rod building season

[AgMD]

Well folks, the leaves have fallen, soon it will snow, and we might even see some ice on the rivers. Now is the time to chunk up the wood stove and go over the gear. Clean and lube the reels, re-wrap the loose guides and best of all -- build us some new rods! If you have never built a rod , I promise you it is incredibly easy, and you don't need much more than what you may already have for tools. For me the hardest part of the whole process is choosing a blank. There are so many out there and catalog descriptions don't tell a lot about how the rod will feel or cast. Here we need to depend on a vendor who will work with you. Call 'em up, ask questions, and tell them what you are looking for. A good vendor will work with you. If they don't -- there are plenty of folks who will. I have had good success with Hook and Hackle and Anglers Workshop.
Kits -- you can get some good deals buying kits -- IF the kit gives you the blank and components that you want. If it doesn't , don't be afraid to buy the components piecemeal. It probably will not cost much more and you will get the rod you really want.
How to -- there are lots of folks right here on this board who can answer nearly any question you might think of. Ask away. If you do, tho, be prepaired for different answers. One of the interesting things about rod building is that there are many different ways to acomplish the same thing. Some better than others, some easier, some just different.
Be advised that it seems that some time arround late Jan / Feb some blanks and components may be on back order, or just plain out of stock. Not shure why, could br because this is the big rod building season, or could be that with the new models comming out for the new season , old inventory is shrinking. Don't know why but I've seen it happen.
Anyone have any projects in mind?
AgMD

[JoeOverlock]

My Project List:

1) I'd like to build a small bamboo rod like Josh Field's. I've been doing a lot of backwood fishing for brookies and an ultra sensitive bamboo rod would be perfect for it.

2) Build a 4wt split cane rod from scratch.

[AgMD]

Joe, I haven't built a banty rod myself -- yet. A common method is to take the top two sections from a 3 piece and rework it for a 2 piece rod. I have heard many stories of great success and others of dismal failure Some rods seem to have an action that lends itself to this modification and others don't. I think if you tryout cast the two sections, even w/o a reel seat or handle ( stick the reel in your pocket) even if you have to tape some guides on, you might be able to get an idea of what the finished rod might be like. There are lots of old inexpensive production rods out there and they can be had for not too much cash. With a light small like this you might consider a light weight "cap and ring " reel seat with a cork seat spacer.
AgMD