Hi guys,
So I am completely new to this, like I haven't even purchased a piece of thread yet new to this. I want my first build to be somewhat simple to see if it is actually something I will enjoy, but looking through all the rod blanks online I am unable to find a 42" to 48" med. heavy or heavy blank. I am wanting to do a ice rod build for big fish. Maybe I just need to buy a longer blank and trim down?
I am also looking for tips on what equipment to purchase as I dont mind spending the money, but also dont want to invest a lot into something just to find out that I dont really enjoy it..
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Darren where are you living at ?
Buzz

I am in MN.

I say go ahead and spend the money (especially on a wrapper, like the Renzetti)... If you like it, then you're set to go for a long time. If you don't like it, then email me. I might want to buy it from you. :)

A little more seriously (although, I will buy a used Renzetti from you), I'm not that knowledgeable on building ice rods... but Mudhole has an all-in-one kit for just about any type of rod you want to build. You'll get some decent tools and supplies that will serve you well for a few builds. If you like the hobby, then you can upgrade as you want. If you don't, you are not out a serious amount of money by getting the kit.

But, I would highly recommend subscribing to RodMaker Magazine, and I would also suggest getting the specialty CDs as then you have access to a gold mine of articles that will definitely help you.

Best,
Gib

Father to William (15 yrs), who I hope has found his passion in custom rod building!

Anywhere near Elk River?

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

Chuck Mills Wrote:
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> Anywhere near Elk River?


I am in Buffalo.

Gib Portwood Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I say go ahead and spend the money (especially on
> a wrapper, like the Renzetti)... If you like it,
> then you're set to go for a long time. If you
> don't like it, then email me. I might want to buy
> it from you. :)
>
> A little more seriously (although, I will buy a
> used Renzetti from you), I'm not that
> knowledgeable on building ice rods... but Mudhole
> has an all-in-one kit for just about any type of
> rod you want to build. You'll get some decent
> tools and supplies that will serve you well for a
> few builds. If you like the hobby, then you can
> upgrade as you want. If you don't, you are not out
> a serious amount of money by getting the kit.
>
> But, I would highly recommend subscribing to
> RodMaker Magazine, and I would also suggest
> getting the specialty CDs as then you have access
> to a gold mine of articles that will definitely
> help you.
>
> Best,
> Gib

Thanks Gib. That is helpful.

When you check the price of a Renzetti you might get a nosebleed. They are very high quality, but you'll pay for it. I built for about 10 years on a home made wrapper, and made some pretty top quality rods on it. You might want to consider that option, or an inexpensive purchased hand wrapper for your first rod to see if you want to go on with building.

The rod you're planning to build sounds like it could be made from other blanks/rods. Do you have any old rods that might be converted? Grip the rods about 42-48 inches from the tip and see if they have the power and action you are looking for. If yes, you can cut them off, take the guides off, sand the finish off, and start over with it. Mount the grip and wrap some guides. Mudhole has everything you will need, as do others like Getbitoutdoors and many sponsors on the left margin.

Michael Danek Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> When you check the price of a Renzetti you might
> get a nosebleed. They are very high quality, but
> you'll pay for it. I built for about 10 years on
> a home made wrapper, and made some pretty top
> quality rods on it. You might want to consider
> that option, or an inexpensive purchased hand
> wrapper for your first rod to see if you want to
> go on with building.
>
> The rod you're planning to build sounds like it
> could be made from other blanks/rods. Do you have
> any old rods that might be converted? Grip the
> rods about 42-48 inches from the tip and see if
> they have the power and action you are looking
> for. If yes, you can cut them off, take the
> guides off, sand the finish off, and start over
> with it. Mount the grip and wrap some guides.
> Mudhole has everything you will need, as do others
> like Getbitoutdoors and many sponsors on the left
> margin.

That is a good idea Michael. I do have a couple old rods that I could possibly convert.
And on the Renzetti..ya a bit rich for my blood..maybe if I make this a career...maybe..lol

Darren,
I have made many many heavy action ice rods for big fish.

I use the Batson solid glass blank. I trim from the butt of the blank to achieve the length that I wish.

Thorne brothers carry that blank locally.

It is an inexpensive blank but it is perfect for the application.

[www.rainshadowrodblanks.com]

The first blank on the list - the 6 ' blank is the one that I have used for many ice rods. I just use an abrasive cut off wheel to trim from the butt of the blank to achieve the length that I wish for a rod.

Take care

Darren, send me an email, my email is not hidden, just click on my name. Use "rodbuilding" in the title.

Michael Danek Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Darren, send me an email, my email is not hidden,
> just click on my name. Use "rodbuilding" in the
> title.

Sent an email to you.

from Mudhole
Ultimate eZ Rod Builder Hand Wrapper & Supply Kit
(1) SKU: #EZ-ULTIMATE

$79.95

easy on the pocket and if you don't continue you don't have a huge investment but can still build till you grt totally hooked on building.
This Blank from Janns Net craft

SOLID FIBERGLASS ROD BLANK 6' BLACK
SOLID FIBERGLASS ROD BLANK 6' BLACK
Our 6' solid fiberglass rod blanks are rated for 15-25 lb. line test and suited for both fresh and saltwater use. Fiberglass rod blanks are designed for blank-thru handle construction. One piece rod blank is sanded and has a painted gloss black finish. Butt diameter .385”, tip 7.0/64th”
Order #: 261250
Availability: In Stock
$13.99 / EACH
Both these vendors are in the column on the right side of this page

The best day to be alive is always tomorrow !!
Think out side the box when all else fails !!!
Wi.

Utmost should have those for abit less..........plus actual mailing charges. Pretty neat place.

Thanks for all the tips and advice guys.
Today I ordered a wrapper and enough supplies to do a couple of rods. I have decided to practice on a couple of my late dads rods he left me that I dont currently use. I will be stripping and trimming them down to rebuild as ice rods..hopefully.
Thanks again!

Here is what I meant by the kit at mudhole: [www.mudhole.com]

From there website: "This turnkey ice fishing rod building kit includes everything you need to build 3 different custom ice rods. From the fishing rod blanks, to the perfectly matched components and supplies, we have bundled everything you need in one convenient kit."

it's $160. Not bad for 3 rods... plus supplies, tools, hand wrapper, rod dryer, and a "how to" CD. If you end up hating the hobby, you're not out a serious amount of money. But if you love it and want to continue, you don't have so much invested that you can't peruse the market of other tools, etc and maybe get a different design of something.

Father to William (15 yrs), who I hope has found his passion in custom rod building!

If I can help shoot me an email at chuckm615@gmail.com

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane