FS Digest

Me and my dad have gotten into fly fishing (he did it as a kid and has taught me how to) and we both have some nice cheap outfits, but I’m hoping to build him a rod myself, is there any kit or direction I could be pointed to that won’t break the bank? And would deliver a quality product?

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by jspencer501

FS Digest

I'd suggest looking at mudhole.com. They've got the best prices I've seen for starter kits.

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by ogfishmonger

FS Digest

I have built a few kits from mud hole. They aren't a big brand name rod but they work really well, especially for the $100 they cost. I have also built a rod I got off eBay. There is a guy named Roger that sells super cheap blanks and kits. I got one for $50 mostly out of curiosity and to have a loaner rod but it turned out better than I expected. The components in the kit weren't the nicest but they work just fine. If I did it again I'd buy components separately. The blanks themselves had some blemishes but they don't affect the performance. It's definitely not the same as a sage but it's way better than anything else you could get for a similar price. I have also gotten a rod from anglers roost cause they had some colors I couldn't find. It was fiberglass and had some cracks in the blanks, don't know if it was a one time thing but I don't think I'll buy anything else from them

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by Coneyestates

FS Digest

What's your budget? What kind of rods and fishing do you want it for?

For around $400 (less, with Black Friday), you can get a rod building kit from Epic, a.k.a. Swift Fly Fishing, that will rival anything out there.

I have the 690C (their graphite rod), that I build from a kit, and it's exceptional. Their fiberglass rods are just as good, and some of my favorites. I have one in the basement drying right now, after I put the last finish coat of epoxy on it.

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by GlacierRambler

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Mudhole will have everything that you will need to build a decent rod. But, keep in mind that the first rods that you build are going to be expensive because you will need the equipment in which to build them with. It's like tying flies, the first ones are expensive and the rest of them are cheap to tie. Not so true with rods, all of them will be expensive but not as much as the first ones. If I were only going to build one, I wouldn't do it unless they offer rod building in a class room situation where some of the equipment would be provided. Also keep in mind, that if you build a rod correctly, it will be far superior to any manufactured rod. A lot of people build rods, you may be able to hook up someone in your area that does or did do it. Ordering a kit is a good deal for a first timer because the kit will include all of the components needed to build the rod and they will be sized correctly. The kit may not include any rod wrapping equipment, glues, epoxy, color preserver, thread or tools that you will need in which to build the rod. Good luck, because you will need it.

Joefish1268

I did a tfo 5wt for my dad a few years back-seems it was just south of $200 w/o a reel. It’s been a nice rod and the kit was easy to work with. Did it over the course of a weekend.
Can’t figure out how to load a photo here...

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

UTMOST

finschasers69 Loc: taylor co. w.v.

Shakespeare ugly sticks or Cabelas or bass pro sells the whupping sticks both run about 20 to 30 bucks each virtually indastrucable good price for either rods.