Fly rod build

[Creamer]

Build is a loose term. It probably should be called assembly. I've "built" two fly rods, both turned out fine and I use them often. After the last one, I told myself "no more." The process is not all that enjoyable to me, but the payoff is you can have a new rod for a lot less cash. I was browsing eBay earlier this summer and found a seller that had 8' 1wt blanks pretty cheap and I couldn't resist. I love fishing ultralight fly rods (1wt is pretty darn small for those who don't fly fish) and the one I own is fairly short. Short fly rods can be handy in some situations and a hindrance in others. It took a while to get the rod blank (thanks, USPS), and then I ordered the components from Mudhole. I went with "copper" thread for wrapping, black guides, on the dark green blank. I don't do anything decorative (aside from a decal), I just want a functional complete rod when I am done.

Wraps, pre-epoxy finish

Once all of the thread work and grip fitting is done, it's time for slow-drying epoxy finish and hours on a drying wheel to evenly cure the finish. After that is done, the reel seat is epoxied in place, the tip-top glued on, and it's done. The end result I am pretty happy with. I'm hoping to fish it soon and see how she performs.

 

["J"]

Jeff, do you use the fly rod sock or a rigid case for carrying them?

 

[Hedgelj]

Looks really nice. One of my best friends builds rods and finds it relaxing. It's a great savings if you have the knowledge and tools.

1wt....panfish and what else?

 

[GoetsTalon]

That's pretty cool!

 

[Wildlife]

Very, very nice!

I've repaired many rods back in the day. Used to collect the older ones as a kid. I have one now that is an antique, quite a bit older than myself. I picked it up at a yard sale many moons ago as a youngster. My father had it buried in storage. I recently discovered it once again last year. I fully intend on restoring it and perhaps attempt to use it a couple more times. maybe.

Good luck with your beautiful new fishing fly rod! I look forward to your catches!!

 

[Creamer]

Jeff, do you use the fly rod sock or a rigid case for carrying them?

Usually inside a sock inside a rigid tube. I don't take chances with my rods.

 

[Creamer]

Looks really nice. One of my best friends builds rods and finds it relaxing. It's a great savings if you have the knowledge and tools.

1wt....panfish and what else?

Panfish, small stream trout, small stream bass.

 

[Creamer]

I took the afternoon off and took the new rod for a little hike. There's a small stream, fairly close to home, a tributary of an Ohio River tributary. It has a good mix of smaller (usually) spotted and largemouth bass, rock bass, and sunfish.

As expected, the first fish to slime the new rod was a rock bass. I catch more of them in this creek than anything else.

Found a few bass.

Longear sunfish are small but make up for it in color.

I packed light today. The rod performed great. I casted mostly small lightly weighted craw flies to catch most of the fish today and had no issues. I also tossed a few small streamers, but the action was all on the craw. The couple of larger bass put a good bend in the little 1wt.

 

[GoetsTalon]

That looks like fun! I have a 5wt. and the wife and daughter got me a 3wt. for my birthday. I see myself giving up my other rods and fly fishing full time! Making my own flies will be the next thing to try.

 

[Hedgelj]

That looks like fun! I have a 5wt. and the wife and daughter got me a 3wt. for my birthday. I see myself giving up my other rods and fly fishing full time! Making my own flies will be the next thing to try.

I find tying flies to be very relaxing.