Rod Building: Picking the Right Blank

An important decision when you are rod building is to choose the ideal blank. There are a number of considerations when you choose these blanks – it is the most important part of your fishing rod. Again, this is one place where you don’t want to skimp on the equipment. Just don’t take the plunge without doing your homework.

Rod Building: Blank Considerations

You definitely don’t want to just start choosing blanks at random. That isn’t going to help you be satisfied with the rod building you end up with. First, you’re going to need to try out as many models as possible to decide which choice is the right one. Test cast the numerous models available. You want to find a blank that is going to work with your specific length and line needs.

Do keep in mind that not every rod you test will be available as a blank. You may want to do research on that before you start testing so you don’t waste your time or fall in love with a cast you won’t necessarily be able to build.

If you’re looking for a good place to do some test casting, don’t rule out dropping by your local sporting equipment store. Of course, you probably won’t want to make your rod building purchases there before of their poor selection. Instead, you should visit several stores and also try out the rods used by your family and friends who are also doing fishing. If you have friends who also do rod building, you may want to ask them about their recommendations and ask if you can test drive their custom rods, too.

Other Rod building& Blank Buying Issues

When you’re taking some of these rods for a test drive, you also want to remember that you can purchase identical blanks that are designed to be divided into multiple sections for easier transportation. Even these small differences in the blanks can make a huge difference in the way they handle. For example, if you’ve tried the two-section variety but end up purchasing the three-section variety instead you’ll notice a difference and may not be satisfied with the results.

While we’re on the subject of these sections, you should take into consideration how many sections you want for your blank. Generally, there are two to four sections in the average blank. If you haven’t thought about it, now is the time. Two sections are fine but the finished rod will still be rather large for transportation. Three to four sections generally works better for rod building, even though it does require a little more effort.

Finally, you don’t want to make a purchase without checking the warranties on the blanks. Today, the majority of blank manufacturers do offer warranties but these aren’t all created equal. When you’re rod building, you want to make sure that the components you purchase are going to be protected and that you won’t end up having to replace something as soon as you finish your rod building.