Monday, July 14, 2008

Learning the Basics of Rod Building

When you’re first rod building, you might feel like there’s too much for you to grasp and there’s no way you’ll ever be able to put together a finished product that will make you happy. Looking at all of the options available can be scary but it doesn’t have to be intimidating and you shouldn’t let that fear deter you from rod building. It’s one of the most rewarding activities – apart from fishing – that we can engage in.

My recommendation is to get involved in learning the basics of rod building now so you’ll feel more prepared for what’s ahead. Below are some recommendations.


Rod Building Kits

You may want to test the waters by using one of these kits first. They are usually affordable and include anything you would need to make a very basic fishing rod. You’re not going to end up with your dream fishing equipment from any of these sets because all of the components are generally fairly cheap. However, if you want to get a hands-on experience this might be the easiest and most affordable way to break the ice.


Step by Step Rod Building by Flex Coat

One of the must-have’s of rod building is a good instruction booklet. Step by Step Rod Building is one of the best books of its kind on the market. It was written by the president of Flex Coat himself and is a thorough explanation of the entire rod building process.

The guide contains 50 pages so it’s definitely a manageable read but also 100 illustrations which show you exactly what needs to be done at each step of the process. The book completely takes the guess work out of rod building. If you’re serious about rod building, you’ll want to get this book. And at under $5 it’s a huge bargain.


How We Do It DVD by Flex Coat

Flex Coat really is one of the leaders in producing how to materials for rod building. This DVD is one of the best examples. It covers everything you need to know, including choosing materials, shaping the handle, and more. The footage is divided into 20 chapters so the information is easy to access when you need it. The DVD costs around $20 which is a very good deal as well.

The best way to use the DVD is to watch the entire thing first to pack everything into your mind and to get you familiar with the basics. Then as you get started watch each of the chapters again so that material will be fresh in your mind but will also make sense with the rest of the process.


Going Online

Another way to learn more about rod building is to ask professionals. The staff at online sites, such as Sea Isle Tackle, is very knowledgeable about this topic and can answer questions you might have. Most of them can be contacted at your convenience through email which makes it easy for you to reach them and get the answers you need.

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