| If you're interesting in rod building, you need to | | | | easier for you to apply materials to small parts of |
| start off by thinking about the specific tools | | | | your work area while you're rod building. |
| you're going to need. Without these tools, you | | | | Specific Fishing Equipment |
| won't get very far in the process. Now you could | | | | There are a number of items that you'll want to |
| choose to use a kit the first time you try the | | | | purchase which will be specific for your fishing rod. |
| process and that could be a good way to get | | | | Do your homework before choosing the items |
| some rod building experience. These kits usually | | | | you want to have on your equipment. Remember |
| include everything you'll need but when you're | | | | the idea is to have a finished product at the end |
| ready to build your dream fishing rod you'll want | | | | of your rod building that is superior to anything |
| to invest in buying the materials discussed below. | | | | you could purchase off the shelf so you'll want |
| Non-Fishing Specific Rod Building Materials | | | | the highest quality products possible even if they |
| First, you'll want to gather some of the non-fishing | | | | cost more. You can always buy pieces one at a |
| specific materials that you'll need to have on hand | | | | time if necessary - your patience will be repaid in |
| when you are engaging in rod building. Many of | | | | the end. |
| these items may already be in your home or | | | | Some of these items you'll want to look for |
| may be purchasable from local hardware stores. | | | | include guides. Aftco, Fuji, and Pacific Bay all make |
| One of the best examples is an Exacto knife - | | | | some very high quality guides which might be |
| these are ideal choices because they are very | | | | worth your consideration. Remember there are a |
| sharp and also thin which is ideal for the work. | | | | number of styles of guides you might want to |
| You'll also need to purchase a few other basic | | | | consider when rod building. Pick the one that will |
| items, including a rat tail file, rubber bands, a tape | | | | be best for your needs. |
| measure, a marker, some paint thinner, and | | | | You'll also need a good quality blank. This is the |
| masking tape. | | | | basic part of your fishing rod so pick with care. |
| Having a lighter is also a good idea. Additionally, | | | | Calstar, Gator Glass, Lamiglas, and Pacific Bay are |
| purchase some epoxy. Epoxy is a type of resin | | | | four of the companies with the highest reputation |
| that can be added and that hardens to make | | | | when it comes to blanks. Before you buy, do |
| things stronger and to give protection. You'll want | | | | some test casting of some of the ones you're |
| to get the fastest drying formula you can find. It | | | | considering so you'll choose the right choice when |
| will probably cost a few dollars more but the | | | | you start shopping online. |
| speed will make it worth the extra expense. | | | | These are just a few of the fishing materials you'll |
| Finally, invest in a small paintbrush that will make it | | | | need when rod building. |