A tale of three rods

I think most of you have seen the rods I’ve turned out over the last couple of months. I didn’t do much fancy stuff but did try to make em distinct from each other. Like many, I’ve got the urge for a better than average rod but I’m a little rough on my gear sometimes. I only have one space in my boat for my rods to ride and they get bounced around some. I can’t risk breaking what may be the most expensive rod I’ve ever bought. So I did the next best thing, I built them as light as I could. They’ve exceeded my expectations. They’re tough and handle large fish just fine. Being made for 2-6 lb line they cast the light jigs just right and still have enough backbone to set the hook, unlike the reputation that the 1-4lb rods did. These are all Fenwick blanks. I feel like I got the best of both options. The guides I used are known for improved casting by being high framed, and as light as I can get without being cost prohibitive. Torzite guides are light but pricy and not very rigid. I didn’t see them surviving in my boat very long. Last thing I conside!red was the cost. Basically, I built the three rods for about the same as some of the JDM rods cost for one. Should one of them get broken I’ll salvage what I can and go buy the replacement parts. Should you have the idea of some new rods, this route is worth considering. And it’s a lot of fun too.

Sounds like you really thought it out and did good quality builds. Good explanation too. Thanks for sharing

I have been considering it since you built yours. I certainly need to get started when I get some time.

Right about Torzite guide prices. I recall that a short while back I saw a statement on one of the JDM sites about a rod manufacturer (don’t recall which one) switching from Torzite to SiC guides on some rod models.

The CRB SSR guides are a nice option for keeping the guide train weight low. If one wants to aim even lower then the PacBay minima mico guides can be swapped for the size 5 CRB SSR runners… though not really required.

There’s just something special about catching fish on a rod built by one’s own hands.


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Thank you so much for sharing your builds with us. Those rods are awesome looking, as well as well built. The first I'll be sending for Rod Building Start-Up Kit Mudhole has. Currently on sale at $139.95, a $100.00 off regular price. I'm going to do some modification to some rods I already own to start with, then am looking at building some light and ultra-lite rods.
A couple will look a bit odd to some, but I have a couple of very special Grand Babies with Autism that's going to get a couple for Christmas.
Oh, and by the way, For those that are Veterans, Mudhole does offer a 10% discount if you email them a copy of your dd214. A great way of thanking us for our service. Just wanted to pass that tidbit along to my brothers and sisters in arms out there.