I'M WANTING TO GET STARTED IN ROD BUILDING. WHERE CAN I TAKE CLASSES OR WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED?

Arm yourself with good, basic information. The Flex Coat DVD, "How We Do It" should be on your short list of items to purchase before you do anything else.

Where are you located? You might consult the Rod Builders Directory above and see if there are any rod builders in your immediate area.

In February, the world's largest event for custom rod builders will be taking place in High Point, NC. There is a basic rod building class given there. It is free with the regular daily admission of just $10.


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Brandon,

You found the best place - Right here! At the top of this page are buttons for the Library, FAQ's, Glossary and Photo Pages (The Photo page requires you to register separately although you can use the same name/password that you use here) . A LOT of info there! Also use the SEARCH function here. Don't hesitate to ask questions here.

You also might want to browse the vendors that are listed on the left. Mudhole, in particular, has a section called Rodbuilding 101 that is helpful (you may also want to get their catalog as it's a pretty good resource).

I would strongly recommend a copy of Rodbuilding Guide by Tom Kirkman from one of the vendors on the left. It will be the best $15 you will spend on this craft!!

You need to unhide your e-mail address so that people may contact you directly. E-mail me at mbarkley@wowway.com

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!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/07/2008 01:48PM by Mike Barkley.

Brandon-
One of the things I did when I 1st found this site was to start at the back of the book-there are 800 or so pages filled with many of the questions you have and they have been answered in at nearly as many ways. At the end of the day when I had read all the currently discussed topics-still starved for info- I'd go back and read 20 or 30 pages of previously discussed topics. You pick up a little something here, a little something there. You'll read many different ways of doing the same thing-after trying a few you'll settle in on one of them that works for you. I have not been doing this very long but even those who have will admit to learning something new just about every day. Good Luck, Chris

THANKS FOR THE REFERENCES. I LIVE IN SOUTHWESTERN VA (ABINGDON). THERE'S ONE GUY IN THE DIRECTORY FROM BRISTOL, VA, WHICH IS ABOUT 15 MINUTES AWAY, BUT HE GIVES NO CONTACT INFO.

Check the Tackleworks.org list, too.

If you're that close to High Point, make sure you come down for the Expo. You'll have a great time - there is nothing else like this for custom rod builders anywhere in the world.

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Brandon,

Welcome aboard!! My late wife had family in Bristol, both on the VA side and the TN side. You may know them if your into the Bass circuit down there. Danny and David Mumpower. we used to visit them all the time. David took me fishing on Boone lake while we were down there one year. I caught the biggest fish of my life there, a Striper, but couldn't keep it, too small. Imagine that!! I also lost about a 6 lb Smallmouth because I didn't have drag on the reel I was using and didn't get to the back reel button quick enough. Anyway, if the gentleman's name is mentioned, just grab the phonebook and give him a ring!!

Bill in WV

Get three books:
1) Dale Clemens' 1st and 2nd books
2) Tom Kirkman's rod building book, which has the best pictures and illustrations to guide you step-by-step through the process.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Brandon,

I would go with all of the above. I think Mike has it in the right order. The Flex Coat DVD and Tom Kirkmans` book are both a must have. The only advise I can add is to start with a rod building kit. It has everything you need so you will not have quite as many decisions as to the components needed.

Good luck!!! It is a fantastic hobby and is very gratifying as your skills grow with each rod. My first one was down right ugly although it fished very nice.

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

OK GUYS THANKS ALOT FOR THE GUIDANCE. YOU'LL BE HEARING MORE FROM ME AS I GET STARTED.