Something that I was wondering about..... A local rod builder with over 20 yrs. experience quoted me a flat rate of $10.00 per foot to build up a blank that I purchased (I will be supplying all the necessary components). His work is great, and from the looks of his shop, he's got all the right tools of the trade (i.e. lathe, customizing tools, ample supply of materials, etc.) My question is. Are his rates in line with the national average so to speak? Is it comparable with the rest of you rod builders? Might be a dumb question, but from a consumer's standpoint I would like to know what you think.

You do not pay someone for how long it takes them, nor for what they do. You pay them for what they know. If he does a really good job and builds you a very nice rod that performs to your expectations, then I would say his rates are extremely reasonable.

As far as a national average - they're going to vary widely based on competence, knowledge, ability, geographic location, etc. From what he quoted you, you'd only be talking $90 labor on a 9' fly rod. I wouldn't have touched it for less than $400 in labor charges and that was 10 years ago. Your builder is certainly not at all expensive.

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Wow!! He's a student of Art Neuman (West Michigan Chapter TU), his work is impeccable and he is very knowable on the current building trends. I guess a nice tip is in order!!!

Sorry about the misspelling, it's knowledgeable (fat fingered)