I am going to start to build my first rod.
Where is the best and most helpful place to buy what I need?

Thank You
Jim

Custom tackle supply
or Fishsticks4U.

Call either one of these places and they will help you put together everything you need. great people to deal with!

I have found all the sponsors here to be great help, particularly Custom Tackle, Jann's Netcraft, and
Schneider's. There are some great DVD's/videos to help you get started too.

Have fun!

Marc

Jim, are you in the Rochester area?

tom and billys books first

I am ready to build my first. I am doing some practice wraps right now, and Tom's book has been a major asset.

Thanks Tom.

Scott, no I am in the Newburgh area.

Thanks. Thought might be a business acquaintance from that area.

I would contact the nearest sponsor on the left side and if possible go visit them. The sponsors on the left are all great people to work with. Another thought maybe one of the contributors to this site can get together with you to discuss your needs and show you some of the basics
Good Wraps Bob

James,

Definitely get "Rod-Building Guide" by Tom Kirkman if you don't have it. It's the single best written resource for getting started, IMO. FlexCoat also has a very good publication for getting started. Both are very inexpensive and are available from almost all the sponsors. Get both.

As for your main question, you can't go wrong by calling either FishStix4U or Custom Tackle Supply for info on what you want to build, etc. They're really great folks who will go overboard to help you develop stuff to build what you want.

Keep us informed as to your progress and post photos on the photo page.

This site is a tremendous resource and many questions you might have can be found by using the search feature or by posting questions.

You'll make good progress and be very happy with your first rod - then you'll want to build more.

Stan

Thank You everyone
Jim