This is to all the newbies in this world of rod building. Please please do your self a favor and visit a veteran builder no matter how far the drive is it will be the best thing you can do. You can learn alot from this forum but nothing is better than hands on great info from someone that has the time under there belt. I did just that today and I have been building for over 2 years now. I learned more today in 2 hours than I did in a year on my own. I had the pleasure of sitting with someone that was more than willing to make sure I wasn't lead in the wrong direction. I was asked not to mention a name but sir I'd like to give you a big thanks and this will not be the last time you will be seeing me. So go out and find a veteran builder close to you and soak in all the info you can and if you happen to forget any go back to get more. You can read all the books and post you want to but there is nothing that can beat the one on one time with a builder who is willing to show you the ins and outs it realy will do you some good.

You should also go to the ICRBE in High Point. Two days of non stop seminars with ALL the best rod craftsmen (and craft-ladies) in the world. Plus you can put your hands on & meet all the sponsors face to face. Can't put a price on that.

The ICRBE is great but nothing can beat working one on one with an experienced builder. I am fortunate to have that with one of my very best friends

That's whay I'm saying Jim thanks. Nothing beats a 1 on 1 personal relationship and learning experiene.

i agree with steven, when i first started wrapping rods alot of things i had to teach myself and work out for my self.
(rod building is no where as big as it is in the USA unfortunately)
i wish a had 1 on 1 lessons with a pro wrapper. the net was a valuable resource and still is.

The only problem I noticed with the net is that when you ask a question alot of people respond with conflicting answers so how does one decide on what is the best route to take for that particular issue? That is what I learned this weekend with my 1 on 1 is that I got to see everything first hand and that is priceless. I have to say that I'm extremely lucky to live with in driving distance of 1 of the legends in the game. I hope that anyone who reads this that is new or even has a few years under the belt takes this advice shoot I've been doing this for 2 1/2 years and I have built over a dozen rods yet still I was taught an unbeleivable amount of info. So fella's do yourself a favor and go look up someone close like Bill, Tom or Billy and do alot of listening and questioning.