Where do I start?

[Matt]

Would love to build a rod...but really have nothing to build one. I realize I'd need to buy the blank, the reel seat, cork, guides, etc etc...but do I need special equipment to actually make the rod? How difficult would it be to throw a cheap one together if I bought all materials needed? Would like to build a little 3-4 wt or something for practice, then go from there if I was satisfied...

[red]

The first fly rod I fished with was a rod I built through a class set up by the Farmington River Anglers Association about 20 years ago. It was nothing fancy. Just a slow action 4wt on a Lamglass blank. It was easy to build. Did not need any special tools other than a rat tail file. I fished that rod hard for about 6 years untill I broke when I was rushing to get on the water one night. I miss that rod.
Anyway good blanks are out there. I loved myLamglass. And if you search the web everything you need to know, or buy is easy to find. The graphite blank is easy to work with. The guides took some time to wrap, but if you build your own you can pick the colour of the thread, and there is just something right about catching fish on the rod you built, with flies you have tied.

Good luck with the rod. Be nice if thr FRAA had another class this year.

[Nymphinmaniac]

Just finished a rod for my son. It was a MHX blank bought online from Mudhole. A 4 piece 9' 4 weight. It's best to buy a complete kit the first time. It was really pretty easy to make. This is the second rod I've made but there was a lot of time between them. The only special equipment I would suggest you get is a rod dryer. It makes it a lot easier to apply the wrap finish and have it dry evenly. You can look up the dryer on ebay and get one for about $35.00. That's what I did. It worked great. I will be going to the Fly Fishing show in Mass 2 weeks from now and I hope to find a kit or blank for myself. Also, check out youtube for general directions on building a fly rod. It's big help to watch someone else do it.

Good Luck!

Steve

[nekayak]

I agree with the above comment - the rod dryer is probably the only piece of equipment you need for a fiberglass or graphite rod, and it is relatively inexpensive. I bought mine on Ebay as well.

As far as instructional videos - Mudhole and YouTube are both good sources. Stockard has some nice kits - I've built one of their 9' 5 wts.

PM me if you have questions.

[Matt]

Thanks for all the advice!

[Sz28bwo]

Matt, I've been building for some time. I started with the Flexcoat starter kit about 10 years ago. It's about 180$. I don't think it's the most expensive thing because it'll pay for itself after the first sage rod you build. Also when you get the kit, you have everything to start plus a video. I think it's worth it. Takes guessing out and let's you concentrate on just building.

You'll save quite a bit. If a sage rod is 700$ it'll be about 350$ to build on your own with same components. It could be even cheaper if you go with standard components. As you get to cheaper rods, obviously the savings become less. You can go on ebay and get some pretty good deals on blanks. I tend to get blanks with warranties just for peace of mind.

If you have any questions let me know.

[Sz28bwo]

Btw, I also agree with the responses above.