Tips For A Beginer

[bigdub]

Hey all, was just wondering if any of you experienced rod builders had any tips for someone just wanting to get started!! Are there any good books or videos you would recomend as well as any other advice would be greatly appreciated. I am just interested in building my own spinning rods for jigs. I have dificulty finding a jig rod that is perfect and I am hoping I can make a few that I really like everything about. This is something I have been wanting to get into for some time and have recently been blessed with enough free time(maybe) to pursue it furthur. Thank you for your time and good luck out there!!

[Randall]

If you can talk somebody into it, I had a guy who knew what he was doing show me how to wrap and finish. There are a bunch of little tricks that are best left to hands-on teaching.

You're best bet is to buy a kit like they have at Cabelas and follow the instructions as you do it. It has all the stuff you need and they're reasonably priced. One more thing, if you're patient, wrap, undo and re-wrap the top guide a few times to get used to it. Its the hardest guide to wrap because the rod is so skinny but once you get that one down, it only gets easier.

When you finish, make sure you have a motor that turns at around 6 rpm + or - a few. I can't tell you how much quicker and easier it is to have a finishing motor.

[Rolan Duffield]

If you will send me your name and address, I will send you a general writeup for building a Fly rod. The same techniques can be used for building a spinning rod.

Rolan

[bigdub]

Thanks for the tip, I looked at the Cabelas kits and I think that will be a great place for me to start. I didn't even know they offered things like that. In your opinion is a shorter rod easier to build that a longer one or is there not much difference. I usually don't fish anything shorter than 6'6", but would be willing to build a shorter rod until I get better skills if its easier. Thanks for your time guys I really appreciate it!

[Bittle]

I just built my first rod this last winter and I would have to agree on the kits. Your going to make mistakes on the first one, so get a cheaper spinning or fly rod to start. I got all my information on this website www.rodbuildingforum.com. They are great guys and can answer any question that you have. Plus take a look at some of their rods and you mind will start spinning for you next rod setup.

[DChance]

One place I got a TON of info was from www.mudhole.com. Has articles and videos on beginning rod building.