Got the book.. more Q's about building first rod

[Theresamarie1]

Hi all,

I bought Tom Kirkman's book and now have more questions.   His book seems good for basic concepts and assembly.   But doesn't really explain how to select blanks to use for certain types of rods or applications.

I'd like to build a couple of bass jerkbait rods for casting/jerking hardbaits.    From Tom's book he really likes concept guides so I guess that's what I'll use.   These would be for baitcasting reels if it makes a difference (I know it does for guides but wasn't sure about the blanks).

Does anyone have recommendations on a high price/performance blank (length, spec's) to use for this application and where I might get them?    I understand 'basics' on how guides are placed and statically tested, etc, but how on earth do you start out buying the guides (sizes, heights, etc) when you buy the blank and reel seat.  It almost seems like this needs to be a serial process.   You buy the blank, make the handle-seat and attach it and the reel to the blank, and then measure for guides and order them.  

Suggestions or clarifications please?

[flechero]

His book seems good for basic concepts and assembly.   But doesn't really explain how to select blanks to use for certain types of rods or applications

That was the idea... it would have beed a really thick book if he went into detail on everything.  He makes some assumptions in that if you are going to build rods you would have an idea of what rod(s) you might like.  

You might check out mudhole.com they carry st.croix SCIII SCIV and SCV, g. loomis IMX & GLX, amtak and several other brands of blanks.  Shikari is another blank to look at.  CTS tournament series is a personal favorite, they are special order though, as they come from new zealand and it can take a while to get them.  Also, you might look at the batson blanks, the rx7 and rx8 blanks are always well spoken of, they are at fishsticks4u.com.  

Guides- if I can make a suggestion... buy alconites for the first rod... they are great guides but cheap enough to order a a variety of sizes and quanities that you can experiment with.  You are sort of "on your own" when starting out... as to which guides/sizes & quanity you'll need...  This may help you... most of my bass rods start out w/ a (12 or) 10 butt guide.  If I was blindly ordering for a 7' casting rod, I would likely order a 12, 10, 8, 7, 6,6,6,6,6 and TT (bfat)  the 12 is a blnag and the rest are blag (fly guides, single foot)  That is a few extra guides and sizes to cover anything you'd build for bass.  (if you use blag guides and are building a spiral w/ bumper, order an extra 8 and 7 as you need a height option.)  

If you plan to build many rods, you will end up with an inventory so that you can build anything you want without having to order guides everytime.  I now stock several different guides... alconites and hardloys are great for that, since they are not expensive.  

Your next step should be to order paper catalogs from mud hole and angler's resource... you'll learn a lot about blanks and components from just reading through the catalogs... you'll pick up different things in print vs. on-line.

As you look through the available blanks and look at the line and lure ratings, I think you will develop a preference if you compare it to the rods you own already... I hesitate to steer you in a direction yet... I think it would be better for you to narrow the field some before we push you in a direction.  The only thing I will suggest on that is to maybe make the first one a less expensive blank... just in case something goes wrong.

It all sounds like a lot but really once you get familiar with the components and a few processes, it will not be overwhelming.  

[Alpster]

I can't add much to Flechero's good advice above. In choosing a blank, I would suggest you find a factory made rod that meets your requirements and order a blank with the same specs. You can borrow one from a fishing buddy or (like I have done) go to BPS, Cabellas, Dicks, etc. and hold some rods to see how they feel, you can usually find your favorite reel to put on the seat to see how it feels. When you find a sweet one, write down the numbers (length, power, action, line size) and order a rod blank with those specs. Also you can buy complete sets of guides which are a little cheaper than buying them individually and will work well for your first rod or two. With more experience and research, you will get more particular about specific components. You might even consider a rod kit from Pacific Bay or Rainshadow. All the parts you need are included, and it's a handy way to get your feet wet building rods.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. There are some sharp rodbuilders on this board who will be glad to help you along the way. They have been a lot of help to me.

Ronnie

[Theresamarie1]

Flechero and Alpster,

Thanks for your replies.    I don't want to go crazy on the first builds, but want to end up with something better than I already have.   I'll continue to do a little more research.

Typically for jerkbaits, is it a crankbait-like rod or a worm rod?

[justtrying]

tmarie,

 st croix are Very popular blanks.  check out this site & it'll give you an idea as to "what kind for jerkbait..or, crankbait, or, worm, etc.,,,," ....http://www.stcroixrods.com/blanks/default.asp?blank=3&section=builder

i'd go to rodbuilding org & then click on sponsor's links, such as, bingham, fishsticks4u, etc...   these suppliers will talk to you, "one to one" to offer advice as to "how many guides, what kind of guides, ..what else beside guides, etc."    in other words, you can tell them you want to build a high end crankbait rod, & they can offer suggestions as to which one, why that one & what you'll need to build that one.

i posted here to get advice from these guys w/my first build, then, called one of above suppliers & they "held my hand & guided me & told me what i'd need."  

..there's still lot's & lots that i don't know about ordering, but, i've gotten more comfortable in asking questions when talking w/vendors.

...i can now order LOT'S more than i can pay for!  Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[56 crestliner]

id just like to add not to turn you off to your idea or anything but.. i just finished my first rod. altogether with guides blank etc.. it was a little over $50. it is an ultra lite spinning rod. i have previous post with lots of pics and questions, i also read the book and posted some questions. even though as flechero told me im gunna focus in on that one mess up every time i pick it up . i learned a lot from just building a rod and asking questions on here as i go. but i learned a lot on wrapping and trim wraps just from doing it. and it didint really turn out perefectly right but for $50 i can live with it i was just saying you may not want to build a high dollar rod for your first rod. thisis just a suggestion.

[Theresamarie1]

Thanks Justtrying.  A good idea.  I'm not shy, about asking questions, and we have a local small outfitter (called classic outfitters).  I recently just found them and they do bass fishing and fly fishing equipment including some small rodbuilding supplies (I guess they stock more in winter).  They have been pretty helpful so far just like everyone in this forum.

tmarie,

 st croix are Very popular blanks.  check out this site & it'll give you an idea as to "what kind for jerkbait..or, crankbait, or, worm, etc.,,,," ....http://www.stcroixrods.com/blanks/default.asp?blank=3&section=builder

i'd go to rodbuilding org & then click on sponsor's links, such as, bingham, fishsticks4u, etc...   these suppliers will talk to you, "one to one" to offer advice as to "how many guides, what kind of guides, ..what else beside guides, etc."    in other words, you can tell them you want to build a high end crankbait rod, & they can offer suggestions as to which one, why that one & what you'll need to build that one.

i posted here to get advice from these guys w/my first build, then, called one of above suppliers & they "held my hand & guided me & told me what i'd need."  

..there's still lot's & lots that i don't know about ordering, but, i've gotten more comfortable in asking questions when talking w/vendors.

...i can now order LOT'S more than i can pay for!  Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Theresamarie1]

Thanks Portageriverangler,

I don't plan on spending huge $$ on my first build.  Maybe $100 per rod or so.  Just enough, I think, to build a decent quality.  I'm going to do 2, one for me and one for my Father.   I can practice on mine and hopefully the one for Dad will turn out a bit better.  I thought I'd give it to him for Christmas this year.  

id just like to add not to turn you off to your idea or anything but.. i just finished my first rod. altogether with guides blank etc.. it was a little over $50. it is an ultra lite spinning rod. i have previous post with lots of pics and questions, i also read the book and posted some questions. even though as flechero told me im gunna focus in on that one mess up every time i pick it up . i learned a lot from just building a rod and asking questions on here as i go. but i learned a lot on wrapping and trim wraps just from doing it. and it didint really turn out perefectly right but for $50 i can live with it i was just saying you may not want to build a high dollar rod for your first rod. thisis just a suggestion.

[justtrying]

Thanks Portageriverangler,

Just I thought I'd give it to him for Christmas this year.

my dear,

you may do a lot of other things between now & christmas, but, Nothing you do will make dad any happier!    his Own Rod, with His name on it, that His Little Girl made!   take it from me (btw, my Little Girl is married w/children, but, she's still my baby!)

best wishes for a Great build

ronnie