First Rod

[jgiljr]

I just finished my first rod. I picked a heck of a design for my first build. It took me almost 2 days to wrap not knowing what I was doing. Lol. I made a few errors in the design but am fairly happy with it. I probably should have started with something simpler. Go big or go home right? What do you think? Any tips? This could get quite addicting building. Can't wait to see how it fishes. I have 2 more I am getting ready to build.
20220408_095533.jpg20220408_095542.jpg

[Flabasspond]

From what I can see it looks like fine work- especially for your first time. Practice truly does make perfect...big thing is to never be in a hurry. Building your own rod should be like having a gourmet meal- slow down and savor every bite.

[jgiljr]

From what I can see it looks like fine work- especially for your first time. Practice truly does make perfect...big thing is to never be in a hurry. Building your own rod should be like having a gourmet meal- slow down and savor every bite.

Thanks, it is actually very calming. I tried to take my time but still made rookie mistakes. I will grow out of it. lol One of the reasons I started this was to take my mind off of my dog I had to put to sleep. I posted it on here last week. It definitely occupied my mind for awhile. It was actually fun to build. I can't wait to have the joy of catching something on a rod built by myself. That has to be a whole new sensation in itself.

[Pokie Pa]

Looks good to me..... you’ll be great at it.

[ECobb91]

Are those flags done by thread? If so that’s some amazing work for your first build. I’m more of a functional over art builder (mainly I just don’t have a truely artistic mindset to think of designs).

You’ll be hooked catching a fish on a rod you made. It’s just a good satisfying feeling

[jgiljr]

Are those flags done by thread? If so that’s some amazing work for your first build. I’m more of a functional over art builder (mainly I just don’t have a truely artistic mindset to think of designs).

You’ll be hooked catching a fish on a rod you made. It’s just a good satisfying feeling

Yes its done with thread. If you look close I have a thread or two crossover and some of the stripes are not symmetrical but close enough for me.
I am not artistic at all.
It looked easy on YouTube. I got in a bit over my head for a first build but I pushed thru.

[willwork4fish]

Looks great!

[Phrog Phil]

Good job

[Les Young]

Nice job. At least you built yours. I bought a kit from Getbit 3 years ago & still haven't built it. I did ream the cork thoughh.

[basscatlildave]

Great work. Now to catch a fish on it.

[Dylevan]

The first fish I caught on a rod I built was a 7-4 LM. My first thought was, "wow, all the eyes stayed on and the rod didn't break". Guess that doesn't say a lot for my rod building confidence but it was a whole other level knowing I built a rod that would catch a giant.
That is a great job on your first build! I too, tried some cool design for my first build. I learned I am more in the function over form camp.

[Hicangler]

I just finished my first rod last week. I’m debating whether or not to add another coat of epoxy. I found a spot or two where there’s a small bump. I used Pro-Kote. Is it okay to put on another coat when the first coat has completely dried? Has anyone tried the rod wrap epoxy from Cabelas? Don’t know anything about their rodcepoxy.

[jgiljr]

As you know I am only a beginner as far as rod building goes. But I have worked with epoxy in the past doing counter tops etc... If yo are going to add another layer of epoxy lightly sand what you have .
It will look dull but when you add the next layer of epoxy it will clear right up. The object of sanding is to give the epoxy something to grip to so you do not have any peeling. do not get too agressive sanding and get into the threads. it will look terrible then. you just want to sand to get the surface a tad rough to let the epoxy bond to itself.

[jgiljr]

I just finished my first rod last week. I’m debating whether or not to add another coat of epoxy. I found a spot or two where there’s a small bump. I used Pro-Kote. Is it okay to put on another coat when the first coat has completely dried? Has anyone tried the rod wrap epoxy from Cabelas? Don’t know anything about their rodcepoxy.

As you know I am only a beginner as far as rod building goes. But I have worked with epoxy in the past doing counter tops etc... If you are going to add another layer of epoxy lightly sand what you have.
It will look dull but when you add the next layer of epoxy it will clear right up.
The object of sanding is to give the epoxy something to grip to so you do not have any peeling. do not get too agressive sanding and get into the threads. it will look terrible then. you just want to sand to get the surface a tad rough to let the epoxy bond to itself.

[BrianKF]

Nice build. My first build and most after was just one color thread. No tag or any other Fancy wrap. Well done for your first time.