Rod builders I have questions

[solidute 50]

I'm looking to get into rod building for a few reasons but mainly as a future side gig income along with a cheaper way for me to have good rods.

 

While I'm trying to learn the basics I'd like to start by making my kids a few cheap rods to start with.

 

So my questions are

* Where do you Aussie rod builders buy your consumables from - blanks, guides, seats, grips etc?

* Any suggestions for a dirt cheap selection of consumables to basically practice on. Kids mainly chase squid and kg whiting so not looking to build species specific just an all rounder.

* Lastly, any Australian based YouTube channels for rod building that cover the basics? See plenty of American channels that are Bass orientated so wouldn't mind an Aussie version, particularly for southern species

 

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[Kelvin 2,291]

Rod building is a dying art but it is really satisfying to catch a good fish on something you built yourself.

There are some excellent rod builders in SA including Ross van Enckevort who owns Rod works

The Rodworks - Producers of fine fishing rods

and Rob Wilson

South Oz Rods

To get started you need a drying motor. A wrapper is also nice to have but I have hand wrapped and built a rods.

I got mine from Rod Works and Mo Tackle

 

Mudhole in the USA is good for alot of the things you can't find locally.

Mud Hole — Your #1 Resource For Custom Rod Building Tools & Supplies!

 

 

For dirt cheap blanks grips and guides, you can't go past Ali Express. These days it is so much cheaper for no name gear.

 

Fishing Rod Guide Stainless Steel Ceramic Tip Ring - Fishing Rod Tip Kit Set 24 - Aliexpress

6#-30# Stainless Steel Guide Ring Fishing Rod Guide Ring Fishing Rod Repair DIY Guide Ring Color Tie Rope Set 45/85 Pieces/Box - AliExpress 18

Stainless Steel Fishing Rod Guides | Fishing Rod Building Components - 75pcs/box - Aliexpress

NooNRoo IM10 10'0"10'6"11" 2/3/4wt Nano carbon Fiber Fly Rods Blanks Super Light Fast Action Fishing Rod Blanks - AliExpress

NooNRoo IM10 10'0"10'6"11" 2/3/4wt Nano carbon Fiber Fly Rods Blanks Super Light Fast Action Fishing Rod Blanks - AliExpress

 

Once you have a bit of experience, you can get some really nice complete sets of blanks guides, seats and grips from Mudhole and Motackle.

Samurai do alot of rod kits and I have built up a few.

Samurai Baitcast Rod Building Kit - Components + Blank | MoTackle & Outdoors

[solidute 50]

Thanks mate.

I'm to-ing and fro-ing on the idea.

I have a very big collection of stuff I have made for my use as I get a lot of satisfaction from it.

As I mentioned, I'm looking to be able to up the quality of my rod collection, but also potentially make a small business/side hustle from it for the future when I want to travel and have a small income while travelling.

I'm aware that you usually get what you pay for, but to start off I'm happy to go cheap for some of the more expensive equipment (if that makes sense). Seen a rod dryer set up on eBay for $36 that looks like it'd see me through several builds at least.

I might slowly build up some gear and give it a crack... Or not? I dunno, like I said, I keep changing my mind. But you've definitely given me some ideas where to look.

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[SurfcaztR 715]

I did it for a while but for the amount of time spent building the return wasn't worth it for me.Most worrying time is when the buyer tests the rod action for the first time which they may not like as you can't really do first on just a blank.In the end all the gear i had ended up at the local tip.

[solidute 50]

I did it for a while but for the amount of time spent building the return wasn't worth it for me.Most worrying time is when the buyer tests the rod action for the first time which they may not like as you can't really do first on just a blank.In the end all the gear i had ended up at the local tip.

Thanks for the feedback.

Do I assume that you were doing more expensive builds? Say costing you upwards of $200-300+?

I'm hoping to do more budget type rods if possible, something people aren't scared to drop money on, maybe something around the $100-150 mark, the kind I could sell to fellow travellers - that said I have not done anywhere near enough research to know if this is even possible??? Well I know it is cheap enough if I source components from places like AliExpress but that's another story and whole different quality - although be a good price point to teach myself some basics on.

For myself I wouldn't be arguing too much with the rod builder just trying again

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[Rybak 652]

IMO, not worth the effort unless you have the time, right equip & enjoy doing this type of thing. I've done it before & eventually had my rods built by others. 

Rods off the shelf these days are can be purchased at good prices for the everyday fisho. The ones who want specifically built rods will usually go to a known rod builder anyway and pay the price like I did years ago. (All rods still going strong). Have only bought some cheapies for Gar & Squid & they are also going strong..... 

[solidute 50]

IMO, not worth the effort unless you have the time, right equip & enjoy doing this type of thing. I've done it before & eventually had my rods built by others. 
Rods off the shelf these days are can be purchased at good prices for the everyday fisho. The ones who want specifically built rods will usually go to a known rod builder anyway and pay the price like I did years ago. (All rods still going strong). Have only bought some cheapies for Gar & Squid & they are also going strong..... 

Fair call.

It still interests me but I'd have to weigh up the costs vs results if I were to take it further.

Again, I'd want to be doing real budget builds to wrap my head around it all, something the kids can drop, break, drag on the ground and it won't bother me. Then maybe try and make myself something of a higher standard.

But I don't really need another hobby either.

If I could get some dirt cheap components - to build something that could be used afterwards - then I'd probably at least try to make a few rods just for the hell of it

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