I've started building a fly rod, under the guidance of some of the guys in the office who have been at it for years. Seeing as I've found zero time to tie flies, the fact that this project is being accomplished over lunch at work is pretty sweet.
The specifications: I've gone with a 9 foot 4 piece 6 weight blank, that apparently can be lined up to a 7 (being fairly stiff) if one so desires. This will be a heavier streamer fishing rod, and if I find myself back east, a good bass and walleye stick. I'm using all black hardware on a matte grey blank, because badass looking rods catch more fish.
What you're seeing above: So far I've glued on the reel seat, and fitted the cork rings. Once the cork is glued, I'll lathe it into the final shape, then start on wrapping guides. The space at the back where the piece of blank sticks out is where I'll be attaching a fighting butt. This goes on last because you need to use the hole in the blank to turn the rod as you lathe cork and wrap guides.
Updates to follow...
Kickass.
ReplyDeleteHow hard would this be to do from a book or online instruction (i.e. without an expert around)?
I don't think it would be too bad, provided there's good online instruction. So far nothing has seemed like rocket science. The thing I've liked about having the old guys around is when you're about to epoxy something on to the $150 rod blank it is good to get that nod of approval. I'm probably just enough of a perfectionist that it would take me twice as long if I was solo on the project.
ReplyDeleteThere are some (apparently) good online tutorial videos here: http://www.batsonenterprises.com/rod-building-videos
I've heard though that Batson pushes the preformed cork (or foam) handles, rather than lathing your own from cork rings. The guys I'm building with say the quality of the handle is way higher when you use rings.
Also, cost breakdown ($200 total):
Blank: $150 (could have gotten a slightly slower action for $75)
Reel seat: $25 (mine is pricier than most)
Cork: $20
The rest (guides, hook keeper, finish coat): $5
So the priciest piece is really the blank, and the $50 for everything else doesn't really change no matter how nice a rod you want to make (with the exception of a spey rod which would have a ton more cork and guides). There are always a lot of blanks on eBay.