Being new to rod building it is difficult for me to determine exactly what i want or need using the computer and the sponsors sites. It would be helpfull for me if I could go someplace and actually see hands on the different components and supplies that Im interested in. Is there any suppliers or builders in north western Ct. or southern Mass. where I can go and actually see the products Im interested in ? Thanks.

I'm not sure there are any suppiers in CT, but if hands on experience is what you're after then this is were you want to be in Feb
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Carl, I live in Glastonbury and have yet to find a retail outlet in CT to do the touchy-feely thing. Even the new Cabelas has very little in the way of rod building supplies. I know some of the larger tackle shops along the shore line carry a few items mostly geared toward salt water.

I have found it helpful to order a bunch of manufacturer's catalogs for comparison and go from there. For most of my supplies I use Bingham Enterprises, Karen is great on customer service and advice. Feel free to give me shout if you would like to stop by for any advice or assistance.

NERBS to the rescue - look em up and hook up!

There isn't enough local demand in most places for any shop to carry a large assortment of rod building supplies. You might be one of only a handful of rod builders in your area. Unless you live close to a mail order supplier, you aren't likely to find a huge assortment of rod building supplies available for an up close and personal inspection. Even a local fishing or fly shop that does have some rod building stuff isn't going to carry a large selection.

For whatever it might be worth to you, the International Custom Rod Builders Exposition in February will feature just about every rod building component, blank, tool, etc., in existence. It'll all be right there for you too look at, hold, see, feel, etc. In fact, you'll be hard pressed to see it all in just 2 days. But you'll have the opportunity to finally see all the stuff presented in the catalogs right there in person. I don't know if that's worth the trip for you or not. You'll have to decide that for yourself.

...............

Carl: what town do you live in ? I live near Danbury, CT and, like most others here, do my shopping on-line from the sponsors on the left. I have been able to buy an occasional guide or tip top from stock at Compleat Angler in Darien and J Stockard (sponsor at left) has their headquarters in Kent, CT - but they don't have "brick and mortar" shop there, to my knowledge (maybe they would let you see their "warehouse" if they have one, call them and ask). Otherwise, if you're close by, let me know and I can show you various blanks, guides, reel seats on rods I have built ?

Tony M

Carl, why not find a rod builder, or two, or 3 or 10 in your area and go see them. That is what I did. This craft has amazed me. They will let you in their homes, show you ALL of the tricks, tools, components, etc etc they have and then when you are leaving tand then they will ask you to call them if you have any questions.... I have found this to be a true fraternity.

I know its not seeing the supplies as you so indicated, but a great alternative. You will see more than "supplies" An afternoon in some guys basement will learn you more by accident than any suppliers shop by design....

Carl,

I am in Southeastern CT., Hillyers Tackle in Waterford had a very limited rod building selection, and have done away with it due lack of interest/demand. Rivers End in Old Saybrook had a limited selection of rod building components, not sure if they still do, have not been there in quite some time. Other than that, I know of nothing.

Sean Endres
North East Rod Builders
New London, CT



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/24/2007 04:26PM by Sean Endres.