I wanted to add my two cents on this thread, but it was such a long one, I decided to start a new thread. I have been teaching a "Build Your Own Fly Rod" class at a local Orvis shop. I can't handle any more than four at a time, but with four it is quite profitable. Students pay me a class fee and purchase a "kit" that I create based on their desires. I qoute three different prices for their kit, based on which blank they choose. The rest of the components are the same in each kit. Students attend class for a total of three evenings over a three week period, and the morning after the last night they pick up their fly fully completed rod . Part of the reason we can do it in three nights is after the class on wrapping guides, they take home a loaner rod wrapper and finish wrapping over the next week. The third night we check their work, make adjusments if necessary, and apply finish.

Fly anglers are a good market, because they will not balk at $300-$400 for a fly rod class. I always offer quality blanks like St. Croix or G Loomis. So they know they are getting a quality rod. It is still a chore finding students. Word of mouth, a little marketing, and a few local sports shows are how I get my students. I would like to be doing four to five a year, but I'm not there yet.

Bottom line: I like this venue for making money in rod building better than building a rod to order. I get to teach the craft to others, who will hopefully become customers in the future. And the students are always very happy with the finished product.

Fran,

Raymond wasn't really talking about rod building classes. He's after something much more involved.

I'm sure your comments will still be helpful to many. I was just pointing out that Raymond's idea is something far beyond teaching basic rod building classes.

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