Can I Really Build My Own Fishing Rod?

“Can I really build my own custom fishing rod?” I’m often asked when I show anglers some of the rods I’ve built over the years. Some seem to think that special tools are required or that a great deal of skill is required to build fishing rods.

The fact is, even children have been taught to build fishing rods! It is not a complicated procedure nor does it have to be time consuming. And just some of the benefits of building your own rod include:

• Customizing it to fit you instead of just getting a rod off the rack made for the average angler.
• Selecting the components (handle, reel seat, and guides) that you want on your rod.
• The feeling of pride when you hook and land the first fish on a rod you built yourself can’t be beat!

The first time you make your own custom built fishing rod, you will probably want to resist the urge to create fancy intricate decorative thread wraps as they can be time consuming with a learning curve involved. However, you will still be able to build something that is both attractive and that you will be proud of.

There are a number of rod handle kits available that are simply epoxied onto the rod blank and these are fantastic for those who don’t have the tools or space to make fishing rod handles from 1/2″ cork rings. These kits may also include a reel seat, or you can select an individual reel seat yourself.

Guides (sometimes referred to as “eyes” - that the fishing line goes through) are secured to the blank of a fishing rod using nylon thread. A finish that is especially designed to go over thread on fishing rods is then applied.

There are a number of great resources available and many people willing to help you along the way when you decide to build your first custom fishing rod. Why not plan to make a winter project of it? Next spring, you could be catching fish on a rod you’ve built yourself!

You are invited to visit Custom Tackle.Com for more information on building your own fishing rod and to learn more about the fishing rod blanks and components available to you.