Would like to know if any one would direct me to the best way of learning to build a rod?I would like to get started in this art and is there one book better than another or dvds? What would any of you suggest.Thank you in advance. I know nothing as to how to get started. Shirley

There is a complete list of books on the FAQS page at the bottom. I would rank Tom Kirkmans book called Rod Building Guide right at the top. For something like $14 and with 100 color pictures it\'s pretty hard to beat. It\'s also the most up to date of any of them. The two Flex Coat books are good to. Really simple but with good illustrations and to the point instructions. Can\'t go wrong with any of these.

You can also learn from the FAQS page and maybe from some articles in this sites on~line library. Also this is the most active and friendliest rod building forum around. You came to the right place!

Thank you for the info ill look into it shortly.

Without a doubt, the best investment that you could make would be $15 for a copy of Rodbuilding guide by Tom Kirkman available from Mudhole.com or most of the sponsors listed on the left. It is a step by step guide to building a rod with over 100 photo's.

That and reading through the Library, FAQ and clossary pages at the top of this site (check out the Photo page also)

Simply post any questions that you might have and you will get lot's of help from people on this board. Just be aware that there is no such thing as building "a" rod!!! It is a hopelessly addicting hobby and no one can build only one rod.

Mike

I have no idea where you are located, but next February in Charlotte, NC you can attend the national rod builders show. It's the biggest and best custom rod building event anywhere in the world. They have a beginners class in rod building and plenty of other builders there to show you the ropes. Great crowd and very helpful. If you're in the area it's worth your while to attend. Heck, even if you're not in the area it's worth your while to travel and attend! Only $12 to get in and the basic rod building seminar is free.

Also the video by Flex Coat is good if you learn better from that sort of thing. But Johnathans book choices are on the money.

Definitely get Tom Kirkman's book. It will get you off on a very good foot. As Jonathan mentioned, this site contains a huge quantity of rod-building info and all the folks are friendly & helpful.

There are several tapes & DVDs available.

In my view, Ken Preston's DVD on building a saltwater flyrod has most of the building concepts in it and are applicable to building most any fishing rod. There are a bunch of other good VHS & DVDs also available, including Doc Ski's.

Once you start into this craft, you're likely go get "hooked".

I haven't read Tom's book although i'll probably buy it pretty soon.
One book that have helped me a lot is Dale Clemens "Advanced Custom Rod Building".

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Magnus Högberg