Beginner Question

[Smirak]

With nothing but time on my hands due to being disabled/retired early in life (thanks military), I’m wanting to build a couple of rods to scratch the itch. Was looking at Mudhole and they offer a virtual class for $200 with everything needed. Wondering if this is a good way to get started, or should I look and piecemealing the stuff individually?

 

Thanks

Kevin

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

That’s a good basic stater kit and the instruction is very good from what I’ve heard

[spoonplugger1]

Depends, if you have your own vision of what you want, select everything, guide kits are better than they used to be at Mudhole, they don't give you the old style guide systems like everyone used to. It comes down to what you want as an end result. Tom Kirkman's book gives you all the info you will ever need, well written in plain English with nothing you don't need, lots of great pictures and it's in the $15 range to buy from Amato Press. I built my first rod in the early 80's, no books, no sites like this, no mentors, it turned out great. Pay attention to fit and finish, don't be in a hurry and you will have a nice rod too.

[Smirak]

Thanks both. I saw where they also had some $15 blanks that are factory seconds. So I may get a couple of those just to practice on and if I screw it up, oh well…

 

I think I’ll register for the online class and see…

[MikeK]

In the class you'll build a decent rod, learn a process that will apply to all types of rods, and get the tools and equipment (except a reamer assortment) to build more.  You can also get a ton of information through questions to the instructors.  There is an in person class in Mobile in August too.

[Smirak]

Thanks Mike. I saw the class in mobile. Although I live in Alabama, I’m on the complete opposite end of the state (I’m about 15mins from the TN state line - Huntsville). The pics on mudhole for the class show that the tool “set” does in fact include reamers. The pic shows the “core rod building set” that retails for $120. So, basically the same as getting the startup kit and a rod kit sep but without instruction.

[MikeK]

In the class you get the reamers for the rod you make, not a full set.

 

Yeah Huntsville to Mobile is a long haul!

[Smirak]

Just went ahead and ordered some stuff. The class, some different threads and a couple of seconds blanks because they were cheap. However, I didn’t get a military discount in time, so I have a gift card now. So, for about $30-$40, what’s one thing you wish you had, had more of, needed, wanted, etc when you were just starting out?

[MikeK]

Take your class to see what goes on then ask the instructors.  Generally Mud Hole has sales around holidays and Labor Day is coming up.

[Fishingmickey]

On 7/22/2023 at 6:02 PM, Smirak said:

Thanks Mike. I saw the class in mobile. Although I live in Alabama, I’m on the complete opposite end of the state (I’m about 15mins from the TN state line - Huntsville).

Combine it with a weekend trip to Gulf shores?

FM

[papajoe222]

I pieced together my equipment and the piece that made the biggest difference for me was a wrapper with a tension arm. Made it super easy to back up a wrap that maybe crossed over.  I believe that kit includes one.  There are many videos for beginners, including ones from MudHole, so if you decide not to go with the class, there is plenty of guidance available

[Smirak]

Update - so, I bought a couple of “seconds” blanks along with the kit. As luck would have it, they wound up actually sending me the spinning components instead of casting. So, they are sending the casting components out and told me to keep the spinning components. One of the seconds blanks I bought is a light, so I’m going to build that one as a spinning combo for a light rod for creek fishing. 

[Alex from GA]

It's an addicting hobby but fun.  If you're serious about fishing, especially bass, you'll be making rods for every technique.  If you already haven't go to Rodbuilding.org for lots of information and venders that have all the parts you'll ever need.