I am in the research stage of learning the rodbuilding process. Most of the rods I use and plan to build will be surf rods for lures from shore and boats. If you are in the same stage as me I strongly recommend that you get a copy of Rodmaker magazine Volume 18 Issue #3. Tom Kirkland's article in that issue titled "Guide to Building Surf Rods" is an excellent discussion of all of the aspects of the design/build process for those types of rods. A lot of information all in one source. It will save you a lot of time in getting up to speed on the basics and more. I believe you can find links to getting back issues in the library link in the top right corner of this page. (Oh and that Library link is another good source of info if you have not already seen it).

Hi Bob, I too am a newbie interested in building a surf rod and yes I have Vol.18 #3 and WOW it is very informative. What is confusing the author suggests a #50 stripper but the "new concept guide system" suggests downsizing fast with a #20 or 25 stripper ??? He also suggests a tall guide system when the new guide system suggests keeping the line low to the rod, I have not approached this forum or Herb Cantor (who has tons of surf info) until I sort the questions in my head so I make sense when I write my question.I was also thinking of building a 10FT rod but after reading lots of info about surf rods I just might downsize to a 9ft rod, I intend to match the rod with a Penn spin reel in the 4000 or 5000 series.What are you intending on building, I am interested because I may still adjust my build to something better. All the best Nick R.

Thanks for the heads up. I am also relatively new to building ( 5 rods)and have 2 surf rods next on my build line up. I'm going to see if I can get that issue coming.

Another great option is the Special Edition Task Specific Rod Building CD. You may also need to make a live bait rod, or other saltwater rod someday.

Nicholas, I am not sure when the surf guide was published, but I assume some of the info may be time dated. But it is still an awesome source for beginning info.

Spencer, where can we get that CD?

Yes Spencer I am also interested in anything surf rod related

Ok, I found the link to the Special Edition Task Specific Rod Building CD. It is under the RodMaker Magazine link on the left of this page.

There were several authors involved in the surf rod article. They do not all recommend the same guide system. Read their comments and decide which one will work best for your specific type of surf fishing.

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His name is Kirkman, Tom Kirkman.

"His name is Kirkman, Tom Kirkman."

Yes, sorry, I knew that. I have a brain defect when it comes to names. No disrespect intended Mr. Kirkman...I appreciate all of your help here and elsewhere.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/10/2019 02:48PM by Bob Ginther.

Bob , just between me and you because if Tom see's it OMG , it can get real ugly real quick , you misspelled Toms last name , it's Kirkman NOT Kirkland . Kirkland is Costco's brand .

I saw it the first time around and knew who you were talking about. Just not a big deal.

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