kicking around the idea of building some rods for myself. thought maybe you guys could answer a few questions. how much money does it actually save you, considering you use the same blank, simliar grips and eyes compared to the ones you buyin the stores? secondly..how do i get started? what do i need? and how do i learn?
That's a tough one to answer because it depends on what you value. You have to compare equivalent rods. Same rods, componenets, and finish. And that may be had to do. Also what value do you put on something that you build and use to catch fish. If you conside the rod as just a means of catching fish you could catch a fish using a broom stick with reel taped on it. (or just a string). But if you want to learn a craft and enjoy building things, then like the commercial says --"priceless". You can find economical components and build a good fishing rod. Or you can go 'skies the limit' with high end componets and decorate the wraps and finish to where the rod really ought to be in a museum.
But be warned that if you start building rods it can become addictive and that's when it gets expensive - you gotta build more and then buy a reel for each one. Then you might sell them. But all the relative will want one for free or complain they can go to wally world and get one cheaper. I like buildings things and so I limit my hobbies to just a few (building rods and lures and using them to catch fish). Any more hobbies and then I can afford anything else. I may have sniffed too much epoxy finish but that's how I look at it.
To get started search out the internet. There are many supply houses that offer kits. Also there are some internet web sites and forums specific to rod building. Use their search tools on them to learn about building, finishing and building equipment. Maybe there is a nearby builder or tackle shop where you live. Most builders are friendly enough to help you get started. Just ask.
You're not really going to save a lot of money. However, for about $100 I can build myself a rod that I feel outperforms anything off the shelf for less than $300. But I'm not saving money, because before I was building I rarely spent much more than $100-140 on a rod. I recommend you try the MHX blanks if you do start building. Or better yet, for your first attempt I'd get one of the el cheapo $10 blanks that mudhole sells, or rebuild one of your old beaters first to get a feel for the process.
Mudhole.com has DVD's to guide you......
I am by no means a expert and it may not really save money but its very rewarding. I totally agree with that they feel like no others that you fish with. By the way MUDHOLE is the way to go as they are very helpful and knowledgeable.
Rod building as a hobby will not save you much money. For me, I now spend more on a rods than I ever thought that I would.
To get an idea of the cost, go to the Mudhole website, price all of the components (blank, guides, cork, reel seat, thread) add shipping and that will get you close on the cost to build a rod. Order a Mudhole catalog while on their website.
To get you started I recommend the book: <u>Rod Building Guide </u>By Tom Kirkman. Also the website rodbuilding.org
http://www.amazon.com/Rod-Buil...r=1-1
To get started all you need are some v-block stands to support the rod while wrapping the guides and applying epoxy. You will have an initial purchase of epoxy, sandpaper, tip top adhesive, thread finish and supplies. Here is a photo of the home made v-block stands that I started on.
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