time in envy. I would love to make something that would be my go-to rod and expand from there.

[AaronM]

I'd love to try it if I knew how.

[pascooter94]

I also would like to, but to far to drive to the citys once a week for a few weeks, would be nice if someone around this area would have this.

[Northlander]

I would love to make a custom rod but wont drive to the cities to do it and I cant find a class around my parts.

I would really like to make 2 matching jigging rods. Nothing fancy just a basic rod with ten handle, good guides and a folding hook keeper.

[hunterjoe]

That's something I'd like to learn myself. I'm currently unnemployed so I have plenty of time to learn.

[rodmaker]

What are you interested in building??

[harvey lee]

About the only thing one can do to find a class is to check the community ed classes in ones area or dfins a shop that teaches one.

Steve, you may think you would only build a non fancy rod but once you get going, the fancy part just happens.

[hunterjoe]

just about anything really. Once I learn to build a couple, I don't think I'd be able to stop. I think it'd be very fun. May start with ice rods since they'd be a little cheaper and simpler to do. Then, who knows from there. As I stated, I'm unemployed so if anyone needs help building rods, I'm available.

[upnorth]

About the only thing one can do to find a class is to check the community ed classes in ones area or dfins a shop that teaches one.

Steve, you may think you would only build a non fancy rod but once you get going, the fancy part just happens.

The fancy thing starts as a challenge to see if you can pull it off. Then you start to see some others work and think wow that is cool, I have to try that. It is just plain addicting.

I will say a fancy butt wraps, inlays in the guide wraps, decals, etc, don't add to the functionality of the rod, but then chrome or aluminum wheels don't make your truck run any better either, but we all are looking for that stuff. It just adds another level to the rod being custom and setting it apart from everyone else's rod.

[unfrozen]

Even better, for us south metro folk, is Midwest Rod and Reel in downtown Prior Lake. I took their class offered through the Savage Community Ed and haven't looked back since. Plus Al and Bill are great guys to learn from. They take the time and have the patience to help each indiviual builder to make sure they understand the process.

It really is a lot of fun.

[harvey lee]

Yes they are downtown.

[Northlander]

What are you interested in building??

I want 2 identicle -7' medium power with a fast tip jigging rods. Probably in a Legend blank or a Loomis. My biggest concern is weight. I just want a very basic rod that is light and durable. I would use it for jigs anyplace from 1/8th to 3/4 oz.

Im thinking I can just go buy 2 rods for about the same $ and save myself the time though.

[Mike Wallace]

Yep, you can. But the satisfaction of knowing every detail of that rod you build and knowing that the guides are exactly where you want them and the spine is perfect and the cork is shaped for your hand and etc., etc., etc.

That is what makes building a rod yourself special. It's YOUR rod, not one that is made like everyone elses.

[upnorth]

The one thing you may not find is the Tennessee style handle in a production rod. I don't think they are popular in production rods.

I am doing one for friend of my wife's brother for a gift. I will post a few pics when it is done.

[Northlander]

I could live without the Tennessee handle part. I just like them because I can balance the reel on them easier.

[upnorth]

They also tend to be a bit more comfortable than a regular grahpite/metal combo reel seat.

[rodmaker]

It would be worth contacting Thorne Bros. and talking to Lonnie (or you have my e-mail). It would be worth your time to build just two rods. You yould appreciate it, you can do little things to your rod building that you can't get when purchasing a factory rod.