I am new to all this! I have always wanted to build a rod. I do a lot of freshwater (Trout) and saltwater fishing (Flounder). I am ordering a build kit next week. I will want to jump right in a build, and fish the rod, before the middle of Sept (Flounder season ends). So here is what I want to build. 7' to 7 1/2' light fast action saltwater rod. I use from 1/2 oz. to 1 1/2 oz. weight. Consider this your build, what materials would you use? Oh i'm on a fixed income, so I guess in the middle of cost range. I know I'm asking you to do everything, but do the build! Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Some of the Mudhole kits are well worth a look. Call them and ask one of the technical assistance people, they'll put you in the right direction. Then look YouTube over pretty good and some of the tutorials on Mudhole and Get Bit are great sources of info.

I agree that a kit would be a really good place to start. Mudhole and Get Bit have some kits in the $60 - $100 range that look perfect for you. If you want to spend less, you might have to piece it together from closeouts.

Just remember, your 5th rod will be much nicer than your 1st, so don't "over invest" in your first one. I made that mistake, and a year later went back and stripped everything off my first rod besides the grip, and used new and better guides, with much better alignment and finish. The learning curve is pretty steep.

I understand, that the 1st build will be a process. I was figuring on spending about $100.00. Since I'm getting the build kit from Mudhole, i'll give them a call and discuss everything. Thanks for your help! I'm sure i'll be back for more.

One more question, for now. When you buy a build kit, do you buy the last guide separately?

They can and usually will size the correct tiptop for the blank you buy.

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

Okay I just ordered my kit. Starting off replacing guides. I see different size thread A-B etc. Is their a standard thread to use?