I have been pondering the idea of learning how to make my own a custom rods. Just wondering from the experts, is it really worth it after buying all the materials, and if so whats a good way to get started. I live in Kelso close to Anglers Workshop, Loomis and Lamiglass. Where do I get started. I would love it if there was a class.

It is absolutely worth it, IF you like nice rods. I can't make a rod that is cheaper than the Berkely at Walmart. But I like Sage and Loomis rods, and can make the equivalent for 1/2 to 2/3 the price, and get them made the way I like them, not the way some factory's marketing department thinks they ought to be.

It isn't hard. Angler's Workshop is a great place, and they should be able to help you get started. Go talk to them.

I haven't bought a factory rod in years, and have about 30 rods in the garage. All made by yours truly. It's fun, and you get good gear out of it.

It's also really easy. I've built a few in the last year,and the very first one turned out better than a factory rod. The first one I built was a Rainshadow 1143. Since it was my first attempt at building a rod I had nothing. For all the supplies I needed to build it the rod cost $115. That includes a trip to Home Depot for wood to build the rod jig. Like SH said,you can't build one as cheap as buying a Berkely,but you get a much nicer finished product for not much more.

I didn't take a class either. I bought a book called " Rod-Building Guide ". The author is Tom Kirkman,and it's a Frank Amato publication. Lots of pictures,easy to follow and it's all I needed to start.

Besides what has been said above there is no better feeling than hooking and landing a fish on a rod you have built!!! I built 3 and rewrapped 2, love doing it and will continue to.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

I usually figure my rods cost about half what the store-bought equivalent costs. Plus I like doing that sort of thing. It's addictive; I make rods I don't even need. As Silver Hilton said, you cannot compete price-wise at the lower end. I've seen some fairly nice low end rods at Sportco that cost less than the parts to make one. That economy disappears at about $100 and up.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

if i was to buy a blank, would someone teach me how to build one, hands on ofcourse, and if ya wanted some mun i wold throw that in too, i want a 10 spin cast rod for steelies..6-12 # test..

this site seems to have some pretty good instruction. There might be better though.

http://www.mudhole.com/default.html

Like everyone has said before if you want a quality rod for a decent price building your own is a great way to go. I build my own because I can get exactlly what I want on them and not have to pay an arm and a leg. another Great site is RodBuilding.org Great info on techs and lots of links to supplies and more info. Have to warn you though it can be addicting, you get such great prices you end up with a lot of new rods Right now the best blanks for a real good price are Rainshadow's in my opinion. I used to only use Loomis but hard to beat the Rainshadow price. Good luck

slam, its well worth it, you can build what you want for 3/4 the price. dont spend allot buying a rod wrapper and drying rack. ive built over 50 rods for me and freinds,, my wrapper is home made and works better than what you can buy, my rod dryer is a old barbecue rotesserie motor i got for free works great its 5 rotations per minute...

Thank's for all the info guys, I really appreciate it. I think I'll look into those Rainbow blanks Firedog, I just came back from Anglers Workshop, a little high priced for me.

Hey Berkely Boy, when are you going fishing on the Clearwater? It takes 2-3 nights, with the right "kit", proper lighting, and no finish. And Slam, Angler's Workshop.... I wish I lived near them! Go for the Lami. Jon

Slam, a lot of anglers stuff if pretty spendy but it is convienient. Go to some of the websites at rodbuilding.org and look at the suppliers. As far as a rod wraper goes a stack of books on a coffee table and wrapping in you lap works. I did quite a few rods that way years ago. Tom Kirkman has a pretty good book out on rod wrapping and there are a few others. It is easy and like mentioned before rewarding. If you have any more questions feel free to shoot me an e-mail and I will see what I can help with.

Slam,
Making your own rods is like making your own kids. I am not an expert on both of these hobbies, but I am still practicing.
I just like to make my own because I can configure my own handles, reel seat, butt cap, and most important, Titanium Gold Cerm. guides.

Thanks.