I have been givin some thought to building a rod for my Brother. I have Never built one before and I know you can buy kits pretty cheap. But they are to learn on. You wouldn't want to buy all the high priced blanks and guides and screw it up. But I am retired now and live in Colorado so learning to build rods is a very appealing idea. OBTW that is a fine looking rod you built. Hope I can get that good :-)