Rod building Materials - The Dos and Don'ts

If you’re interesting in rod building, you need to start off by thinking about the specific tools you’re going to need. Without these tools, you won’t get very far in the process. Now you could choose to use a kit the first time you try the process and that could be a good way to get some rod building experience. These kits usually include everything you’ll need but when you’re ready to build your dream fishing rod you’ll want to invest in buying the materials discussed below.

Non-Fishing Specific Rod Building Materials

First, you’ll want to gather some of the non-fishing specific materials that you’ll need to have on hand when you are engaging in rod building. Many of these items may already be in your home or may be purchasable from local hardware stores.

One of the best examples is an Exacto knife – these are ideal choices because they are very sharp and also thin which is ideal for the work. You’ll also need to purchase a few other basic items, including a rat tail file, rubber bands, a tape measure, a marker, some paint thinner, and masking tape.

Having a lighter is also a good idea. Additionally, purchase some epoxy. Epoxy is a type of resin that can be added and that hardens to make things stronger and to give protection. You’ll want to get the fastest drying formula you can find. It will probably cost a few dollars more but the speed will make it worth the extra expense.

Finally, invest in a small paintbrush that will make it easier for you to apply materials to small parts of your work area while you’re rod building.

Specific Fishing Equipment

There are a number of items that you’ll want to purchase which will be specific for your fishing rod. Do your homework before choosing the items you want to have on your equipment. Remember the idea is to have a finished product at the end of your rod building that is superior to anything you could purchase off the shelf so you’ll want the highest quality products possible even if they cost more. You can always buy pieces one at a time if necessary – your patience will be repaid in the end.

Some of these items you’ll want to look for include guides. Aftco, Fuji, and Pacific Bay all make some very high quality guides which might be worth your consideration. Remember there are a number of styles of guides you might want to consider when rod building. Pick the one that will be best for your needs.

You’ll also need a good quality blank. This is the basic part of your fishing rod so pick with care. Calstar, Gator Glass, Lamiglas, and Pacific Bay are four of the companies with the highest reputation when it comes to blanks. Before you buy, do some test casting of some of the ones you’re considering so you’ll choose the right choice when you start shopping online.

These are just a few of the fishing materials you’ll need when rod building.