Hi All,
I'm not a fly fisherman and have only built one flyrod as
I am still lacking in the fundimentals I beleive? Many builders
recommend the wire "snake guide" while others swear by the
"single foot". Ask 100 different builders and get 50-50 answers?
The snakes seam to keep the line closer to the blank. Is that
why some prefer them? Do they "shoot" the line better or is it
just because they are lighter? Snakes are 2 footed and require
more thread and finnish. Dosn't this negate the weight savings?
As far as the s.f. guides go, the only difference I can see between
fly and spinning guides is the lower frames of the fly type. Why is
this? Again, "shooting" the line? Or just less weight?
I would think that the flyline contacting the blank durring casts is a
bad thing causing more friction. Correct ? Or is control an issue?
Also, anybody ever built a flyrod with a spinning or casting blank?
Heck, the blank dont care what guides and handle it wheres.
Maybe someone should just recommend a good book or video?

Thanks in advance from a novis flyrodder

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Take two rods, one with snakes and one with ceramic guides and you won't notice much difference in casting distance. You will find other differences, however.

The one with the ceramics is more of a "lifetime" rod. You won't ever groove or cut the rings so replacing them shouldn't be necessary unless you step on one or do something to directly damage it. Your fly lines will last longer because they're traveling across a smoother, slicker surface. The rod will be more quiet (seems odd, but it's true). The weight issue is mostly a wash.

On the plus side of snake guides, they're far less expensive and are what most fly fishermen are used to seeing on these rods. They do work (always have) and unless you fish them really hard, really often, they'll hold up for many seasons.

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

Thanks Tom,
Other than the handle being different would a steelhead spinning rod
work well as a flyrod? Except for the longer & heavier handel the other
differences look very minor. Or am I missing somthing?

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Depending on what you like in terms of action (AA), it could work nicely as a fly rod.

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

Cool!!
Learn something new every day!

I suppose I should take a fly casting class and at least
get familliar with the fundamentals before building a
flyrod for a customer.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Ray. You got most of the distinctions. I use single foot ceramics until weight becomes a factor, then switch to SF wire. Titanium framed ceramics are very light, so the break point is usually at a 2 weight. I really like the REC wires as they are thin, light, and springy. I have found one clear benefit to double foot wire, though. The flat on a hexagonal blank is so narrow that the DF will wrap better at the tip end.

Ray; Do yourself a great favor by investing in two resources. First, buy a copy of Tom Kirkman's excellent book " Rod-Building Guide" published by Amato Publications. This book will walk you through the steps for building a rod from start to finish. Lots of photos make it a real treasure. If you ask the board members to rate this book you'll be swamped with positive reviews. This is as good as it gets.

Second, order a subscription to RodMaker Magazine. There is better oput there to keep you updated on all aspects of our fine craft. It is also a good practice to build up a library of instructional tapes, DVD's and books. The books by Dale Clemens form the foundation of many a builder's library. Lastly, visit this board daily if you can. The amount of information that crosses the page on any given day is startling.

I am confident that these resources will work together to fuel your interest, knowledge and refine your skills as well or better than any other materials available. Then it's just a matter of practice, practice and more practice.

Best wishes on your journey in rod building.
Dave

Thanks All,

Dave,
While I am new to flyrods I have built many many spinning & casting rods. Good advise though as I do
have Dale's books, Doc Ski's Video, and I recently subscribed to RodMaker Mag. A friend has Tom's
book and I will try to borough it. I am addicted like many others to this craft and this website. I like #5
NEED INPUT!! The CC System is awesome! What I seem to be lacking the most is a broader knowlage
of blank construction & proporties (especially flyrods). Any suggestions on books etc. on those areas
would be very appreciated.



Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

A fly casting class is a good idea. It would be good to understand the principles and get a feel for how the the rods characteristics affect it's performance. Watch out though, you may get caught up in a new and wonderful obsession! Between rod building and flyfishing there's little time for work!

Tony

Some are lucky and gifted enough to do both as work!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

As we know many of the so called high end brand fly rods are made in Far East these days. Most of the local rodfactory workers don't have a clue how their products are ment to be used. A lad of one brand making their rods in one of these factories went to give the workers a demonstration with a set up fly rod - The workers were astonished - So this is what the sticks are made for! LOL! :D

So you are not in a hopeless situation Ray. ;)