i've been building rods for about 3yrs.... all have been spinning & casting rods .. i wanna give fly rods a try whats would be the best book or video to get to learn the ins & outs on this... would it be better to buy a kit to start out? i see cabelas has some kits they sell

If you know how to build spinning and casting rods, then you also know how to build fly rods. The handle configuration is a bit different, but other than that everything else is the same. (I cover the handle set-up and any other specifics on fly rods in my book, Rod Building Guide.)

The criteria needed for guide set-up remains the same as does the wrapping and finishing.

I believe Flex Coat sells a fly rod specific book, "Start to Finish Fly Rod Building". It is very simple and basic, but it is well written and would certainly get you on the right track.

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Ron,
You might want to check with the fly rod kits on our website. They are complete for getting you started. The kit, by the way, includes Kirkman's Book "Rod Building Guide..." and better materials and finishes.
I agree with Tom about the book by Seiders "Start to Finish Fly Rod Building" is a good primer and resource. We recommend this for beginners also.
There is nothing particularly difficult with building a fly rod if you've built casting or spinning rods, in fact many times can be easier. You will have a decision process as to wheter to use single foot or double foot snake guides, and some choices about reel seat and handle configurations, but the basics about constructing the rod would be easily explained in the books. Also you might check out the video by Artie Hebert on Fly rod building where he describes clearly how to approach a couple of different setups.

Rich
www.rodreel.com
Richard's Rod & Reel
(807) 4860=09514

The Flex Coat book is good. It is worth the money just for the full size handle profiles.