Hi my name is John Rociola ,
I live in a southwest suburb of Chicago, I would like some info if there is any classes or groups that I could talk with or possibly join. I recieved some rod building products for christmas from my wife. I have expressed an interest in rod building to her and she surprised me with this gift. Now I would like to use my new gifts. I have no experience only what I have seen on this site and from different catalogs I have ordered. I have not talked to anyone in the area that builds rods, I seen some info last year at the Tinley Park Outdoor Show, but I lost it. I also talked to a really nice guy at a major retail store in Indiana who directed me to this site. Well in short I was wondering if anyone had any info to help me with my dream of rod building. If anyone has any info you can reach me at johnroc719@sbcglobal.net


Thank You Again
John Rociola
johnroc719@sbcglobal.net

John, right off the bat I would buy a book titled Rod-Building Guide by Tom Kirkman. Some of the sponsors at the left carry the book. Read it several times that will get you off to a good start.

John;
What kind of info are you requesting?

Hi John,

Welcome to rod building. Check with your local bait & Tackle shops, Fly fishing shops to see if any of them are going to give any rod building classes. If you have a Cabela's or Bass Pro Shop near you check with them. As Terry stated Tom Kirkman's Rod building book is a book you should get. If you think tha you're going to stay with rodbuilding get a subscription to RodMaker Magazine (Listed to the leff).

Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions. Rember the only stupid question is the one not asked.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Hi John. There are many of us guys in the Chicago area that do build. Hopefully Al, Kevin, and some others will chime in. I will say that the "Rod Building Guide" by Tom Kirkman is a must.

By the way John, I assume that major retail store is Cabelas. Did I show you any photos?

Rod-Building Guide by Tom Kirkman, will walk you through the process, and give you a better understanding of the process.

Wes.

John,

I am in Aurora, if you want, you can contact me for any info or help. You should be able to get my e-mail clicking on my name.

Michael Sledden

John, What kind of rod are you building?? What stuff do you have so far. I also would strongly recommend that yo get Rodbuilding Guide by Tom Kirkman, Best $15 you will spend. Also, read through the Library, FAQ, Glossary, and Photo Pages at the top and don't hesitate to ask questions. There are a lot of good builders in your area that will help you out. Jim Rippe is an top notch builder and is talking about holding classes at the new Cabela's in Ind (He works in the reel dep't there).

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!!

If you'll check the tab above, that says "directory," you can find rod builders in your local area. Many if not most of them would be happy to help you get started. You may even find one that would be happy to get together with you and give you some one on one instruction.

Any other questions you can most likely find answers for right here.

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

Hello Jim,
Yes you did show me your photos, I was the one you spent alot of time with talking about rod building , You also told me about rod building .org. After I talked to you I went online after I got home and looked it up. Thank you again for helping me.

Thanks, John

Hey everyone, this is John I would like to thank everyone who has responded.

John,
Not sure what suburb you are from. I am in Joliet. Let me know if you need some help.

Scott Sheets

Al Ciner is also in Joliet!

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!!

Hey Scott, thanks for the offer. I live in Tinley Park so you are not to far away. Right now I am gathering tools to start building rods. I have a starter kit from Flex Coat, spine finder, cork clamp, and a few other misc. tools. I have not purchased any actual rod components. I hope this info helped you and anyone else that is willing to help, I am very thankfull for all the responses.

Thanks again Scott and everyone else who has responded.
John