I recently crafted my first rod. It was a real beginners project but many lessons were learned. I started with a simple rod kit from one of the vendors, and it went pretty well over all. The down fall of such an excercise was that I have not really learned much about the different choices available to me regaurding things like guides, grips (eva or hypolon?). Is there a place that would have a good general overview? My buddies ordered me a Calstar blank that I want to do up right for this summers ocean fishing. Any dirrection here would be great.

Thanks, Adam

Adam Rossiter

Adam,

The best $15 you could ever spend on rodbuilding would be to get a copy of Tom Kirkmans great book/tutorial "Rodbuilding guide" It covers all aspects and types of rods with 100 pix detailing the process step by step. It's available from most vendors on the left.

My next invesstment would be for a subscription to Rodmaker magazine.

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!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/20/2006 05:26PM by Mike Barkley.

Hi Adam,
I bet you learned more than you know building that first rod! I would recommend getting Tom Kirkmans book.
You can order it from several of the board sponsors on the left. Also, contact distributers and get all the catalogs
you can. Many can be gotton on-line and are very informative.

Without knowing any specifics about the Calstar blank and or the type of fishing you plan to do. I cant help much.

Also, check the library and FAQ sections of this board. Lots of light reading! LOL!

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

Double post! sorry!

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



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/20/2006 05:33PM by Raymond_Adams.

Adam Rossiter - Get yourself some hard copies of vendor catalogs. Know what rod blanks & components / supplies / products / books / videos / tools are out there.

I hate to say it, but it's easier as a novice in the begining to select one or two catalogs that have "everything", that have a more comprehensive layout, and a fair amount of product description. Study the rod blanks' & other components' design features, and you will soon be able to see and feel what the right choices will be for your rod projects. ... Also, Dale Clemens The NEW Advanced Custom Rod Building is still a classic and relatively comprehensive discussion of all things rod-building. After TK's RBG, take up Clemens, as well. And definitely mine the RBO Archives. Lots of gold in here at RBO for free, courtesy of Tom Kirkman, RBO SPONSORS (LINKS at LEFT), and the many contributors who make RBO such a treasure trove of useful and interesting information.

Enjoy your Rod-Trek, -Cliff Hall+++, Gainesville, FL-USA*****



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/20/2006 06:34PM by Cliff Hall.