Custom Rods?

[THE BASS WHISPERER]

has anyone here ever tried to build a custom rod? how difficult is it? I have the greatest job in the world, but when i retire how cool would it be to sit around and make some rods for a little extra cash.   any advice would be great!

 

[flechero]

There are actually quite a few rod builders on this site.  It's much like any other hobby that is either artsy or technical (rodbuilding is really some of both) some do it well and some just don't have the aptitude.  It takes a little practice to get the basics down but it's not "difficult" if you are patient.  There are a number of jigs and tools you'll need but you can make many of them.  There is much to see and read if you search this section.  It's incredibly gratifying to build and then catch on your own rods.

 

Now, doing it for a living is something else entirely.  Very few people actually make a living on rodbuilding...  some make enough cash to fund the hobby...  but if you ever plan to charge for one, research of the sportfishing excise tax. 

 

You should also look around in the rod building forum for a real glimse of the detail.  http://rodbuilding.org/list.php?2

[ww2farmer]

There are actually quite a few rod builders on this site.  It's much like any other hobby that is either artsy or technical (rodbuilding is really some of both) some do it well and some just don't have the aptitude.

That describes the two guys I know that build rods, one does a very good job, the other...........well...........lets just say, he has the stuff to do it. I will only use guy #1 from now on. But it is exciting when you use guy #2, you never know what your going to get. A rod given to him for something just as simple as a guide repair might come back with parts of a table leg and an ash tray on it......and I am not kidding.

[derekxec]

looking at some youtube videos and with a couple cheap tools and thread you could get a functional rod built in a few hours max...it probably wont look awesome but if you follow directions and do it right it should last a long time...my first rod broke because i was being stupid with it lol wish i still had it

 

youll probably spend about $100 or so in materials to get started but they will last you a few rods even with practicing....save all your broken or crappy rods and if you see any in garbage or so grab them too you can make reamers out of them or use them to practice your thread wraps and such

[THE BASS WHISPERER]

well if im going to do it im going to do it right! drop about ten grand a small shop AKA bi garage  and do it right!!! thanks fro the advice

[.RM.]

There are actually quite a few rod builders on this site.  It's much like any other hobby that is either artsy or technical (rodbuilding is really some of both) some do it well and some just don't have the aptitude.  It takes a little practice to get the basics down but it's not "difficult" if you are patient.  There are a number of jigs and tools you'll need but you can make many of them.  There is much to see and read if you search this section.  It's incredibly gratifying to build and then catch on your own rods.

 

Now, doing it for a living is something else entirely.  Very few people actually make a living on rodbuilding...  some make enough cash to fund the hobby...  but if you ever plan to charge for one, research of the sportfishing excise tax. 

 

You should also look around in the rod building forum for a real glimse of the detail.  http://rodbuilding.org/list.php?2

X2  

[derekxec]

well if im going to do it im going to do it right! drop about ten grand a small shop AKA bi garage  and do it right!!! thanks fro the advice

 

you should try it out first to see if you like it...it might not be as great as you think it is lol

[S Hovanec]

You don't need to drop a bunch of $ to get in to the craft. I've been building for 10 years and still use a hand wrapper. I bought a power wrapper about a month ago and it's still in the box. I need to take the time to expand some, but been too busy to do it.

[iabass8]

there are numerous people that give classroom lessons during parts of the year. i'd start by attending these. for some classes you just bring in the blank/guides(sometimes they will have these for you), and special grips/cork you want. they will, if they are good teachers, walk you through each individual step and be very meticulous in their details.

[derekxec]

You don't need to drop a bunch of $ to get in to the craft. I've been building for 10 years and still use a hand wrapper. I bought a power wrapper about a month ago and it's still in the box. I need to take the time to expand some, but been too busy to do it.

ive been doing it for about 8 years or so and i still hand wrap also...really it doesnt take that much longer to hand wrap...i dont use a drying motor anymore either as i find i get better results turning by hand every once in a while 

[Diablos]

I make custom saltwater fishing rods for a living. Been doin it for 20 years.

 

The shop I work at has 3 power wrapping stations, 1 finish station with 30 9rpm dryers, 1 cross wrap station, 1 set-up station for grips and seats.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If your sole motivation for getting into rod building is business oriented you might want to reconsider. It is a satisfying and fun craft that may or may not become profitable down the road should you choose to go that route. You don't need to spend a lot to get involved and easing into things will make it more likely that you'll stay involved IMO.

[.RM.]

If your sole motivation for getting into rod building is business oriented you might want to reconsider. It is a satisfying and fun craft that may or may not become profitable down the road should you choose to go that route. You don't need to spend a lot to get involved and easing into things will make it more likely that you'll stay involved IMO.

Very Much Agree