I just found this forum, have enjoyed it so far. I have always wanted to build my own rod, but it's a bit overwhelming, as to where to start. I use ultra light between the 5'-6' range, and medium action from 6'-8' range. Which would be the best for me to start with? Where should I start, as far as reading/learning sequence (blank, eyelets, seat, threads, butts, glues, etc)? Thank you for any help.

Not sure what others think but I reckon start off with a kit in the medium range. It will have everything in it you need and some even come with a rod building video. Great way to start off.

The Flex Coat video "How We Do It" would be a good place to start.

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

Hi Cory,

For basics on tools and the stages of the build, Mudhole has some good youtube videos and Doc Ski has a rod building DVD that compliments them very well.

My tip: Good instruction is usually repeated by different people.

Oh and you should start clearing room somewhere in your house for all the stuff your about to purchase.

Tom is being modest. His Rodbuilding Guide is is probably easiest
to understand, most complele resource for a beginner out there.

1000X Robert's, Tom's and Mark's.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Before I started I got both Rodbuilding Guide by Tom Kirkman and Advanced Custom Rod Building by Dale Clemons. Both are excellent & I recommend. Tom's book is a much more condensed version and will make a quick read.

Order the books, and while you're waiting on their shipment watch all the YouTube videos you can find.

Don't be intimidated.

Find a builder in your area that will walk you through a build, their experience, tips and tricks are invaluable.

______________________________________
Super Tight Lines......Don

How We Do It.............Video from Flex Coat

Rod-Building Guide.........By: Tom Kirkman

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

when i first started i looked here and was told i should get the "rod-building guide by Tom Kirkman" best $15(i think was 15) i ever spent and if you dont understand anything in the book he owns this forum also lol....he has been the best source of everything ive learned along with everyone on this forum and really i learn something or multiple things on here every day

the other thing i got when i first started was a st croix kit from mudhole.com and it came with a complete rod build...i just needed to buy tip glue, epoxy finish, thread, tools and rod bond and you can get some wood and make your own hand wrapper on the cheap

good luck on your first build!

X3 on Tom's book

There are a lot of things that will help. From the right books, to watching videos, to a local builder who will mentor. At the end of the day nothing beats a willingness to set aside what you think you know, and want, and being willing to spend the time/money/effort to try a few things. At first, our ideas of what we think are proper are often the biggest things to overcome.

For that reason I'm going to suggest you don't go with a kit. I'm going to suggest you post detailed info about where you live, what areas you fish, what fish you target, what techniques you use to catch them, etc. Chances are high someone here will have the low down on the optimum build. You might have to get over the idea that a Tenn. handle with # 3 micro guides is best and just trust the collective wisdom.

Strange as it might sound....but if it was me I'd spend more on my UL rod. Despite where I live, I fish mine a lot. I wouldn't hesitate to spend the money on a St. Croix SC5 with titanium guides if I knew it was going to be a mainstay.

Black A thread is easy and pretty doesn't catch fish. Get the performance first and worry about the looks later.....IMHO. It doesn't take much to build a fishable rod......the skill is mostly in the looks.....PROVIDED you listen to the excellent advice you can get here for free.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Thank you everyone, for the in depth advise. I am excited about getting at it. However, my plan is to learn as much as I can, then take a stab at a build. Thanks again!

A great place to start is rebuilding an old rod. Pick a spinning rod you know well....with double foot guides ideally. Using the 27X method, with single foot guides, should yeild a noticeable difference,

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I was in your position a year ago. I went with a somewhat local shop to get info and help with rod selection. They fixed me up with everything I needed and even provide me with some one-on-one training on the spot. They listen to me in what I wanted to accomplish and then helped me narrow down my selection. Now my first rod will always be my first rod. It is very functional and was expensive. Now my crafted has improved, my knowledge has increased and my rod are still very functional and look much nicer.

There has been very good advise already posted so I'm not going to repeat it..

Chester

May your line be tight and your beverages be cold!

Cory

What part of this world do you live in? If you're in my area I would be glad to show you what little I know about how I have learned to build a half decent rod.

Rog