I am new to rod building. I am on my second build. So far I have bought all items off the internet and everything has been great. I live in south Texas along the border and there are no rod building supply houses that I know of. Do you guys ever buy items such as threads or any other items as places such as michaels or hobby lobby? I was in there the other day just seeing what they have and I really did not see much. It would be nice to go and get products that you might think of at the last minute without having to place an order on the internet and wait on it to come in.
Any suggestions you guys have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

I buy brushes at HL. Everything else I buy from vendors on the left. Read some posts and you'll get a feel for who to call. That @#$%& site is NOT the place.

I get a lot of my supplys at Mudhole great people and very fast.
And I live in Alaska talk about no rod building supply house there are none in the state.

I get some of my thread from the local fabric stores, Sulky #40 metallic embroidery thread works well. Other brands seem to use more silicone lubes and have to be CP'd at least twice to keep out the fisheyes in the finish.

I have bought just about everything from Mudhole, they are fast and I do like them.
Spencer, when you buy thread from fabric stores is it sized by letters such as A, D?
Herman, I moved to Brownsville from Gordwood Alaska. I lived there for 20 years, I know exactly what you mean.
I will stay away from the @#$%& sites.

Thanks,
Mike

Both MudHole and Merrick have a large choice of threads (Gudebrod - coming back on line, National, Robison-Anton, Sulky, YLI, ProWrap and others) I use plumber's flux/acid brushes that I buy from a local plumbing supply by the carton (144 brushes @ 9.00). The "Blank Search" on MudHole's site is really good and my experience with all of the sponsors is that they are willing to talk with you to ensure you get the right components.

I buy everything but brushes and Devcon online. There's just no other way to do it.

I've bought from Angler's Workshop, Swampland and Mudhole primarily. The selection and customer service from all three has been fantastic.

Based on your location, I'd call the guys at Swampland. They're in Louisiana, and they're really tuned in to the fishing in their region. (They're likely to know about the fishing there in S. TX.) Plus, they're awesome guys--they'll spend an hour on the phone explaining something to you, all for a $20 sale. They're about as good as it gets in the customer service department.

Michael Titone I fish whittier every other weekend and worked @ girdwood for 5 years for AWWU.
Love ths state but there is some shortcommings.

I use Karen at Bingham Enterprises and Mudhole.

jeremy

Unhide your email.

I did check out swamp land and they do look good. Bingham looks good also. I see Mudhole mentioned alot. Those guys do have good customer service.
Herman, I know exactly where you are talking about. I was the Executive chef @ the Double Musky Inn for 13 yrs.
I did fix the e-mail.
I will keep you guys up to date on my current build. I see some awesome pictures on this website. I will post some of this build. All you guys are inspiring and keep the ideas and suggestions coming. I am listening.

Thanks,
Mike