building own rod

[Griff]

I've started building my rod. I've got to say that this is more fun than I thought it would be. So far everything is going fine. The hardest part is trying to decide what color thread I want to use in the wraps. i would encourage anyone to try this. You can truely make a one-of-a-kind rod that will be a pure joy to fish. I can't wait to get finished and go to LRO to pick out a new reel and line to put on it.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a light weight reel for a 3 wt rod?

[buckeyetrouter]

hey Griff.....what kit did you go with, I haven't picked mine out yet and am looking at either a kit from anglersworkshop or one from jann's netcraft.......also, wanting to go with a 2 or 3wt and just haven't decided between glass or graphite....thinking I should go with a good but cheap glass since this will also be my first one.....

buckeyetrouter

[Griff]

I went with a kit from Hook and Hackle http://www.mailordercentral.com/hook...number=BKKIT07

I had them switch out a few things for me which they did with no problems.

They have pretty good prices on their kits. They have a couple of 6'6" 2 wt. kits that look pretty nice.

[Griff]

Buckeyetrouter-

Have you decided which rod you are going to build yet? Don't put it off too long, you will really enjoy it. I am almost done with mine, should wrap it up this week. I hope to post some pictures when I get it completed.

[buckeyetrouter]

hey Griff....

did you already have the equip to wrap or did you just make something...seems like a few slats with a V cut into them and some felt would allow the novice to attempt this.....I haven't ordered my kit yet, I'm still struggling with glass or graphite, but I know I want a 2-3wt shorter rod....

buckeyetrouter

[Griff]

I used the poor-mans wrapping jig made from a cardboard box. Most people start this way. It worked pretty well. If you have the tools and the room building a basic wrapping jig out of wood would be really easy, but the box works just fine.

[buckeyetrouter]

if I cut two pcs of board with a v notch on each, then lined the v notch with felt, do you think that would be worth trying or should I just go with the corrugated ficture that you got by with until I find my interest level.......

buckeyetrouter

[Griff]

I suggest using the box for your first one. If you do build one use craft foam in the V-notches. The felt can shead and ruin your finish when you epoxy the wraps.

[buckeyetrouter]

thanks for the advice....think I'll go with the box...I was just on mudhole.com and they had a kit for $68 and another $24 for the assembly items (glue, etc....)

thanks again
buckeyetrouter

[Griff]

I finished the rod. *Here are a few pics. *It's not perfect and I could show you all of the flaws but I am happy with it for my first rod build.