Thread: Custom Fishing Rods

Going through the winter blues? You don't like to ice fish or you are looking for something to do to pass the time after dark on those cold evenings. Ever thought about building fishing rods?

I started building rods because of all of the above. I started building my own because I simply couldn't find the rods I wanted in the store or the colors. The weight, action, and length was always something that never fit what I was looking for. Lastly, PRICE. A good St. Croix rod in the store will cost in upwards of $350.00 for a 6'6" rod. A 10 foot steelhead model will cost more. I can build the exact same St. Croix rod (from a blank) for $160 dollars and can make it the way I want it.

In the end, you are left with a product that meets exactly what you want, you are proud of the look and the feel, and take pride in knowing you had a hand in making it. Although there are many classes available, I like to learn on my own. I utilized youtube and watched several videos. The best is a 9 part series from "getbitoutdoors". Capt Kevin is great. Trust me, one hour of time on the computer and you can build a rod.

You don't have to spend a ton of money and most of the tools needed you can build or find around the house. If you want a custom rod but don't want to build one, get with someone that will do it for you. Tell them exactly what you want. Colors, decals, one piece or two, action, weight, cork or rubber handle, and it can all be done for you. I do it because I love to do it. Most of the time I charge the materials cost plus a couple bucks to make it worth my while. I love to see the finished product. Below is a rod I just finished for a gift for my dad. This rod would have cost me close to $300.00 in the store. I built it for $50 dollars and I'm yet to find a finished rod in this length and action.