Hi everyone,

I am new to forums (and rod building) and I was wondeirng what the opinions are of those who have rod building experience for a good first rod build kit? I have zero supplies or equipment for building my own rod. My primary fish species I target are bass, walleye and panfish. I would really like to build a nice ultralight panfish rig around 6' 6" or 7'.

Any recommendations right of the bat for a first time build?

Thanks,
Greg

Buy a nice rod building kit that includes the blank, grips, reel seat and guides. You can buy 50 yd spools of thread, and a small amount of finish. As far as wrapping the rod, you can put the thread spool in a bowl and run it through a large book for tension. When wrapped and you want to put on the finish, take a large cardboard box and cut a V groove in each upper end to rest the rod in and while watching TV, turn it frequently for a couple of hours. That is the way I did it back it 1970. It will still work today. Good Luck!!

Very good advice from Randolph, you do not need very much in the way of equipment, to try your hand one a first build. I would add, Watch some of the rod building videos on You Tube, to get an idea of the process.

I'm not a fan of kits. They never seem to have the reel seat, grips, and/or guides I want. A lot of places will pre-fit things for you and give you much of what a kit does while allowing you to pick the exact parts you want. Just my 2 cents on kits. If I had to pick one based on the little you say I'd go with a St. Croix SC3 kit.

I bought my first UL rod (fenwick) when I lived in Tenn in the 70's. I still use that same rod now that I'm back in Miami and fishing salt water. For me a good UL rod is worth spending some money on. You need to understand, that within reason, the better the rod the more fragile it will be. If you wish to lift fish out of the water with your rod you don't want a "high end" rod.

For best advice you need to better define your needs. A "panfish rod" could be a lot of different things depending on the fish, the waters, and the baits/lures used. Don't forget to mention spinning/casting and braid/mono.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Hi everyone. Thank you for your replies.

My first build will be a spinning rod used for crappie and perch. Nothing heavier than a 1/4 oz jig (that large would be very rare) and most of the time would be 1/16 to 1/8 oz.

I am a big proponent of Superline with a mono/flouro leader used for jigging these fish out of 20+ foot of water. Often times, I'll cast these jigs out too on a slow retrieve. Just depends on what the fish like that day and what body of water I am on.

I really like the "naked" or "raw" style blanks that don't have a glossy finish on them. I really like split grip handles too.

Thanks,
Greg

I might look at a light rather than ultra-light blank. UL is typically rated 2-6# test and 1/32 to 3/16 ounce lure. Light is typically rated 4-8# test and 1/16 to 1/4 ounce lure. If you were after bluegill I'd say UL is okay but crappie can get big and the light blank could handle bass and walleye in a finesse fishing technique.

I'd probably look at a spin/jig blank first and St. Croix is a solid choice. My second choice would be a popping blank but those tend to have a softer tip and I find that gives up a little sensitivity when I'm looking to "feel" rather than see the bite (probably go lamiglass brand here). Lots of good choices for you. Baston/rainshadow, mhx, lamiglass, st. croix, phenix, hydra, etc. Problem is going to be to narrow it down. Might help to vist some stores and tell us what you like the feel of and why.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

If you contact us.. We will build you a kit!! check out our products: www.rainshadowrodblanks.com, www.northforkcomposites.com, and www.alpsforecast.com

R. McBride

Batson Enterprises
BatsonEnterprises.com | RainShadowRodBlanks.com | ALPSForeCast.com | Build2Fish.com

Hi Ryan,

I actually met a few of the TFO crew this past weekend at the Ultimate Fishing Expo in Novi, Michigan, including Gary Looms. I talked to Gary for probably 20 minutes. What an awesome guy! Gary told me to check you guys out for rod building help and products. I saw the new Edge products... what an amazing feel and design.

I have browsed your website and you have a ton to offer. I might take you up on your offer. I also watched your Youtube series of videos. Very informative.

Thanks for reaching out,
Greg

Very cool!! Yes, Gary is quite the character!! He did a last minute showing over there, so this is great! Yes, you can check out are website and/or go directly to North Fork Composites website. You can also go to any one of our dealers, they should be getting stock very soon if not already!

Thank you so much, please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need any questions answered!

R. McBride

Batson Enterprises
BatsonEnterprises.com | RainShadowRodBlanks.com | ALPSForeCast.com | Build2Fish.com