Originally Posted by
kegler01
I think the title says it all lol. I just finished a rod all totaled up I have about $180 in it . Is that about normal ? Seems high to me but I will say I learned a lot about fishing rods . I am just curious on others thoughts about diy fishing rods not just cost mind you any thoughts good or bad . I especially would like to know what your buying stratagies are for components. I would like to make some rods for my friends is why I ask . As usual thank you all for your help and opinions .
I am workin on 6 Walleye rods for MYSELF, and have about $1,200.00 Retail wrapped up into material alone. thats roughly $200 a rod.
The problem with rod building is the build parts. You can get a AWESOME blank, or a less costly blank. You can get colored Split grips, or just cork. Each choice adds up. Thats does not count any time for chevrons. I do not do chevrons, as I want practicality, for the working man, not an art pole for fishing. (Its just my mind set, nothing wrong with a chevron wrapped pole)
I went with Winn Split Grips, ($18.00 Each) and Rainshadow blank's, designed specifically for Bandits, that are the lure of my choice on Lake Erie.
I got carbon casting reel seats, etc, etc. etc. When done, its way more than anticipated, but the end results are so much more than store purchased.
I see it as good, I get SPECTACULER Rods, that I could not touch in a store, or find. What box store is going to ahve the thread colors I want? as every St Croix Avid is identical to the one right next to it.
I see no negative other than price when building your own, but if its for you, build it how YOU want it.
I get my parts from GetBit Outdoors, as I have a wholesale partner agreement with them. Only draw back, some times parts are not availble, (Could be any vendor, not just Getbit) depending on your color choice, etc. Find yourself a person/business who is reliable, and go from there, willing to work with you.
Mudhole, has the best/easiest web page to navigate, but there blank selection is limited to MHX blanks mostly. Getbit has a better selection of higher end blanks, but page seems hard to navigate at times.
OE
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