First off, I have never built a rod in my life. I have replaced tips but that is the extent of my knowledge. I am eagerly waiting on retirement and plan to take rod building up as a hobby. Before diving into this venture I am spending hours upon hours reading the messages and going through the library on this forum. I must say, this group of members is not only the most knowledgeable but also very eager to help. I want to thank you all for taking the time to not only share your knowledge, but also to jump in and help others when they have questions. I am so engrossed in the reading that I probably wont order my first kit and tools until after the first of the year. Until them, thanks again and keep educating me and the hundreds if not thousands of others who are benefitting from your knowledge and graciousness. You guys are true professionals.

Wiley,
If you can, do yourself a favor and find a rod building class or another rod builder who can spend some time with you.

If you have a good builder by your side to answer questions, you can avoid mistakes and quickly keep your learning on the right track.

Good luck

X10 Roger.

roger wilson Wrote:
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> Wiley,
> If you can, do yourself a favor and find a rod
> building class or another rod builder who can
> spend some time with you.
>
> If you have a good builder by your side to answer
> questions, you can avoid mistakes and quickly keep
> your learning on the right track.
>
> Good luck

I whole heartedly agree with this idea. If you can watch someone's process for doing things, ask questions, etc, the time and money saved as well as the quality of your first few finished products will go up dramatically!

I found a two-day class offered by Mud Hole about 4 hours north of me. The class isn't until May so it looks like I will have plenty of time to watch videos and read articles and try to learn as much as possible before the class. Thanks guys. BTW, any female rod-builders on here or just a bunch of old guys?

I have been building rods for less than one year, but many within this forum have been graciously generous with their knowledge, assistance, suggestions and ideas to shorten my learning curve drastically. And Tom Kirkman keeps all the wheels greased from which all of us benefit.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.