Well, after 30 plus yrs. of buying just about every type of fishing rod, I've decided to give wrapping and custom rod making a try. It look's like I've found the right website for info and advice. I'm currently building the rod wrapping stand and I've ordered a close-out blank for my first project. I'm hooked on surf fishing at Cape Hatteras, so surf rods in the 9 to 13 ft. range are what I'll be building. I look forward to meeting some of experts in this forum, and I will post some pictures of the rod wrapper (when it's finished) for others that are interested in taking-up this hobby. I feel like I'm going to be an addict, and I haven't even started yet!!!

Good Luck Bruce. I surf fish at OBX also. Built a 10 1/2 foot Stingsilver rod last year on an All Star blank, look into those. One of the most important things with surf rods, as you know, is getting the butt length right for the individual, and that's all the reason you need for building your own.

Welcome to the obsession!!!! You found the right place to learn!!!

Mike

Bruce,
You have started (building your stands aren't you?), and whether you know it of not, you are already addicted. A powerful addiction which has no 12 step program for quitting. This is the right website and please try to support our sponsors to the left. If none of them have it, you don't need it. If there's any way possible, you should try to attend the Rodbuilder's Show in Charlotte at the end of February. You'll learn more in two days than you can imagine, and many of the big names in the craft will be there. If you're even considering building a long one piece surf rod, you can get one of the sponsors to bring it with them to the show and it will save you a pile of money on the shipping. This site is extremely informative. Be sure to read the FAQ section, and the library section. Both will answer most of your early questions. Beyond that, do a search on almost any topic on rodbuilding and you will get reams of good information, from the best guys in the business, or any business. Get Tom Kirkman's book, "Rod-building Guide". The color pictures and clear explanations should get you well underway in a hurrry.
Above all, welcome to the addicted fraternity.

Lynn

Thank's for the welcome! I've been all over this site in the past two weeks........and am already supporting your sponser's (I ordered my first blank from Mud Hole Tackle). I'll admit that there's so much info on the web it can be overwhelming at times. Once I receive the blank , I'm sure that I'll have questions about guides, tops etc.