So I have a good friend that I fish with quite regularly that builds rods mostly for himself and our fishing club members, fixes guides etc and I was talking to him about how it would be cool to build a rod for my son (5yrs old).  He was like why don't you, I said cause I have NO idea how first and second I don't have any of the tools or supplies. He was like I'll help you build it and you can use my supplies.   So it just kind of happened.  I found a kit I liked (recommended by another friend) - http://www.mudhole.com/MHX-Shooter-Pistol-Grip-Casting-Rod-Kit-MHXCK-100.  I wanted something that he can use for years to come (thats a hefty price for a 5 year old boy, considering his current rod and reel combined cost $25).  

 

So let me say this I have a new found respect for rod builders and their quality.  Not only is wrapping the guides hard as all get out, but holy heck are they hard to see and those wraps - forget about it.  Then you have to figure out guide spacing...  Then after that you have to magically line up all the guides so they are straight.  Anyway, most of you know how to build a rod, so thats all I will say about that.  But again, props to you guys.  

 

Here are a few pictures of the finished product.  Now I know this rod will meant more to me Christmas day than it did him and it certainly could very well be broken in the first few trips, but here to hoping he has it a LONG time and maybe, just maybe, can hand it down to his son.  

 

 

 

 

 

Thats awesome it doesn't get any better than that!  I bet you guys can't wait to hit the water.

1 hour ago, Josh_Bovaird said:

Thats awesome it doesn't get any better than that!  I bet you guys can't wait to hit the water.

Yes, although TW has had his Zebco on backorder since Thanksgiving.  But it's frozen here anyway, it doesn't stop him from asking where his reel is almost daily.

Nice job, man. Be proud of it.

really nice job. your son will love it cause you made it for him.

I like the Nittany lion decal. 

27 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

I like the Nittany lion decal. 

 

Thanks Dwight, its funny the first thing he said when he opened it was 'I always wanted a Penn State rod".  

And he looks like a happy camper. You are going to build some memories. 

 

And I will bet you are going to build some more rods.

18 hours ago, .ghoti. said:

And he looks like a happy camper. You are going to build some memories. 

 

And I will bet you are going to build some more rods.

 

I'm already toying with a few ideas!!!

3 hours ago, Dypsis said:

 

I'm already toying with a few ideas!!!

It is addictive. You already know the bait monkey. Get ready to meet the shop monkey.

Nice job, Buddy!!  That rod looks very nice.  It's a shame you had to ruin it with that Nittany Lion logo.

5 hours ago, Lucky Craft Man said:

Nice job, Buddy!!  That rod looks very nice.  It's a shame you had to ruin it with that Nittany Lion logo.

Can I like half this comment only???

That rod may have meant a lot to you on Christmas morning, but I'll bet it meant more to him.  If he treats it right, he will be enjoying it and thinking of you for many years when you are just a memory.  Very nicely done.  Really good epoxy work!  Remember how you did it so you can do it again.

This thread is amazing. Great work and awesome that you got to not only give your son a great rod but had a hand in making it. Hopefully he can enjoy it and treasure it for years to come. And stick with that friend who helped you be hands on with this. Well done!