Home Forums Fishing Flyfishing Any custom rod builders?

Gents,
I was wondering if anybody on this site builds fishing rods? I have built several fly, halibut, and spinning rods but still am in the learning stages. I am looking for a group of guys who would be interested in sharing information about this subject. I am looking to start building high end rods including bamboo fly rods.

When I was a young teen with a lot more time than money, I did a little rod building. Haven't touched it since then, but I just joined a group of local fly fishers that are going to do some building. My first project is going to be a 5 weight on a Loomis IMX blank. Cabelas has a kit for about $160. A great way to get top of the line gear for a third of the retail price. We'll probably end up making them with the old notched cardboard box and book technique. I'd be happy to share ideas with you once we get started.

Regards,
Scott

I will look forward to hearing about your rod building. My first rod was a 9 1/2 5wt rod for float tubing. It took me about a week, but I had a great teacher, so it came out really well. I was fortunate enough to have a older fella pass on all of his professional rod building gear.

My dad is a very good rod builder and has done atleast 50 or so for people. I have a Sage SP 9' 6wt 3 peice he did for me. It is dressed with a Ross Canyon reel. I love this rod. Right now I am having him build me a Sage 3 peice 7' spinning rod with Fuji handle, and fuji titanium guides with gold (yes real gold) rings. It will be dressed with the Shimano Stradic reel. I cannot wait to try this rig out!!

If your thinking of stating up a site or something, let us know and I will point my Dad in that direction.

joel,
i built rods for several of the local shops. nothing with all of the fancy weaving, just good clean rods with very good components. it was easy back then as clemens was about an hour away and i went there often to pick up close outs, etc. i did find out that the average guy is not realy interested in spending more for a set of guides than he can go to wall world and buy a whole rod. you are dealing to a very select group of clients. i gave it up when clemens went out of business.

Master Bonzi,

I built my first rod (a fly rod) in 1976. After 200 some rods, I finally got to the point where it became a "job" and quit. One day I took a look at my own inventory of about 40 rods and decided that enough was enough. Most ended up as Christmas or birthday presents or were gifted to kids.

It's been 4 or 5 years since I built one. I've limited my personal inventory to 4 flyrods and 1 each of spinning, halibut, and salmon baitcasting sticks.

I specialized in fly rods as that's what I was most interested in. For a string of 5 years I taught classes in local stores and at the community college. They ended taking up way too much personal time and investment to continue.

Always had a good time when doing a rod for myself. Now, I'll just wrap one or two if need dictates. With the "liberalized" prospects of hunting bears looking better and better, I doubt that I'll be inclined to do too much fishing again this year. A man MUST have his priorities straight! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

best,
bhtr