Wanna build my own rod

[bassfisher54]

I'm thinking about trying to build my own first custom rod. Is there any tips and tricks anyone can give me. A place to buy kits and supplies I already know of mud hole just not sure if there is any better out there or not. Thanks in advance for the help

[MickD]

Mudhole probably has the best selection of materials and information in the form of videos/web sites + kits.  I suggest doing a lot of reading before starting.  A kit is a good place to start as you have it pretty well defined and the options are limited.  If you don't use a kit you have to decide on guides, which reel seat (style + size)  , which cork or EVA components, what materials to purchase, etc etc etc.  Everything you get will be compatible, the right sizes for each other.  Build the kit, see if you like building, and if you do, you're more knowledgeable on where to go from there.

[bassfisher54]

I think I am going to start. And I also think I'm going to start with ice fishing rods. As the kit I found is 160 and comes with everything for 3 complete rods.

[MickD]

I find ice fishing rods to be the most challenging because they are so limber.  Wrapping is very difficult unless you have a setup with moveable supports for the blank so that two of them can be very close to the guide being wrapped.  Same for the tiptop trim wrap.  

 

I have a friend who is a very good builder with good equipment who builds a lot of ice rods and does very well selling them.  He does really neat ergonomic handles/grips which set his rods apart from the usual big box store ice rods.  Since the big box kice rods are so cheap I was really surprised at his success with custom ice rods.   I think it speaks for the need with any rods you plan to sell to have features not available in the big box stores.  I followed a guy out of Dick's today with his new purchase, a Shakespeare casting rod and reel + some plastics.  Total bill, about $80.

[bassfisher54]

I didn't take into account the limberness of the ice rods. I just wanted to add more to my hobby of fishing by doing something more rewarding. I think the feeling that you would get from building one and using it would be way better then just a store bought one. And even more so if your able to sell them thanks for all the advice

[Stel-Lar]

Another great place to go is Get bit outdoors.  They have a lot of really good stuff that Mudhole does not carry like Batson products.  Between Mudhole and Get Bit you can acquire just about anything you need to build any freshwater rod. Both are great companies with great customer service. I just started building about 3 years ago but I have a few dozen rods under my belt and I must say it is incredibly rewarding and addicting!  My advise to you is start low with a small investment like a starter kit for building and another starter kit for building a rod to get you going.  Then after a build or two of something less expensive, give a go at something nicer.  Another great resource is Rodbuilding.org.  The guys there know EVERYTHING about the art and science of rod building and are very helpful as long as you ask the right questions.  I would be happy to help with any questions you may have as well.

Tight lines!