I am still young and in high school and i dont have the money to keep having people build me rods and i want to learn how to do it myself it seems like alot of fun and is very nice looking art work that i am very interested in i do all type's of fishing but fly fishing so any tips that you may be able to give me will be loads of help

Thanks

You need to arm yourself with a good reference book or DVD. Check your local library first - they just might have a book on rod building, although it's a bit of a long shot in most cases. Have them scour the system in your state to see if any of the others do. Usually they can get any book for you that exists in any co-operating library in the same state.

Understanding the how and why of building a rod is the first step. Once you have reference material and have read it through, you can start selecting materials. Send for as many printed catalogs as you. Browse the dealers websites when you have time.

Where are you located? The National Rod Builders Show in Charlotte will have a basic rod building course which is free with the general admission ticket ($12). It's in February, although it sounds like you don't want to wait that long.

...........

You will not understand this answer. Print this thread and file it away. About twenty years from now take it out and read it carefully. You will get a big laugh when you see what started you in this wonderful _____________ you name it!

Gon Fishn

When you build a rod yourself, its MUCH better than something you get from another builder, no matter what it ends up like. And for some reason you'll fish better with something that you build yourself...I don't know why, it just happens.

Get a book....make your own jigs and tools at first, its cheaper and can be mechanically rewarding ( I started with a cardboard box with "V" notches for a wrapping jig)

If your located anywhere near the Northeast, let me know, I could possibly hook you up with a willing builder that could free up some time to show you the "basics".........Good luck, I wish my thoughts were towards rodbuilding at your age.

Look in the directory at the top of the page and see if there are any builders located near you. One may be willing to take you under their wing. Get a copy of Rodbuilding Guide by Tom Kirkman from one of the vendors on the left. It will be the best $15 you can spend. Read the library and FAQ pages above and also ask any questions you might have here and you will get plenty of help. Look on the Photo page under equipment and you will see that you will not have to invest in a lot of equipment. Like Mike said, a couple of V blocks is a good start.
I would suggest that you get a copy of Mudhole's catalog. It's over 100 pages and has a lot of good info as well as giving you an idea of what options you have in components. All of the vendors on the left are good but as far as catalogs go, Mudhole's is by far the best in the industry. Get manufactures such as American Tackle, PacBay, Batson, etc also.

Need any help/info, just holler

Mike

Christmas is coming. Start hinting for things you need.

Ryan,

Don't hint, come right out an plead!!!!!

Mike

Lots of good advice given above. To whet your appetite, you may want to search the web for tutorials on rod building -- or, go to Mudhole's website (use the link on the sponsor's list of the left of your monitor screen) and look for Rod Building 101 - it has links to a number of such tutorials.

Bill Boettcher made a good suggestion - if you've been a good boy, that is. Kits can be bought from some of the sponsors for not too many bucks; they might fit into your Christmas budget.

Well thanks alot for what yall have told me i will start picking up lots of books and magazines about it and i live in Gulf Breeze Florida so if any one is willing to help me out that lives around me thanks alot for the help so far i am really clueless so any help is great

I started looking into rod building about a month ago or so ago, I got a little hung up on tools....:)

What I think is important is that you order some books, Tom Kirkmans and Dale Clemens books are great. However, I think you'll need a video. I got the flexcoat rod building video.,,,

Another useful thing, probley *most* useful is find a rod builder in your area. I found someone and he is helping a lot. Before you order your parts, talk it over with another builder, so you get the right thing....

I am just about to start my first rod, I am just waiting on a few more things....One more thing, Rod building is an expensive hobby!!!Not to sure how much money you will save!

Peace,
Jeffrey

[www.headsortails.com]

jeffery, here's a link to a place to get your supplies. i live in pace and go there from time to time.

as you may well know, gulf breeze bait & tackle carries a few blanks and items.

better hurry, ling season is comming up ; )