Well this winter with the snow flying and the fishing has about ended instead of sitting here dreaming and wishing I could go fishing. I have decided to try my hand at building a rod. This will be the first attempt and what not at rod building.

What I was wandering since I am a first time builder would I be better off going with a complete kit vice buying everything seperate or is that not alot different than buying a "store bought" rod? I have always wanted to get into the higher end rods and always wanted to get into rod building as I think it would be fun to fish something I have put some work into instead of using manufactured rods.

Basically just looking for some info on what to expect and such on building the first one and weather or not a kit is a good way to go the first time. I have been doing alot of online research and whatnot and have ordered several catalogs from places.

Xaphan,

Basically just looking for some info on what to expect and such on building the first one and weather or not a kit is a good way to go the first time.

First off as a rod builder I would recommend that you get a book called "Rod Building Guide" by Tom Kirkman and read it all. You can get it from different distributors but I would goto the publisher Amato Books. Every rod builder that I know has this book in their library.

Plus I have a small resource guide on my website in the custom rod section.

Happy Holidays!        

What ReelMech said! His website is a great resource so be sure to check it out. It's partially due to ReelMech that I got back into the rodbuilding craft after a 35 year hiatus. He also recommended that same book to me, and I agree with him that it is a must have item.

If you'll PM me I'll send you a list of web sites where you can get components and lots of information.

Kudzu