I put a message on the local surf fishing website and one of the guys wants me to build him a rod! I'm feeling definitely ready although some areas I'm better than others. This will be my first split grip; that should not be a problem. I'm going to weave something for the customer too. Maybe a local So. Cal surf Corbina. He wants a 8'6" steelhead type rod that can go down to 4lb and up to 8 lb. Should not be a problem. I have a nice Lamiglas blank that I think he will like. Will go with bumper wrap and no. 5 guides from top down to guide no. 2. Thanks go to everyone on this site who have provided such excellent advice and instructions over the past 6 months.

Way to go Leon!
Get that customer involved with the build and they will be much happier
and you will have less chance for dissatifaction.

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

Take plenty of pictures to help remember it by, Leon. Congrats on the first sale!

Putter
Williston, ND

Just a word of advise and maybe you already have this covered. DOCUMENT EVERTHING! You are married to this customer now forever, or at least as long as he owns the rod. Write down EVERYTHING! You will have to repair the rod. If you do a custom weave, custom handle or anything the guy really likes, he is not going to get rid of the rod. He will keep it and use it as my customers do. They break them, chip epoxy, tear off guides, break a mid section of a three piece rod. What ever it may be, you may need to fix it.......and he is coming back to you when he has a problem. Keep good records on type of thread, color, how many coats of color pres. etc........you will need to know all these details when a repair is needed.

Good luck.

and Congrats........

Terry Henson

I always include a personalized warranty card which contains the recepie of all the components used for the rod, and I keep a copy of this for myself for later reference. Most customers like to know all the details.
If you've got a website, ask them to send you a picture of their rod and first fish so you can post it.
RB