I thought I would enjoy reading what others feel is there favorite part of the building process. Well, I will start out by saying that I enjoy designing the rod the most. Looking through all the catalogs and web sites and finding the componets and sizes that I will need. Going to the mailbox everyday and opening the packages and seeing what I have chosen and fitting the parts together to see how it will look. I just get a real kick doing it. Tom

Tom- I have several favorite parts. 1: Doing thread inlays- now that I've learned how, they make me look a lot more competent than I really am. 2: Checking my epoxy and NOT seeing a bubble. 3: Doing guide wraps- once I get one right to my satisfaction, I get a great sense of satisfaction. 4: Looking at my epoxy and NOT seeing Golden Retriever hair. 5: Presenting the completed rod to its intended recipient.

Pete Kornegay

catching fish on them!


Dan Grulke

I'm with you Tom, the designing and than the fishing is my favorite. The rest is kind of going through the motions unless I'm trying something different, or using new materials.

I'm back!!! Well its been about a year since I last worked on any rods they all stopped after I finnishedthe Handle assembly. It is kinda funny you asked this question becasue I really hate doing any thread work and finnish work. I'm terrible at it and my space is too dusty to get a show quality finnish. I can make a incredible rod look like garbage with my terrible thread work and lumpy finnish. Anyone want to wrap and finnish for me? So I like the design I love getting packages,i love turning wood handles. I hate finnishing.

Aside from fishing with them, it would have to be turning the handles. Lathes are cool.

Has to be the design and grip/seat design/building!!!
Hey Travis! Welcome back! Where ya been??


Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Well mike I had some major turns in my life and rod building just wasnt a priority. Things are kinda back to normal now other than I very single. I've had these rods that were probably my best work yet sitting there for a year. I just put the last coat of finnish on one and its terrible and I realized how much I dilike finnishing and how bad I am at it. But I have some plans for more rods of my own coming soon that is a bit outa the norm I just have to figure out how I going to do it. Hint!! carbon fiber and not premade tubes. It will be awhile I have to get the rods out so I can get ordering. Did I miss anything while I was gone

Working on the lathe in the evening. It is relaxing and very satisfying watching a block of wood come to life using lathe tools and sandpaper.

The next favorite thing about building a rod is casting it in the backyard and seeing what reels and lines feel/cast the best with the rod.

I like all of it, but i would have to say i enjoy the company it brings. I have met a rod builder, and he knows who he is, that has given his undivided attention to my wife and I to show us the ways of rod building. He not only showed me he gave my wife and i both an ultralight rod to build. My wife and I have helped this person with Big Brothers & Big Sisters and what a great time it has been. It's to bad more people dont get the same oppourtnity as I have had.

No question for me...the first cast with a new rod that you've worked several (dozens?) of hours on. Even if it's for a customer, those first 'live' wiggles always bring a smile to my face. The first fish is a distant second, and that's more hoping that some strange structural defect doesn't manifest itself with a 33" winter steelie on the end.

As far as the building process, I enjoy lathe work a lot (reelseats are still 'new' to me) and I don't mind wrapping either. I absolutely HATE finishing. I have a unique talent for finding new and exciting ways to screw up my finishes. Got a big ol' fisheye last night over a decal. God knows where it came from...but it's there! Luckily that was for a demo rod that doesn't have a 'due date'.

Scott Kinney
The Longest Cast Fly Rods
[www.thelongestcast.com]

Thinking about the next one while driving.

My favorite part is seeing the thread wraps turn to jewels when epoxy is applied. I also like the first encounter with the blank, thinking about the possibilities and subsequent pleasures that will be the finished product.

Jim

its got to be the look on the customers face when you give their prized rod back after rebuilding it watching them examine it closely then stating it looks better than when it was new especially if it has sentimental value on it too ( sorta brings that warm feeling to your stomach and the tears sorta well up )

I enjoy most all of the assembly if not hurried. I like to turn grips and reel seats and fit them to the rod perhaps a bit more than other anything else but I like grinding and finishing guide feet as well.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

Turning wood grips and reel seat inserts.

James

Catching fish on it.. I fished with my first rod(9 wt fly) I built last year. I caught Kings, silver salmon, Steel head, dolly varden & rainbows on it. Second best part is this website... There isn't to many rod builders here is Alaska. Find info about building rods would have been hard here... This site has helped me out a lot......

I don't think there is a part of the process I don't enjoy thoroughly. From picking the out components, to putting on the final finish, then making the first cast with and finding that it all came together like I expected. It is all a thrill.
Murf

Putting the cash in my pocket!

Gon Fishn

I like it all - have even come to enjoy grinding guides. I guess that turning reel seats and building grips is near the top for now.
I'll like everything more if I ever get better at it.

Stan



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2006 04:19PM by Stan Gregory.