1st Timer Question

[Darkbeer]

I want to make my own rod. I have never done this before but after looking around online I feel like I can do it. My questions are

1. Will I spend the same amount of money making a rod as going to the store and just buying one?

2. Assuming I make it correct will I get a better quality rod than the over the counter rod?

Thank you for any help
Darkbeer

[Bobbin for steel]

You can potentially spend a lot more than on a ready made rod, or not. There are so many variables. But, it is very nice to catch a fish on a rod you built. You can choose / build options not available on any store bought rods.

If you are happy with the big box bargain stuff and price is the only issue you may not want to spend the money for some nice stuff to build a nice rod the way you want.

But, if you are not happy with off the shelf offerings, or can't seem to find what you want in a fishing rod because of comfort/cast-ability/durability/color/weight . . . then you may be very happy with something built the way you want it versus what is available.

Some recommended reading:
Rod Building Guide by Tom Kirkman
The Complete Book of Tackle Making by C. Boyd Pfeiffer
Go to mudhole and get a copy of their catalog, it has some good starting rod building directions inside.

Consider a few more things than initial cash outlay. Do you enjoy time spent doing things with your hands? Do you like to learn new things, or do you just want some directions like glue A and B together, sand smooth, paint . . . and out pops a new whatever. Strictly on a $$ per hour basis I would be hard pressed to compare, but I enjoy the time spent making a new rod just like fishing that new rod. Then I think I might like a different style handle, or grips, or reel seat, or something stiffer, or more sensitive . . . . and on and on . . . .

[Bobbin for steel]

Or, think of it this way:
1. Will I spend the same amount of money catching a fish as going to the store and just buying one?

2. Assuming I catch and fillet it correctly will I get a better quality fillet than the over the counter fillet?

I don't know . . . . just a few points to consider.

[Tinman]

I want to make my own rod. I have never done this before but after looking around online I feel like I can do it. My questions are

1. Will I spend the same amount of money making a rod as going to the store and just buying one?

2. Assuming I make it correct will I get a better quality rod than the over the counter rod?

Darkbeer

I assume you are talking about an apples-to-apples comparison of a home-built vs factory rod using the same blank number from the same manufacturer. In this case, you may or may not save a few bucks. I would assume it will be the same cost. The quality, in terms of durability, will be the same for home built vs factory.

The difference will be:
1) Pride of ownership
2) The custom look of the home-built rod, especially if you do fancy wraps
3) People will notice and admire your custom rods

Every time I use one of my factory rods, I feel a slight twinge of disappointment, compared to using my custom sticks. Saving money is the wrong reason to build your own.

[Darkbeer]

Thank you for all the help.

I want to go with a Quality blank, Cork, Guides and Reel seat. Sorry but I do not like any of the fancy wraps. Just a black rod with black thread and black guides and I would be happy. I am not into the perty rods I just want it usefull.

I make stuff and fix stuff with my hands everyday for a job. I then restore old 4x4's at my home. The Snap-On guy likes to see me. Some time I get a little burnt out on fixing / making stuff for cars and trucks and want to go fishing.


I will look into
Rod Building Guide by Tom Kirkman
The Complete Book of Tackle Making by C. Boyd Pfeiffer

I just got the Mudhole catalog and this is what got me thinking about making my own rod.

Thanks again

[StickFish]

Nothing wrong with simple - wrapping in black on a dark colored blank is the easiest wrap out there. take your time and have fun especially when you catch your first fish.

[Bobbin for steel]

Sounds like you already have a preference for style / color / guides. Be careful though . . . the first one is like a taste, then there is a second . . . maybe a third . . enjoy!

[Darkbeer]

Thank you all for the help and advice.

I now am trying to find the blank to build this on. I know I want a 9' or 9'2" fast action, 8-12 pound line, Med power ( maybe a med - light ) rod. I was looking for rod pics to get ideas and found a blank that was flat dull green. You know I thought you could make a nice looking rod out of that color. This was the first color other than flat black that I liked. I have been going to the fishing stores and playing with the rods and writing down model numbers. Yes I really got the bug to build a rod.

[StickFish]

Take a look at the Rainshadow XST1084F or XST1143F. For a little slower action look at IST1082 or IST1084.

Another excellent choice would be a Lamiglas XMG50 say the 114 2L. Lami has a XMG50 110 as well just don't know the power.

In Loomis look at the ST1084-2 IMX, ST1024-2 GL2,

[Bobbin for steel]

Here is an IST1143F to look at. It has an acid wrap and casts real nice! It is mostly for steelhead.

[StickFish]

Burgundy looks pretty good with the green - might have to use that combination on an IF905-4 I have coming up

[Darkbeer]

Thank you for the rod ideas.

One of the rods I played with that I liked alot was the Loomis STR 1084C IMX . I will check out the other ones you have on the list. How close to the Rainshadow blanks to the loomis blanks. Like if I find a loomis blank I like will it be close to a Rainshadow in feel and action.

Nice pics of your rod. Thanks for posting it.

Again Thanks everyone for the help.
Darkbeer

[Darkbeer]

I have been looking for a Loomis STR 1104c to see how I like it but no body has them in the stores that I have been to. Has anyone here had the chance to play with one? If yes what do you think of them.

Are the GL2 rod blanks good blanks?

Thanks

[fishfry]

One of my favorite blanks to build on is the Batson Rainshadow SH1143. I would put it up against some of the higher end rod blanks. I can't think of a better blank to start with. Utmost has great customer service and super fast shipping.

Ed

[dogrunner]

I find that I spend more on my rods that I make mainly because when I buy components I tend to buy the best I can find. When comparing price to a store bought I think that you will be close to top of the line rods and a far cry better than what most big box stores carry.
Best place for help is Anglers Workshop in Woodland Wa. They have all the components and have been willing to help me with info. They also have a decent selection of books.

[Karry Batson]

This is on the high end of Batson offerings but is what I would go with:)

The Ti Chrome blank finish is amazing in the light and most thread colors look good with it as well. Anglers Work Shop would be happy to supply you with these items listed.

XST1084F Rainshadow XST Salmon Steelhead


Component Part Number Part Description Rod Blank Model # XST1084F-TC 9' 2pc Med 8-12lb Salmon/Steelhead - Titanium Chrome Butt Cap: HDCCBC20 Hard Density Cork Composite Butt Cap Reel Seat Body: GTBTG16C-11.0 Graphite Trigger textured Blank Exposed w/cush R/S - Black (ream to fit) Reel Seat Hood: GTT16C-SN-TC Hood w/cush Single Nut - True Light TiCH Trim Ring: TRS16-TC Trim Ring for Seat size 16 TiCH Fore Grip: HEFG2.5S-.250 2.5" High End Foregrip Super Grade ID .250" Rear Grip: HERG14.0S-375 14.0" High End Reargrip Super Grade ID .375" Winding Check: AWC414 Aluminum Winding Check .414" I.D. - Shiney Gunsmoke Hookeeper: TCHKS Small TiCH Hook Keeper Tip Top XTCPPCT06R04.5 ALPS SS316 - RRD-P Top 06 TiCH Ring 4.5 Tube - TICH w/o Chrome Guides (see below for size and quantity) XPTCFCG ALPS SS316 - TiCH w/o Chrome Single Foot with TiCH Zirconium Ring RRD Guides (see below for size and quantity) XTCLXNCG ALPS SS316 - LXN Guide w/TiCH Ring -TiCH w/o chrome

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top 1st XPTCFCG06 3.75" 2nd XPTCFCG06 7.75" 3rd XPTCFCG06 12.25" 4th XPTCFCG06 17.25" 5th XPTCFCG07 23.5" 6th XTCLXNCG08 31" 7th XTCLXNCG08 39" 8th XTCLXNCG10 48" 9th XTCLXNCG10 58.5" 10th XTCLXNCG12 70.5"

[Darkbeer]

Thank You for the help

[Darkbeer]

Would you have another built sheet for a XST1143F with the high end of Batson offerings. Thanks

Darkbeer