I am new to this board, and I hope to get many good tips on this new hobby I hope to take up! Its getting to be (I hate to say it) Winter time. . Now is the time when other aspects associated with fly fishing come out. A.K.A. fly tying, rod building, etc. I love to fly ty and that is something I am anxious to do once the winter is officially here. But, I have been hearing about all the fun that rod building is and have decided to try my hand at this tributary off of this sport of fly fishing. A couple of nieghbors and I want to start rod building, but none of us has any experience what-so-ever. What would be a good weight rod to build as a beginner? I want to make a 2 or 3 weight for the local bluegill, but would it be easier to start out on a 5 or 6 weight? What kind of equipment would I need to start out? I watched the 3M video of Building Your Own Rod with Dale Clemens. I dont plan on making my own cork grip, but where would I find the "Burnt Cork Inlays" that he uses in there? They look very sharp. Would it be best to buy a kit with all the equipment included in the set or would it be best to buy each item separately? I would LOVE, even though probably not possible, if all of you rod builders could unanimously decide on a good beginners kit or good materials to start out with. Looking only to spend about 100 to 130 dollars (part of christmas presents). If its not possible to come to a united decision, thanks to any and all who make a contribution to my post. Once I buy a kit or whatever I end up with, I will keep you all posted! Thanks again! Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, and we hope you'll introduce your name to the board shortly. Congratulations for your interest in custom rod building. As a fly tyer already, you should fit right into the idea of building your own fly rods. Doesn't particularly matter which weight of rod you start with, perhaps stick with what is your current fishing species interest and go from there.

You've picked a good site here for gleaning information and finding the right places to choose your equipment. A few ideas about books and so on. The ones you mention are a good source, and also "Rod Building Guide" .... you'll find excellent and up to date resource that is well written and illustrated. Suggest also a subscription to RodMaker magazine to keep your interests. Other good videos by Artie Hebert, one older one by Mel Dickey was a good primer (don't know if it's still available). Step by Step rodbuilding booklet by Flex Coat will give you good basic info, as well as the book also by Seiders that gives an excelellent overview for building Flyrods. Try a rodbuilding class, and if you're close to Nashville in January , there will be a 'conclave' that is a personable gathering of rodbuilders including a beginners rod building class you can surely benefit.

As for a beginner's kit , I could plug the one's we offer with Richard's Rod & Reel Service. They contain all you'll need (minus the wrapping jigs or turning motors) to get started in a deluxe way. Any way you get going, I think you'll find ready and willing participants on this board to help you along with advice. Good Luck and happy shopping.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel Service

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I am sure you will get plenty of good information here. Be sure to avail yourself of the archives should you need to search for a particular subject.