Hello everyone,
I need some help. I built a couple of spinning rods (from kits) last year and my father wants me to build him a fly rod from a kit that he bought. Neither of us are familiar with fly rods and I need help figuring eye placement on the blank. I know there is a formula that you use but I dont know where to find it or use it. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thank you in advance.
Chris Stanley

Fly rods are built just like spinning rods. For guide placement, consult the system on static placement found here in the online library. You probably already know about all you need to know to build a fly rod.

...............

Chris,
I've built rods a long time but was very intimidated at the idea of building a flyrod as I've never flyfished. What I've learned is that it's the technique, not the rod, that makes us dim witted "meat chuckers", as a friend not long ago called me (which I love, btw).

Think of a fly rod as nothing more than a long spinning rod. There's no magic here. Keep the weight down, do your static distribution as you would with any other rod, and you'll have a good fly rod.

I'm not convinced that you must wrap a fly rod with the down feathers of unborn ducks and finish them with a mixture of wing of bat, eye of newt and the tears of a god, but I'm still a newbie fly guy. Then again, I think a mudbug or a pantyhose sack full of week old chicken liver is some yummy bait. hahahah

Do your guides like you would any other rod and you'll be in good shape. Don't be afraid of fly rods. I was, and the more I've learned, the more I found that my fear was unfounded.

Mick, of course you have to use that exotic mixture to wrap the guides on a fly rod. That's part of the mystique and besides the fly police will get you if you don't and you'll be shunned by all hide-bound purists!

That said, I build only fly rods and would be hard pressed to build anything else. It has to do with being out of your comfort zone.

The fly police... now thems a scary outfit! I've heard rumors of them breaking down the doors of nonconformists and stealing their garbage and stuff. hahahah

You are right Gerry, going outside what you are comfortable with can be a bit scary. I've seen some 1 wts that look like an 8 foot toothpick and still can't imagine doing one. I don't think I have the finesse to work with such fine thread that looks like spider silk.

I am not sure that I would be comfortable building a fly rod for a customer unless they specified everything. I just don't have the experience to know about the different grip styles, snakes vs. ceramics, etc. I'm happy with my own, but just as liable to use live bait with it as anything else.

That said, I have to change my name, take out my garbage and move.... :)

I may have to move too. They were at my door last night while I was marbling another fly rod grip.